Minister Determined to Increase Female Participation in Skilled Trades

Despite a growing demand for skilled trades workers, women account for only three per cent of students in skilled trades programming. The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women is not satisfied with this figure, and today announced three new initiatives aimed at increasing female participation in non-traditional trades.

�Women are simply not participating in skilled trades to the degree we would like,� said Minister Burke. �We plan on changing that. There are many opportunities in non-traditional trades for women and more must be done if women are to enjoy success in these careers.�

The minister provided details on each development which she hopes will appeal to women and encourage more women to consider apprenticeship training.

First, the department has recently signed a $200,000 contract with the Industrial Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), to increase female representation in skilled trades. The terms of the contract include the development of a mentorship program in the electrical trade. The IBEW will also work to match female students in their first year of apprenticeship with appropriate employment. The minister noted that having a point person with the IBEW supporting the hiring of female apprentices should go far in promoting women in trades.

�Women in this province will lead the country in embracing the skilled trades opportunities that lie ahead,� said Rick Dalton of the IBEW. �As this government is rightfully seeking the most benefit from our natural resources for our people, we are also working with government to seek the most benefit from our human resources, creating opportunities for women to begin a meaningful career path.�

Second, the Department of Education has hired a female industrial training officer who is experienced in skilled trades to work with the apprenticeship unit of the department. Based out of Corner Brook, this individual will take the lead in promoting women in skilled trades, and will provide support and guidance to students entering post-secondary education and to apprentices pursuing their certification. This individual will work closely with the IBEW in overseeing their contract with government. As an active participant in this initiative, she will also serve as a role model to women considering a career in skilled trades.

Finally, the Province of Alberta recently announced that it will provide 325 scholarships across Canada to commemorate their centennial. As part of this package, Newfoundland and Labrador is receiving 25 scholarships valued at $2005 each. Minister Burke has directed they be applied directly to skilled trades programming. Specifically, 66 per cent will be provided to females enrolling in trades courses; the other 34 per cent will be made available to males.

�It is important that we take steps as a government to ensure women have opportunities to work in skilled trades. There is no longer any question of a woman�s ability to swing a hammer, lay a brick or wire a house, and the need to attract people to these careers is more critical than ever before,� said Minister Burke. �We cannot ignore the fact either, that women in non-traditional careers can expect to have lifetime earnings that are 150 per cent more than women who choose traditional careers. Working to create opportunities for women in this area is also a move to improve the overall status of women in our province and I�m pleased that the initiatives announced today support the work of the Poverty Reduction Strategy and the Skills Task Force as we continue with a strategic approach to address skills shortages and advance women�s equality.�

The minister also reminded female high school students that the department is introducing a new Futures in Skilled Trades and Technology program for secondary students. The program is being piloted this year, and once fully implemented there will be nine skilled trades courses available. �This program is exciting, relevant and designed to appeal to all students who might have a talent or interest in skilled trades. I would encourage any students with an interest in this career path to explore the opportunities now available at the high school level,� said the minister.

Media contact:
Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca