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These boots are made for working; women in skilled trades program benefit from funding (3 photos)

Students looking forward to entering workforce or starting apprenticeships by year’s end

“It’s been such an amazing experience so far.”

That from Angie Sweeney, speaking to SooToday after Sault MPP Ross Romano, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, announced over $241,000 in funding for Sault College’s Pre-Trades And Technology program.

The funding, announced by Romano at Sault College Friday afternoon, specifically aims to increase the number of seats for women in the 32-week program, which provides basic training in a variety of trades.

Tuition is free for program participants.

“It really is a great stepping stone for me, moving forward. I’ve been unemployed for a while and looking to re-enter the workforce, and this opportunity is giving me a new set of skills for something I’ve never done in the past. It’s really giving me the confidence I need to re-enter the workforce and to learn something new,” Sweeney said.

“It’s totally new for me. I was in retail, but it’s important to find a career that’s going to be in demand.” 

“I worked in a hardware store, so I got a little bit of exposure to the plumbing and electrical side of it, but I’ve always been interested in welding and iron work. It is a little new, there are some other things that are familiar, but this is a great opportunity to expand my knowledge,” said student Katie Davison.

“It’s nice to know we (as women) have the opportunity to do this and people are supporting and encouraging us. I’m 18 and this is my first step out of high school, so it’s good to know I’m being supported. It’s a big confidence booster,” said Davison of the province’s support of the program.

10 women began the 32-week program at Sault College in May, planning to wrap it up in December through eight-week work placements with local employers.

Students get exposure to several different trades throughout the program’s duration, along with academic upgrading.

After completing the program, employers may hire the students as labourers, or they may go on to skilled trades programs at Sault College.

“The program gives them (introductory) training in industrial electrician, ironworker, plumber and steamfitter jobs. These are excellent, amazing jobs for the future...and to be able to expand these programs to women is so incredible and a great opportunity,” Romano said.     

Friday’s funding announcement is part of a larger, expanded provincial investment of $18.3 million for pre-apprenticeship training throughout Ontario, an increase of $5 million over last year.

The money will allow colleges and other community organizations to offer 84 programs across Ontario that will introduce over 1,600 people to the trades, a Romano news release stated.


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Darren Taylor

About the Author: Darren Taylor

Darren Taylor is a news reporter and photographer in Sault Ste Marie. He regularly covers community events, political announcements and numerous board meetings. With a background in broadcast journalism, Darren has worked in the media since 1996.
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