The Office to Advance Women Apprentices (OAWA) Alberta celebrated its grand opening in Edmonton on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2024, marking a significant step toward increasing female participation in the skilled construction trades.
The new initiative, funded by a $2.354 million contribution from the Government of Canada under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy Women in Skilled Trades Initiative, aims to support women in achieving Red Seal certification and advancing their careers in construction trades.
Located at #177, 15210 123 Ave in Edmonton, OAWA Alberta is not just a local office but a part of a larger mission. It offers wraparound services to assist tradeswomen, whether they are seeking employment or are currently employed, by developing strategic industry partnerships to facilitate their connection with potential employers.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, highlighted the government’s commitment: “Now is the time to strengthen and expand our workforce. Our investment today is putting women at the forefront in skilled trades training and supporting them to succeed in rewarding, high-paying construction and manufacturing trades.”
Emma Pollard, Project Director for OAWA Alberta, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the program’s dedication to fostering a supportive worksite culture and educating women about the opportunities in skilled construction trades.
Building on the success of the original OAWA model established in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2009, the Alberta office joins a growing network that includes locations across Canada. OAWA has significantly impacted female tradespeople, assisting with over 2,000 employment opportunities and providing support to more than 4,000 women.
Despite these efforts, women remain underrepresented in the industry. According to a 2021 Build Force survey, women constituted only seven percent of the skilled trades workforce in Alberta, a figure that underscores the importance of initiatives like OAWA.
Jason Rowe, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Carpenters’ Regional Council (CRC), stressed the importance of making skilled trades more accessible to women to address the labour shortage and increase industry inclusivity.
OAWA Alberta plans to extend its reach by opening additional offices in Fort McMurray and Calgary in the coming years. With an operating budget of approximately $3 million over three years, funded by both government and in-kind contributions from the CRC, OAWA Alberta aims to support women in 39 identified Red Seal construction trades.
For more information or support in entering or advancing a career in the skilled construction trades, women over the age of 16 in Alberta are encouraged to contact OAWA Alberta. The services provided are available at no cost, underlining the initiative’s commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable opportunities in the construction sector.