A partnership between Women Building Futures and the Government of Saskatchewan is set to support the Journey to Trades pre-employment program.

The program will provide women with the skills they need to start their careers in the construction trades and embark on apprenticeships. It will also involve classroom learning and hands-on skills development, enabling students to gain employment in entry-level positions.

The Ministry of Immigration and Career Training will invest $248,000 in the program over the next year, supporting 18 participants.

The Journey to Trades program will be delivered through Women Building Futures, an organization that empowers women to explore careers by providing training and support. This collaboration offers women in the skilled trades with skills training and work experience.

Women Building Futures President and CEO Carol Moen said the program helps eliminate barriers for women and under-represented groups so they can get into resilient careers that pay higher than a living wage.

“We help them build the skills and confidence they need to succeed and then connect our graduates with industry partners who nurture safe, equitable workplaces for women. With this investment, we are excited to grow our impact in Saskatchewan, supporting more unemployed and underemployed women on their paths to economic security.”

Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison added that this partnership would provide women with first-hand experience in the skilled trades and allow them to take advantage of the in-demand jobs created in the construction and maintenance industries.