The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF-FCA) has launched a new program that aims to develop mentorship skills for women and gender diverse individuals in the trades.

The National Mentor Development Program for Women in the Skilled Trades will pair women and gender diverse individuals in the trades with subject matter experts and coaches from the manufacturing and construction sectors. The four-month virtual program will be offered free of charge to participants from across the country.

Tradeswomen identified the need for a program of this type.

At its inaugural Supporting Women in Trades Conference in 2018 and subsequent conferences in 2019 and 2022, CAF-FCA consulted with over 300 tradeswomen to identify their specific needs.

Mentorship was cited by many as a top priority. They recommended “establish and maintain mentoring programs for women in the trades where experienced tradeswomen mentor and guide those just starting out.”

CAF-FCA says research also supports the creation of this program due to the retention barriers women experience in the trades. The rate of program completion is significantly higher for male apprentices in most of the Red Seal trades, with Heavy Duty Equipment Technician reporting the largest gender gap (29 per cent) followed by Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) (27 per cent) and Plumber (26 per cent). According to the National Apprenticeship Survey, women are more likely than men to identify discrimination as the reason why they left an employer.

By creating this program, CAF-FCA says it is directly addressing a top priority for tradeswomen.

Anyone interested in applying to be a participant or a coach can apply at leadership.caf-fca.org