‘A BIG FOOT IN THE DOOR’
$580,000 investment will provide support for Women Building Futures
Inter Pipeline announced Wednesday at its Heartland Petrochemical Complex that it is committing $580,000 over three years to create more vocational and training opportunities for women in the trades through Women Building Futures.
Calgary-based Inter Pipeline is investing $580,000 over three years to support Women Building Futures in providing pre-apprenticeship training to women in Alberta’s industrial heartland, the company said Wednesday.
“The program gave myself and others the opportunity we might never have had a chance at and the confidence we needed to do this. I’ve been enjoying my job since Day 1,” said Kaila Day-morrison, a labourer at construction and engineering company Kiewit who is working toward becoming a heavy-duty mechanic.
The new funding will support the organization’s ongoing efforts — from recruitment to support after graduation — to help women succeed in careers where they have been traditionally under-represented, including in construction, maintenance, transportation and homebuilding.
“It’s about transforming lives. We’re creating a workforce that will build this region, and build this province,” said Kathy Kimpton, president and CEO of Women Building Futures, headquartered in Edmonton.
Last year, 186 women graduated from Women Building Futures programs, and 90 per cent were employed within the first six months of graduation.
Day-morrison is one of many graduates of the Journeywoman Start program working on Inter Pipeline’s Heartland Petrochemical Complex construction site with key contractors on the project.
“It’s a lot more interactive, using your brain. It’s also a lot more hands-on. I’m constantly learning,” said Natacia Dies, who graduated in January and now works on-site for Graham Construction.
“We had a few female teachers in the program. I found that inspiring — it proves that you can do it. Lots of people say you shouldn’t. But if you put in the effort you’ll pick up on it,” said Dies.
Construction of the complex near Fort Saskatchewan began in early 2018 and is on schedule to be completed by 2021. There are 1,200 workers on site every day, Inter Pipeline said.
“(The program) had a significant impact on my life. I wouldn’t have gotten in to the trades otherwise. It gives you a big foot in the door, and a good grasp of all the trades,” said Shannon Hertzke, a scaffolder at Kiewit. Hertzke said she never enjoyed working behind a desk or a counter. “I like to keep moving. I’m a tactile learner. My grandmother always said that you live longer if you work like a man.”
More women need to be in male-dominated fields like scaffolding, she said. The new partnership between Inter Pipeline and Women Building Futures is also about championing a more inclusive workforce through awareness.
“It’s not just the right thing to do, it’s also the smart thing to do,” said Inter Pipeline president and CEO Christian Bayle.
Women can bring different skills to every work crew they join, from safety consciousness and a strong work ethic to the ability to fit into small spaces that men can’t, the graduates said. It’s also important to them that employers create a workplace where disrespect is not tolerated.
With support from Women Building Futures, piping apprentice Liz Libby landed a new job at the Inter Pipeline complex with Kiewit, a company whose respectful workplace policies stood out in a positive way to her.
“That’s important if women are going to make it out here. Inclusion is the most important thing. It has to be part of the culture,” said Libby.
When women can train and work in their communities and regions locally, their families and communities benefit, said Kimpton, which is why it’s important to give them support.
“My advice for any women out there who are interested in joining this industry — if it’s something that really interests you, just go for it,” said Day-morrison said.