CAF launches national mentoring program for women in the skilled trades
February 14, 2024 | By HPAC Magazine
The free online 4-month program is designed to enhance mentorship skills for women and gender diverse individuals in the trades.
In response to a need identified by women in the trades, the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF) has launched the National Mentor Development Program for Women in the Skilled Trades, a virtual 4-month program designed to enhance mentorship skills for women and gender diverse individuals in the trades.
This online program is facilitated by subject matter experts in collaboration with tradeswomen coaches from the construction and manufacturing sectors.
The program will be offered free of charge to participants from across Canada.
Since its first Supporting Women in Trades (SWIT) Conference in 2018, and at subsequent conferences, CAF has consulted with over 300 tradeswomen to identify their specific needs and mentorship is among the top priorities.
CAF also notes that research also supports the creation of this program due to the retention barriers women experience in the trades.
The rate of program completion is significantly higher for male apprentices in most of the Red Seal trades, and according to the National Apprenticeship Survey, women are more likely than men to identify discrimination as the reason why they left an employer.
Those interested in applying to be a participant or a coach for this program can apply at: leadership.caf-fca.org
For more information on the National Mentor Development Program contact program manager, Stephanie Shrum, at: stephanie@caf-fca.org.
