Toronto School Launches the First Women in Skilled Trades' High School Program

An Etobicoke high school is taking the demand for women in the trades into it’s own hands.

Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Institute (BCI) is offering the Toronto District School Board’s first-ever gender-specific program for women in construction technology.

The Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) program offers registered students the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills related to residential construction in a hands-on, engaging and supportive environment over the course of 45 days.

The program is open to female students, who often pass-up the trades as a career option. This program allows women to learn about the field with other women. It may ease some nerves for students who might be nervous otherwise, as the entering a male-dominated field can be intimidating.

“More and more women are now entering the skilled trades, and they are being very, very successful. At BCI, we are dedicated to providing women access into construction technology, where they will feel fully supported in an environment free from the traditional barriers,” says BCI vice principal Martha Koehn who was handed the reins to spearhead the implementation of the WIST program at BCI by principal Patrick Knight.

Nurturing young women in this field can give them the skills to succeed and build their confidence! Here’s hoping other schools will take on similar initiatives. The trades are such an exciting field and the more young people can get exposure to them, the better.

Check out current openings for trade careers here.