Leadership development program for women in skilled trades now underway

The inaugural cohort of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s (CAF-FCA) National Leadership Program for Women in Skilled Trades is now underway. Eighteen apprentice tradeswomen will be the first participants in the program developed and administered in partnership with the Office to Advance Women Apprentices (OAWA).

Because of the high level of interest, the partners will fund an additional cohort at no cost to tradeswomen that will start in February 2023. CAF-FCA and OAWA work with industry, trades unions, government, and training institutions to support future development and administration costs of the program.

Guided by subject matter experts, participants learn effective strategies and gain practical tips to empower them as leaders in their skilled trades workplaces and the broader community. Modules included in the program are Principles of Leadership, Communicating with Confidence, Teamwork, Mentoring and Conflict Resolution, Supervisory and Management Skills, and Mental Health and Well-Being.

Participants complete the program online through a learning management system, allowing for self-paced learning and an interactive forum with facilitators and tradeswomen coaches.