ApprenticeSearch.com’s Gateway to the Trades program aiming to help women enter the skilled trades

Gateway to the Trades Participant, Britannia, a Millwork Pre-Apprentice. (CNW Group/HIEC-ApprenticeSearch.com)

HALTON — ApprenticeSearch.com is aiming to help women build skills and get jobs through its career exploration and employment-readiness program, Gateway to the Trades.

Funded through the Government of Ontario Skills Development Fund, 25% of Gateway to the Trades program participants are women looking to prepare for careers in the skilled trades. This number is well above the national average of women in the trades. A report by BuildForce Canada highlighted that women accounted for only 3.7% of the construction workforce in Ontario.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we’ve seen an increase in apprenticeship registrations, up 24 percent, and nearly 30 percent for women in the trades.” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “We are proud to support programs that help more women and young people access the training and supports they need to enter the skilled trades and find a life-changing career.”

“The demand for skilled trades continues to be a top priority, particularly in meeting our province’s ambitious goals for housing and infrastructure. To grow our skilled trades community, we need to continue diversifying the workforce and providing support to those historically underrepresented in the industry,” remarked Kelly Hoey, Executive Director of ApprenticeSearch.com.

Hoey also noted, “We’re really proud at ApprenticeSearch.com that our user base reflects Canada’s diversity. For example, we have over 5,000 women registered and using the site – it’s over 20% of our user base and well above the national average of women in trades, which is closer to 5%. And over 25% of our Gateway to the Trades program participants are women.”

“ApprenticeSearch.com is a fantastic organization that helps skilled individuals find apprenticeships and upscale their skills,” said Natalie Pierre, MPP for Burlington. “There is a high demand for skilled workers in Ontario, and with more women entering the skilled trades the support of programs like Gateway to the Trades are crucial to helping women train and prepare for rewarding, well-paying careers in the trades.”

The Gateway to the Trades program is a part-time, facilitated skilled trades exploration and employment-readiness program that equips participants with the skills and connections to find meaningful employment in the skilled trades. The program covers topics such as skilled trades career awareness, health and safety training, numeracy skills for the trades, financial literacy, and job search training. Participants also connect with skilled trades employers who are hiring and receive wrap-around support, such as tools and safety equipment, to support their employment needs.

Employers who hire Gateway to the Trades graduates are eligible for a wage subsidy to support hiring, onboarding and training costs. Subsidies will cover 50% of wages up to $5,000.