FedDev Ontario announces support for women in advanced manufacturing
by CM Staff
Over $6.5 million for YWCA Hamilton to address critical labour gaps
FedDev Ontario announces support for women in advanced manufacturing
HAMILTON — On Dec. 16, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, along with Bob Bratina, Member of Parliament for Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, announced a FedDev Ontario investment of over $6.5 million for The Hamilton Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA Hamilton). With this funding, the YWCA Hamilton will provide support and training to help more than 500 women to develop new, in-demand skills and aid their transition into high-skill jobs in sectors where women are traditionally underrepresented, particularly in the advanced manufacturing and specialized technology sectors.
This three-year investment will focus initially on the Hamilton Region ecosystem. The project will also be expanded across southern Ontario in partnership with other local YWCAs throughout the GTA, London/St. Thomas, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Ottawa, and eastern Ontario, as well as other women-focused industry partners. The project will support and accelerate 255 women into STEM-based, well-paying careers.
In addition to the reskilling programming, the YWCA Hamilton will work with the YWCA Canada and industry partners to launch the Curated Pathways to Innovation digital application (app). The app will offer free personalized learning pathways and resources to 250 women across southern Ontario, supporting them to acquire the skills to effectively compete for positions in technology fields and skilled trades which are traditionally underrepresented by women.
“The YWCA Hamilton is committed to improving the lives of women, girls and families in our region. Whether it is through helping women escape domestic violence, or providing crucial re-skilling programs to women struggling to get back into the workforce, the YWCA continues to mitigate the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women. This FedDev Ontario investment will provide women in Hamilton and across southern Ontario opportunities to seek well paying jobs in manufacturing and specialized technology while we build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic.” said the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas.
