CAF celebrates success of National Leadership Development Program pilot
The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF-FCA) announced last week that a first cohort of participants has completed the pilot stage of the new National Leadership Development Program for Women in the Skilled Trades – and early indications are positive.
The pilot phase saw 14 participants work with subject matter experts to learn strategies and gain practical tips to empower them as leaders in their workplaces and the broader skilled trades community. The aim of the program is to empower participants to take on leadership roles on the job site and within their unions.
The program, which was developed in partnership with the Office to Advance Women Apprentices, is open to all tradeswomen in Canada, including Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, immigrants, persons with disabilities, and those from racialized groups.
The pilot was completed in December. Due to the success of that cohort, a second will start the program in February.
“Even with this first cohort and the engagement and success so far, it is evident that given the correct tools and support for growth and leadership, women will positively impact change and advancement in the trades sector,” said Karen Walsh, a project consultant with the Office to Advance Women Apprentices. “As women leaders embrace equity, diversity and inclusion, their leadership style will influence how apprentices act on-the-job, leading to more supportive and safe workplaces for all employees.”
“The goal of this program is to support a pathway to leadership opportunities within the skilled trades,” said France Daviault, Executive Director of CAF-FCA. “When there is equitable decision making and inclusive leadership in a place of work, recruitment, retention, and productivity are positively impacted.”
The National Leadership Development Program for Women in the Skilled Trades is offered at no cost to participants.
CAF-FCA and the Office to Advance Women Apprentices are working with industry, trades unions, government, and training institutions to support development and administration costs.
The next cohort is set to start on February 13. Information to apply for the September 2023 cohort will be released in the coming months.
The program takes approximately four months to complete.