Trades Training & Employment (Careers)

BCCWITT’s Trades Training and Employment Program operates as a Workforce Development Agreement (WDA) through SkilledTradesBC

In our Trades Training and Employment Program—also called our “Careers Program”—we connect and engage with women who are interested in getting into the trades, and help them access the supports, training and resources that will get them started and settled in the trades sector.

Our experienced and certified career development professionals provide women with individualized support to help them identify their challenges and transferable skills, getting them connected to the trade that best aligns with their interests and goals.

Once a woman has selected her best path into the trades, we can also help her overcome barriers by offering free access to short-term occupational training, and providing resume and interview assistance. Once a participant has found employment, we can administer job start supports to cover the initial costs of things like PPE or tool purchases, child care top ups, and transportation incentives. Our Careers team has ongoing contact with employers and participants to ensure the best possible outcomes for both.

How to apply

Are you a woman who is interested in pursuing a career in the trades? Need support accessing training, job starts or an introduction to the right employer? We’re here to help!

Here are the next steps:

    1. If you’re a qualified candidate (see information below to see if you qualify), then fill out the form on this page.
    2. We’ll reach out to book you into an intake meeting where you’ll learn more about opportunities, supports available and the process going forward.

One of our certified career coaches will work with you to help figure the best path forward for your particular needs and skills…from helping you access free training opportunities to helping polish your resume and getting them to employers in our network.

Eligibility

You can apply if you are a woman* who is interested in exploring the skilled trades and you are:

    • Unemployed or precariously employed
    • Experiencing discrimination, bullying or harassment when at work, or when seeking employment
    • Not a full-time student
    • A BC resident
    • Entitled to work in Canada
    • Available to attend training and mentorship programs (often virtual), as required

(*Note: BCCWITT is an inclusive organization who firmly stands behind the fact that all women are women.)

To apply for the program, use the link in the section above. Or, for more information on this program, please email info@bccwitt.ca

This program is funded by SkilledTradesBC, under the mandate of the BC Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

This contract will be ongoing until March 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension.

Why women?
  • Women represent the largest untapped source of skilled trades workers in British Columbia.
  • Increased workplace diversity can lead to increased employee satisfaction, loyalty, retention, and savings in recruitment and training.
  • Employing women and other diverse candidates will assist employers in meeting their employment equity goals.
  • Women bring fresh perspectives, new ideas and often increased collaboration to the workplace.
  • Women also bring an increase in workplace health and safety.
  • Increased workplace diversity may give employers an edge in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
WHAT WE SUPPORT

Eligible participants may receive funding and supports for:

  • Career exploration
  • Skills for success assessment
  • Resume preparation and interview skills development
  • Networking and mentorship with other tradespeople
  • Short-term occupational certificates including Occupational First Aid, Fall Arrest, Elevated Work Platforms, Confined Spaces, SiteReadyBC
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for training or employment
  • Tools required for training or employment
  • Childcare and transportation supports
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

You should apply if you are a woman (including transwoman) who is interested in exploring the skilled trades and you are:

  • Unemployed, or precariously employed
  • Experiencing discrimination, bullying or harassment at work or in seeking employment
  • Not a full-time student
  • Entitled to work in Canada (not work or student visa)
  • A BC resident
  • Someone who is interested in exploring or advancing careers in these fields
  • Available to attend training and mentorship programs