March 26, 2010
Edmonton, Alberta
The Government of Canada is supporting women across Alberta who want to pursue careers in the skilled trades. Western Economic Diversification Minister Lynne Yelich today announced an investment of $267,500 for the Women Building Futures Society (WBF).
“A job in the skilled trades is a great way to earn a living, and today’s investment will allow women across Alberta to realize their full potential and contribute to their community and Canada’s economy,” said Minister Yelich.
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) funding will go towards purchasing and installing videoconferencing equipment that will enable women to participate in the application and assessment process directly from their communities. Additional activities include completing and equipping workshops and space for staff in the WBF training centre, as well as establishing a customized client management database. Additional industry funds were leveraged with today’s announcement, contributing to a total project cost of more than $512,000.
Today’s investment builds on WD’s previous funding of almost $2.5 million for Women Building Futures to convert an old warehouse in downtown Edmonton into Canada’s first trades training facility for women. Due to the completion of the warehouse project, 133 per cent more women graduated in 2009 from WBF than in 2007.
“By delivering student assessments, skills training, workplace culture conditioning, job placement and job retention support, Women Building Futures helps women who are interested in pursuing non-traditional career paths build better lives and achieve economic security,” stated JudyLynn Archer, President and CEO of Women Building Futures.
WBF is a non-profit, charitable organization. Since 1998, it has consistently achieved a student graduation and placement rate that is 90 per cent or greater by working directly with industry to ensure employment and providing follow-up services. As a result, WBF is recognized by industry as a supplier of quality, apprenticeship-ready tradespeople. Currently, WBF’s students are primarily from the Edmonton and northeast Alberta area.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
For additional information contact:
Donna Kinley
Manager, Communication, Consultation and Marketing
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: (780) 495-6892
JudyLynn Archer
President and Chief Executive Officer
Women Building Futures
Telephone: (780) 452-1200
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1 877 303-3388
Website: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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