Winnipeg, MB on Treaty No. 1 Territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis – A $500,000 donation from the Canerector Foundation is helping more young women and girls in Manitoba try their hand in skilled trades, while also providing support for current Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech)’s students in their journey to a career in skilled trades and technologies.

A portion of the gift funds the Girls Exploring Trades and Technology (GETT) Camp – a summer program at RRC Polytech’s Notre Dame Campus that gives young women and girls between the ages of 12 and 14 first-hand experience with a variety of skilled trades at no cost to them or their families. This camp has been so successful that shortly after it was announced for 2024 all the spots were filled. The Canerector Foundation’s support ensures this camp will allow the program to continue and provide learning opportunities for young women in Manitoba for years to come.

“We’ve been working to increase representation in the trades by creating more opportunities for women and equity deserving groups who might not have considered a career in the trades. A big part of this is creating safe spaces for them to explore and learn,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Through the Canerector Foundation’s support of the GETT Camp, we create even more opportunities for young women to get inspired and curious about skilled trades in a safe and fun learning environment.”

The gift also funds the Canerector Foundation Scholarship in the Skilled Trades.  These support students enrolled in one of 14 diploma and certificate programs in the School of Skilled Trades and Technologies. Recipients are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to community involvement and active engagement in mentorship activities. The first round of scholarships is scheduled to be given in the fall of 2024 and supports up to 27 recipients annually.

“Skilled trades are the backbone of our economy and provide a lot of value to our communities,” said Amanda Hawkins, Director of the Canerector Foundation. “Canerector was founded and built by tradespeople and hopes to bring attention to the wide variety of careers that begin with a skilled trades education. We are happy to see RRC Polytech’s focus on strategic workforce development and are excited to be a part of it.”

The next GETT Camp runs in July 2024 and the first Canerector Foundation awards are scheduled to be given this fall.

More about the funding announcement: Canerector Foundation Supports Trades Success with Half Million Dollar Gift : RRC Polytech: Donor Community

More about the GETT Camp: Girls Exploring Trades and Technology : Red River College Polytechnic: Youth Initiatives (rrc.ca)