Keen’s She Builds program supports BCIT’s Trades Discovery for Women

May 27, 2022 – Keen Utility—the work boot division of Keen Inc.—has launched the She Builds grant program to support the next generation of tradeswomen by pledging $1 million in product and financial support over the next five years to non-profits in Canada and the United States that are dedicated to helping women seeking a career in the skilled trades.

“Women are essential to the future of the skilled trades,” said Robin Skillings, Keen Utility. “Supporting organizations that are deeply dedicated to the empowerment and advancement of women in the trades is critical. Through the She Builds grant program, we are solidifying our commitment to their future—and the growth of the trades—one step at a time.”

Among the recipients this year is British Columbia Institute of Technology’s Trades Discovery for Women.

BCIT’s Trades Discovery programs are designed to provide participants with access to the available trades and technical training at BCIT campuses. Students gain hands-on experience in about 15 different trades disciplines with the goal of preparing them to successfully enter and complete trades/technical training, or seek apprenticeship.

She Builds grants will help provide hundreds of thousands of hours in trade skills education, expansion of workplace inclusivity training, as well as woman-specific safety footwear, says Keen Utility.