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Women getting technical
Pilot project to put women in trades and technology by Jeff Colbourne
NNSL (Feb 11/98) - Women make up no more than five per cent of the total number of tradespeople in Canada but a new pilot project could build more interest in the field.
Construction Technology for Women encourages young women in grades 10 and 11 to begin building futures in the construction technology and other non-traditional fields.
"It's cool," said Melisa Berry, a Grade 10 student at St. Patrick high school.
"It's good. I like it," said Erica Abel, another Grade 10 St. Pat's student.
Sir John Franklin high school's Grade 11 students Laura Harbicht and Marian Cox also share these sentiments.
The Women in Trades and Technology (WITT), now in its second week in Yellowknife, is one of nine projects in Canada. Students who participate get credit for the two-year project and at the end of the year they are placed in a paying summer job.
"WITT National network recognized there needed to be something done at the school level to encourage more young women into trades and technology," said Heather Hay, North of Sixty WITT spokesperson.
The project started last year in six other sites in Canada. Because it was running so well, the federal Department of Human Resources came up with some additional funding for associate sites.
The project has attracted 300 women across Canada -- 24 of them registered in Yellowknife.
"It will at least provide some young women experience using the tools and awareness of the different career options that are available to them. They also have a chance to learn in a supportive environment," said Hay.
The project is a partnership between industry, education and government.
Participants include the two high schools, both school boards, BHP Diamonds, the Status of Women Council of the NWT, Human Resources Development Canada and the NWT Department of Education, Culture and Employment. |