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November 2012 issue
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Wellington Catholic graduates Lisa Winer and Alyssa Rod began their Apprenticeship with Linamar Corporation shortly after graduation this past June as part of a program offered by the company. (supplied photo)
Apprenticeship opportunity for young women in the trades by Katherine Boudreau www.premiumhrsolutions.com
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“There will always be people who say, ‘the trades are not for girls’,” says Lisa Winer casually. “We’re motivated to prove them wrong,” comments Alyssa Rodd. Lisa and Alyssa are recent graduates of the Wellington Catholic District School Board and have completed three months of their Industrial Electrician Apprenticeship with Linamar Corporation. Ninety percent of their training is on the job where these young women are learning the skills and competencies required for their trade. In their department at Linamar, there is only one other female amongst 30 men. The remaining ten percent of the required skills are provided at Conestoga College, where the apprentices will continue their trade school training. In their class at college the odds are similar, they are again two of three women in a class of 32.
When friends from high school heard they were pursuing careers in the trades the response was mixed. “Some were really supportive,” shares Alyssa, “and others said, ‘Really? But you’re a girl?” Regardless, both young women expressed that choosing a non-traditional career path for women hasn’t been a real issue and they enthusiastically agree that it is an extraordinary opportunity. In three months, “we have learned so much,” says Lisa. “Our mentors are everyone on the shop floor,” shares Alyssa. “It has been amazing here,” she adds. Lisa and Alyssa hope other girls from their school District will take advantage of a career in the trades upon graduation this coming year in 2013. Don Drone, Director of the Wellington Catholic School Board
feels fortunate that students from the District have been granted access to a program of this nature. “Wellington Catholic’s partnerships within the community offer students tremendous opportunities. The generosity of Linamar Corporation and the forward thinking nature of this apprenticeship program for young women benefits students while addressing a growing and pressing need for skilled trades people,” says Don Drone the District’s Director of Education. Alyssa and Lisa graduated in June of 2012 and began their Linamar Apprenticeships in July. At that time they became fully employed at Linamar and all tuition, books and other expenses have been paid for. They have also been registered by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, with Linamar as the sponsoring employer.
"We are thrilled to be working with the Wellington Catholic District School Board on this important initiative,” says Linda Hazenfratz Chief Executive Officer of Linamar Corporation. “The lack of skilled tradespeople in our country is a huge issue for us, and all Canadian manufacturing companies, making this program mission critical for us. The fact it is focused on young women is a bonus as women are under represented in this area which can be a fantastic, lucrative career choice," she continues. Attention: Parents and Wellington Catholic Graduates of 2013 The Linamar Corporation is offering to provide full funding to five female graduates from Wellington Catholic to begin their apprenticeship training in 2013 in one of the following skilled trades: Industrial Electrician, Industrial Mechanic Millwright or General Machinist. – continued on pg 7
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