CAF launches leadership program for females in skilled trades

The inaugural cohort of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s (CAF-FCA) National Leadership Program for Women in Skilled Trades is underway. Eighteen apprentice tradeswomen have been selected from all applicants to be the first participants in the program, which was developed by, and is administered in partnership with, the Office to Advance Women Apprentices (OAWA).

Guided by subject matter experts, participants will learn effective strategies and gain practical tips to empower them as leaders in their skilled trades workplaces and the broader community. Program modules include Principles of Leadership, Communicating with Confidence, Teamwork, Mentoring and Conflict Resolution, Supervisory and Management Skills, and Mental Health and Well-Being. Participants will complete the program online through a learning management system allowing for self-paced learning and an interactive forum with facilitators and tradeswomen coaches.

Based on the high level of interest seen during the application period, the partners have decided to fund an additional cohort at no cost to tradeswomen. That session will start in February. CAF-FCA and OAWA have also stated that they intend to work with industry, trades unions, government, and training institutions to support future development and administration costs of the program.

www.caf-fca.org