‘By continuing to invest in this initiative, individuals are empowered to take charge of their future and make lasting contributions to the trades and technology sectors’
Two provinces are providing more funding to boost women’s participation in the skilled trades.
Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) is investing $3.54 million under its Research and Innovation program to support the Office to Advance Women Apprentices (OAWA) in launching a new program called Exploring Social Enterprise as a Pathway Through Apprenticeship.
The three-year project will create an all-female renovation crew operating under a social enterprise, helping women apprentices gain hands-on experience and work toward Red Seal certification.
“Empowering women to thrive in skilled trades through social enterprise is about building a stronger, more resilient workforce for our province,” said Sherry Gambin-Walsh, minister responsible for women and gender equality. “By opening new pathways to opportunity, we are helping to meet the growing demand for skilled workers. This is an investment in our people and our economy.”
In 2024, the federal government invested more than $28.9 million worth of funds for 15 projects that will help around 6,400 women receive apprenticeship training and support that they will need for skilled trades.
Fostering leadership in skilled trades
The crew in NL will focus on, but not be limited to, delivering services to vulnerable populations – including survivors of domestic violence, seniors and persons with disabilities – while fostering leadership and mentorship in the skilled trades. They will:
- Hire three female journeypersons and 12 apprentices in carpentry, plumbing and electrical trades.
- Prove safety training, mentorship, and customer service supports.
- Partner with the Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Innovation Centre to guide project sustainability.
- Explore revenue streams such as renovations, subscription-based maintenance, branded merchandise and DIY workshops.
The Office to Advance Women’s Apprentices aims to achieve financial sustainability by the end of the funding period, reinvesting revenue into training and workforce development. Since 2009, the organization has supported over 2,300 tradeswomen and helped more than 230 achieve Red Seal certification.
This investment is supported through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement.
Launch of apprentice registry
The provincial government also announced the launch of the Newfoundland and Labrador Online Journeyperson and Apprentice Registry, a new digital initiative that will improve labour mobility and streamline credential verification for skilled tradespeople across Canada.
The registry—available here—allows employers, apprentices, journeypersons and apprenticeship authorities to quickly confirm certification status online using a simple search requiring the individual’s first name, last name and certificate or apprenticeship number.
The registry supports national efforts to improve labour mobility by helping people get to work faster. Newfoundland and Labrador joins British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario in offering this public digital service. It’s part of a broader push to make it easier for tradespeople to move and work across the country.
Individuals can opt out at any time by emailing [email protected] with their name, credential number, birth date and registration or certification date. Requests will be processed within two business days.
“These initiatives reflect our commitment to building a skilled, inclusive and mobile workforce in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Gerry Byrne, minister of jobs, immigration and growth. “By supporting women in trades through an innovative social enterprise and launching a digital registry that speeds up hiring and credential recognition, we’re helping more people access opportunity and building a more responsive workforce that can meet demand across the country.”
Previously, Ontario also announced further funding to support women in skilled trades.
P.E.I network for women
Meanwhile, Prince Edward Island renewed a two-year funding agreement with Women’s Network PEI for a program to help diversify the workforce in the trades and technology fields across the Island.
Offered by the Women’s Network, Trade HERizons is a career exploration and college preparation program designed for women and gender-diverse individuals. The program focuses on introducing participants to opportunities in trades and technology, while building essential skills, fostering personal growth, and guiding meaningful career development.
“This program plays an essential part in strengthening the Island’s workforce by supporting individuals who are eager to contribute,” said Jenn Redmond, P.E.I.’s minister of workforce, advanced learning and population and the minister responsible for the status of women. “By continuing to invest in this initiative, individuals are empowered to take charge of their future and make lasting contributions to the trades and technology sectors in PEI."
Applications are now open for the next cohort beginning in fall 2025.
