​Another successful round of Women in Construction in Huron-Kinloss

Another successful round of Women in Construction has come to a close, exceeding expectations and targets. This round ended with a shed built for the Township of Huron-Kinloss and an emPOWERing electrical workshop.

Sincere gratitude goes out to all the organizations that partnered with the township, contributing significantly to the program's success. A special thank you to Bruce County, the UBC Local 2222 Carpenters’ Union, Fanshawe College, and VPI Working Solutions for their unwavering support, and provision of time, materials, and space.

The Women in Construction program appreciates Habitat for Humanity Grey-Bruce for allowing the participants to practise new skills on-site, and to the Adult Learning Centre for facilitating academic upgrading opportunities.

“Women In Construction has offered our clients space in their paid training, and we have been very grateful for this partnership,” said April John, project co-ordinator with the Huronia Area Aboriginal Management Board. “Several clients have successfully received skid-steer, mini-excavator, and chainsaw certifications.

“We look forward to partnering with Women in Construction on any future programs. A special shout-out to Jason and Kristin for being awesome colleagues to work with!” John was referring to project co-ordinator Kristin Dimmick and workforce development co-ordinator Jason Wilson of the Women in Construction program.

This past year of the program saw the introduction of workshops that provided an enriching experience for 60 local women, allowing them to explore the trades or obtain valuable certifications. The goal has been to diversify the employee base of construction trades by providing women with hands-on skills and certifications.

"The program has helped me build my self-confidence and allowed me to build my skills to be successful in my new career,” said Kelly Weiler who completed the spring cohort. “It also helped me get recognized by employers which had been a struggle for me in the past. My favourite part was the hands-on work which helped me gauge where I was at in terms of skill.”

The township is proud of the dedication and enthusiasm exhibited by all participants and partners.

“Together, we are raising the roof in the construction industry, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future,” said Dimmick.

The program was run in partnership with the township, Bruce County, the UBC Local 2222 Carpenters’ Union, VPI, Fanshawe College, Employment Ontario, the Government of Ontario, and the Government of Canada.