Carpentry for women part of $1.18 million Burlington training program

Sixty low-income women will train to become carpenters as part of a $1.18 million program announced by the Ontario government.

The program will see 20 participants take part each year for the next three years for the enhanced general carpentry training that will run through Burlington’s Centre for Skills Development.

Funding is part of The Women’s Economic Security Program initiative launched across the province which will see career training in skilled trades to help women find jobs or start a business.

“The Women’s Economic Security Program empowers women to achieve financial independence by breaking down barriers to career training opportunities,” said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity in making the announcement. “I’m proud of our government’s continued support for local, community-based training programs that help women across the province reach their full potential and achieve the career success they deserve.”

The Women’s Economic Security Program offers training in four streams: skilled trades, entrepreneurship, information technology, and general employment. To help remove barriers to participating, the training programs also include additional support such as providing meals throughout the training day, transportation to and from training, and help finding child care.

Women interested in the program can visit Ontario.ca/women.

Through the training program, women who have experienced or are at risk of intimate partner violence can also access other supports, including referrals to mental health and well-being support, counselling, housing, and legal support.