January 20, 2024 – Sheridan, St. Clair, Fanshawe, and Durham Colleges are teaming up in a groundbreaking initiative, backed by over $2 million in federal funding, to boost women’s involvement in Red Seal trades. This project, named “Women in Red Seal Trades – Advancing the Career Ecosystem,” is a response to the pressing need to increase women’s representation in the skilled trades across Ontario.
The initiative, partially funded by the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, has garnered support from Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, which added an extra $300,000 to the grant. Over the next three years, the colleges will spearhead efforts to raise awareness and create opportunities for women in Red Seal trades through career education, networking, and apprenticeships.
Currently, women make up only 5% of skilled trades workers in Canada, a gap that this program aims to close. By 2025, one in five jobs in Ontario will be in the skilled trades, and the skilled trades shortage is expected to increase to 560,000 by 2028. This initiative seeks to retain talented women in the trades by offering the support they need to succeed.
Key to the project is the establishment of a Women in Trades Network, providing a safe space for apprentices and women in trades to connect, network, and share experiences—both virtually and in person. Sheridan, St. Clair, Fanshawe, and Durham Colleges will leverage their industry contacts and alumni to build and maintain this network.
MP Sonia Sidhu said this initiative is not just about breaking barriers, but “it’s an investment in our shared success.” She went on to say, “Our Government is proud to support initiatives like this collaboration between colleges and Unifor, creating pathways for women to excel. We will continue to build a workforce that harnesses every talent, ensuring everyone in Canada has the support and opportunities they need to thrive.”
The initiative’s goals include increasing partner network capacity, higher retention of women apprentices, reducing barriers to trades training and secure employment for women, and encouraging industry partners to continue hiring women apprentices. The colleges aim to enhance long-term recruitment strategies for women entering Red Seal trades.
Fanshawe College is excited about advancing shared goals and creating hands-on experiences to unlock women’s potential in skilled trades. Dr. Janet Morrison, the President and Vice Chancellor of Sheridan College, remarked, “Increasing access to training and addressing the shortfall of skilled workers in Ontario is a key focus for Sheridan as an institution. We know that the women studying in our trades programs are skilled, strong, capable and poised to succeed. We can, and must, do more to champion these alumnae once they enter the workforce. I’m confident that this funding will help support efforts to provide women in skilled trades apprenticeships with financial, social and academic support.”
Unifor National President Lana Payne commends the colleges’ bold initiatives to break down systemic barriers, asserting “it is time for women to take their rightful place as Red Seal Tradespeople.” The colleges, in collaboration with Unifor, are determined to make a positive impact on women entering and thriving in the Red Seal trades.
