Women in Apprenticeship Education

Did you know?

• 50% of working women are concentrated in low-wage retail occupations. [WITT NN, 2002]
• Only 12% of workers in the high-paying construction sector are women. [WITT NN, 2002]
• Women working full-time, full-year, earned $33,494 in 1997, compared to $45,841 for men. [Survey of Consumer Finances, Income Trends in Canada, 1980-1997. ]
• Women are severely under-represented in non-traditional apprenticeships that lead to well-paying jobs. [Ontario Ministry of Education, 1999.]
• Women make up only 1.6% of the automotive workforce in this province. [Ontario Ministry of Education, 1999.]
• Only 10% of registered apprentices in Ontario are female, and they are concentrated in lower-paying career choices. [Ontario Ministry of Education, 1999.]

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"Skills Work! For Women!"® Networking Dinners

“Skills Work! for Women”® Networking Dinners is an award-winning program designed for young women in high school. The event introduces young women interested in exploring skilled trades and technologies to female mentors currently working or studying in a related career field. Over the course of the evening, speakers talk about the challenges and rewards of their chosen career path, and the young women have the opportunity to network with female mentors from their community. The advice, guidance and inspiration the young women receive leaves them feeling both empowered and informed about various career choices available to them – many of which are in non-traditional or male-dominated areas.

NOVEMBER 30th, 2006!!!
For more information please see your Technology Teacher. Last year’s dinner was sold out. Register early!

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Women in Engineering

Women in Engineering Advisory Committee (WEAC), Ontario Society of Professional Engineers
Since it was established over a decade ago, WEAC has conducted research and examined issues and obstacles facing female engineers at universities and in the workplace. WEAC participates in events and initiatives of interest to Ontario engineers, with the particular goal of developing a more balanced and inclusive engineering profession.

The goals of the WEAC include encouraging women to consider engineering as a career and to study engineering at the post-secondary level, encouraging women engineering graduates to pursue licensure as professional engineers, encouraging women engineers to pursue leadership roles in the workplace and within the governance structure of the engineering profession.

Contact Information:
4950 Yonge Street, Suite 502, Toronto ON M2N 6K1
Tel./Tél: (416) 223-9961
Fax/Télec: (416) 223-9963
Email/Courriel: info@ospe.on.ca
Toll-free: (800) 339-3716
www.ospe.on.ca/weac.html

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Women in Science and Engineering National Student Network (WISE NSN)
The University of Victoria, University of Ottawa, and Carleton University have recently created a WISE National Student Network, also called WISE NSN, for Canadian university and college student groups supporting women in science and engineering. The goals are to provide a national support and resource network, which encourages women in science and engineering by communicating and sharing successful ideas for activities and events, problem solving and the formation of new groups at other universities and colleges.

Contact Information (links):
WISE NSN
University of Victoria
University of Ottawa
Carleton University
University of Calgary
Queen’s University (Kingston, ON)

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International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES)
INWES is a not-for-profit global network of organizations of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), reaching over 40 countries worldwide. The central goals of INWES are mentorship, networking and sharing information at all levels.

INWES created their web site to share information, knowledge, and ideas and to provide a voice for women around the world on issues such as the environment, good practices, and gender equity.

Contact Information:
Laval Université, Room Pouliot-1504, Quebec, Canada G1K 7P4
Tel: 418-656-5359
Fax: 418-656-7415
www.inwes.org

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Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science and Technology
Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, c/o Fletcher Wright Associates Inc.
6519-B Mississauga Road,
Mississauga ON L5N 1A6
Email/Courriel: info@ccwest.org
www.ccwest.org

Status of Women in Science Committee, Brock University
500 Glenridge Avenue
St. Catharines ON L2S 3A1
Tel./Tél: (905) 688-5550, Ext. 3388
Email/Courriel: nfuller@brocku.ca

Women In Engineering, Ryerson Polytechnic University
350 Victoria Street
Toronto ON M5B 2K3
Tel./Tél: (416) 979-5000 ext. 7220
Fax/Télec: (416) 979-5308
Email/Courriel: womeng@ee.ryerson.ca
www.discoverengineering.ryerson.ca

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Women in Trades

Women in Trades and Technology (WITT) National Network/
Réseau national femmes dans les métiers et les technologies
The Women in Trades and Technology (WITT) National Network was established in the late 1970s as an education and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to helping women achieve and maintain employment in trades, technology, operations and blue collar work. The WITT began by building local organizations to provide information, assistance and advice to women, colleges, government, employers and unions about integrating women in trades. Today, there are over 20 regional WITT groups across Canada.

The WITT provides information and services to business, labour, government and educators, and acts as a liaison among these groups. It develops and promotes guidelines and standards for welcoming women into the trades and for enhancing the work environment for women. It also seeks to educate the public and private sectors about women’s potential in trades and technology and to recognize and celebrate women’s achievements.

Contact Information:
Ottawa ON
Toll-free: (800) 895-WITT

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