EDMONTON, AB, May 21, 2024
/CNW/ - The Carpenters' Regional Council (CRC) is reaffirming its
dedication to gender equality in the skilled construction trades by
expanding the Office to Advance Women Apprentices (OAWA) into the
Prairies region. This strategic move, supported by CRC's
investment, aims to foster inclusivity and diversity within the
industry.
"Ensuring careers in the skilled trades are more accessible for
women is a priority to help make our industry more inclusive and to
address Canada's labour shortage,"
stated Jason Rowe, Executive
Secretary-Treasurer of the Carpenters' Regional Council.
"Complementing our initiatives like Sisters in the Brotherhood, our
investment in OAWA is another way we are providing leadership to
attract and retain more women in the trades."
Recognizing OAWA's pivotal role in advancing women in the Red
Seal skilled construction trades, CRC has invested significantly in
OAWA Prairies, and worked to standardize OAWA's framework across
multiple regions to ensure the continuation of the vital support
services it offers.
"We're focused on educating women about the incredible career
opportunities available to them in the skilled construction trades
and creating pathways for them to succeed," affirmed Emma Pollard, Project Director for OAWA.
"Working in collaboration with our industry partners, we are
committed to enhancing a worksite culture that supports women in
male-dominated industries."
OAWA's commitment to inclusivity spans both union and non-union
sectors. It offers tailored services such as resume building,
interview preparation, and networking events, acknowledging the
unique challenges women may face in male-dominated industries and
equipping them with essential tools for success.
Moreover, OAWA fosters partnerships which are instrumental in
creating opportunities for tradeswomen and cultivating a supportive
environment within the construction sector. By facilitating
connections between tradeswomen and employers, OAWA not only
assists individuals in finding employment but also promotes a
culture of diversity and inclusion.
Since its inception in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2009, OAWA has expanded its
footprint across Canada, providing
assistance for over 2,000 employment opportunities and supporting
more than 4,000 women. However, women remain underrepresented in
the skilled construction trades, highlighting the ongoing need for
initiatives like OAWA.
The CRC's unwavering dedication to foster an inclusive and
diverse workforce is demonstrated not only through OAWA, but in
addition to other initiatives such as the Sisters in the
Brotherhood Women's Employment Readiness program.
As OAWA continues to expand its reach and impact, supported by
the Carpenters' Regional Council, it will continue to make strides
towards a more inclusive and equitable future in the skilled
trades.
SOURCE Carpenters' Regional Council