Red River College will train 10 Manitoba women who are already leaders in the skilled trades to become qualified instructors who can share their knowledge with the next generation of journeypersons, it was announced this week.

The women will receive a combined $55,000 in provincial funding to complete the Technical Vocational Teacher Education diploma program at RRC. Five are completing an accelerated one-year program, while the others will complete the program through part-time study.

“Some of our best role models will show young women the opportunities waiting for them with this program, and provide them with the skills and tools to succeed,” said Jobs and the Economy Minister Kevin Chief. “A career in the trades means a chance for them to earn a good living for themselves and their families, and a chance to give back in their hometowns and neighbourhoods.”

The news finds RRC continuing to play a central role in building capacity and driving the economy in Manitoba, says College President Paul Vogt.

“I am very proud that Red River College could demonstrate its leadership on this initiative,” said Vogt, “so we can help create pathways to success that will continue to encourage women to enter into many meaningful and rewarding careers in the skilled trades.”

Women participating in the program include an automotive service technician, a cabinetmaker, a construction electrician, a cook, a heavy-duty equipment technician, an industrial mechanic, a motor-vehicle body repairer (metal and paint), and three welders.

“We need women to do well in non-traditional trades if we want Manitoba’s economy to continue to be one of the fastest growing in Canada,” said Minister Chief. “Our construction industry alone needs more than 12,000 new tradespeople in the next 10 years. The opportunities to start an incredible new career have never been better.”

The provincial initiative is a response to recommendations by the Apprenticeship and Certification Board following the 2014 forum Building Bridges: Increasing Women in the Trades.

Apprenticeship Manitoba organized the forum with the participation of female apprentices, journeypersons, employers, training institutions, industry associations, members of the board, and government representatives.