Empowering Women: Successful Completion of Women in Construction Program

Press Release
For Immediate Release
March 27, 2024 12:00PM

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

Sincere gratitude is extended 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 wishes to express appreciation to Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce for allowing the participants to practice new skills on-site and to the Adult Learning Centre for facilitating academic upgrading opportunities.

“Women In Construction has offered HAAMB client’s space in their paid training, and we have been very grateful for this partnership. Several HAAMB clients have successfully received Skid-Steer, Mini Excavator, and Chainsaw certifications. HAAMB looks forward to partnering with Women in Construction on any future programs,” commented April John, Project Coordinator with Huronia Area Aboriginal Management Board. She added, “A special shout-out goes to Jason and Kristin for being awesome colleagues to work with!”, referring to Project Coordinator Kristin Dimmick and Workforce Development Coordinator, Jason Wilson of the Women in Construction program.

This last 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.

WIC participants smiling at emPOWERing workshop

"The program has helped me build my self-confidence and allowed me to build my skills to be successful in my new career. Also, the program 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,” said Kelly Weiler, who completed the Spring cohort.

The Township is immensely 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.

The program was run in partnership with the Township of Huron-Kinloss, Bruce County, the UBC Local 2222 Carpenter's Union, VPI, Fanshawe College, Employment Ontario, the Government of Ontario, and the Government of Canada.

For more information

Kristin Dimmick, Project Coordinator
Township of Huron-Kinloss
519-395-3735
info@huronkinloss.com

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