YWCA program improves women’s success in the trades

We try to help women who have been knocking at the door of industry but the door is never open.

includes membership at Fitness on 25th and three hours per day of instructor-led physical education classes.

“They train for four months to build on their strength and stamina, so when they get to the job site, (they’re) hitting the ground running,” said Bonnetrouge.

Every Friday, a journeyman in a specific trade comes in to tell her A groundbreaking 16-week program at the YWCA sets women up for success in the trades.

Trade Journey began two years ago and has been wildly popular.

The three-phase program is fully funded and held twice a year.

Participants receive skills training, mentorship and networking opportunities, along with fitness classes, personal protective equipment and basic tools.

Assistance in finding a work placement is offered at the end of the program; facilitators look for employers that may want to hire Trade Journey participants after the placement ends. Those hired by a company will be able to further their education in the trades and become registered apprentices.

Program co-ordinator Shirley Bonnetrouge said the program benefits those who have done the groundwork, but perhaps lacked the confidence to enter a trade.

“We try to help women who have been knocking at the door of industry but the door is never open.”

During the program, participants build their math skills from the basics up to trigonometry.

A partnership with Saskatchewan Polytechnic teaches participants basic skills in carpentry, plumbing and electrical.

The physical fitness component story to students for the program’s networking and mentoring component.

“When (the students) leave, they feel more empowered. If she can do it, I can do it,” said Bonnetrouge.

Kayla Caine completed Trade Journey in 2015. The trades had always interested her, but she wasn’t sure how to get started.

At the onset, she was intimidated as she had no prior knowledge in the trades, and she knew at least 50 other women had applied for a spot in the 15-seat program.

“I was pretty excited about it but nervous because change scares me. I figured if it scares me, it’s worth doing.”

She struggled to choose a trade as it all appealed to her. Carpentry eventually won out and she’s currently working as a tile setter.

Courtney Potie also completed the program in 2015, and said she tried not to let her lack of knowledge hold her back when she entered Trade Journey.

“I wanted to do this for myself and wasn’t going to let anyone stand in my way.”

She and another graduate were hired by Graham Construction after their work placement ended with the company. After six months, the women were asked if they’d like to become indentured. Both attended classes at SIAST this spring and are now second-year apprentices in carpentry.

“They’re really awesome,” Potie said of her supervisors at Graham Construction. “They wanted us working on the tools ... We weren’t the best at it, but they knew we tried our best.”

It can be intimidating entering a career field where women are under-represented.

For Potie, learning in a femaledominated environment gave her the confidence she needed.

“I thought it was really helpful that I went through the program with other women and I had other people to talk to about any problems or questions. There weren’t any guys there to put us down; it was a very welcoming environment. I loved it.”

All applicants for Trade Journey must first attend an information session. For further information, visit: ywcasaskatoon.com/tradejourney.