Women in Trades – School of Trades and Technology – Camosun College
VICTORIA – A decade ago, Camosun College created the Women In Trades Sampler program that exposes students to the variety of trades career options available.
It has been very successful, offering glimpses into skilled trades like carpentry, electrical, plumbing, automotive, sheet metal, welding, heavy duty mechanical and refrigeration. There are waiting lists for the program, which is filled with 18 students for three sessions each year.
Andrea Durdle
Pipe Trades Instructor Andrea Durdle, who is also Co-chair of the Women’s Committee for United Association Local 324, has been teaching in the Camosun trades department for three years and has 15 years’ experience in the plumbing industry.
“The Women in Trades Sampler program allows students to explore eight different trades over a 12-week period, so they can choose which trade they might be more interested in,” says Durdle. “This is a government and Industry Training Authority (ITA) funded program for women to explore skilled trades options, and they are also provided with certificate training including fall protection, confined spaces and occupational first aid, along with help for preparing resumes and job preparedness.”
The program offers fully government-funded tuition for any Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in British Columbia that meets the program requirements, some of which are, being either currently precariously employed, wanting to improve their current job situation, or looking to obtain employment in a trade. They also offer programs for Indigenous people in trades, as well as co-ed youth programs for people aged 17-29 years.
After completing the program, Durdle says most students either take the path of entering a Foundations pre-apprenticeship trades training program at Camosun immediately, or obtain work and work towards an apprenticeship.
The Foundation programs are 25-30 weeks in length depending on the trade, and include providing networking event opportunities for students to engage with mentors in the community.
Jim Noon
“It gives students the ability to spend more time honing basic skills if they haven’t spent time in trades before,” Durdle states. “I think the most rewarding part for me is seeing students come back and do their second and third years, and seeing them really enjoying their career and succeeding.”
UA Local 324 Business Manager Jim Noon supports the program, stating: “We need to be a more inclusive workforce and we look forward to give equal opportunities to female candidates. We offer a structured apprenticeship within the union which includes pay equity.”
