Camosun College Women in TradesKaren McNeill & Sarah-Jayne Roe

Welcome to Camosun College located in Beautiful Victoria, B.C.

Brief description of the project

Lina, 3rd Year Electrical

Apprentice Brewis Electric

“Placing limits on my capabilities is not an option, neither is living by imposed societies

expectations”

EmilyElectrical Inspector for

Technical Safety BCCurrent occupation : Electrical inspector for Technical Safety BC

Program : I took the electrical foundations course at Camosun college and level 2, 3 and 4. I am now a red seal electrician.

“The electrical foundations program at Camosun College offered a safe place to learn electrical. Being a young female it can look very intimidating from the outside looking into an industry full of males. When I started the program I had little to no knowledge of electricity or construction, I did not know how to use power tools. With the help of the program, the material and the amazing instructions I left the program with confidence and skills that I knew would prepare me for the work force. I can’t thank the program and people behind it enough for providing this education and opportunity for women as it has changed me life and allowed me to be in a career that has job stability, great wage and opportunities to grow. “ Emily 2019

“I was pleasantly surprised by both the challenging and fun nature of the AST foundation program. Along with the support of Women in Trades and the instructors, the program has helped me pursue a career that is physically and mentally fulfilling.”

Ruth, Apprentice Mechanic, BC Transit, 2019

Kate, 3rd Year Electrical Apprentice with IBEW 213“Women in trades training gave me the push I needed to explore a career in the trades. Many women (myself included) face a lot of discouragement when entering the trades due to their gender, and might never even try it out due to the fear of discrimination. Having funding provided me with the encouragement I needed to feel like there was a place for me in this career path. I’m so happy I decided to take that step and start a career of which I’ve loved every second of! I’m so grateful for the opportunity WITT has given me.” Kate 2019

Bailey, Welding Foundations Graduate 2019“After experiencing a range of jobs and experiences, I knew I wanted to enter the world of trades work, namely Welding. I was beyond excited to discover and be accepted into the Women in trades program. It not only made post secondary education an option for me, but helped me to develop my own personal range of skills. The program opened doors for me for future career options doing something I enjoy and can canpursue for years to come. The Women in Trades program helped to launch me into my future and made the education I wanted but couldn't afford available to me and for that I am so grateful! ”

Bailey

Women in Trades Training, WITT Kick start your career in the trade that is right for you. Funding for the Women in Trades Training initiative (WITT) is provided through the Canada–British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement.

This 12-week program trains individuals for employment as entry level trades helpers and skilled labourers in a number of trades careers in the construction industry. The program teaches foundation skills required to successfully learn on the job and provides opportunities for bridging into other foundation or apprenticeship programs.

This 12-week program trains individuals for employment as entry level trades helpers and skilled labourers in a number of trades careers in the marine industry. The program teaches foundation skills required to successfully learn on the job and provides opportunities for bridging into other foundation or apprenticeship programs.

Anna, 1st Year Electrical Apprentice“Hi! My name is Anna and I am grateful to be part of the Women in Trades community. Initially I didn’t know what trade would suit me best or if pursuing a trade was meant for me. I had little to no knowledge about trades in general. It wasn’t until I heard about the women’s in trades programs offered in British Columbia that I felt confident to take a step forward. As I did my research, I was impressed with the wide variety of locations offering Women in Trades programs. Way to go BC! I decided on Camosun College in Victoria and got in touch with Karen McNeil and Sarah-Jayne Roe. On my first day I was greeted with so much warmth and support. Karen and Sarah were obviously committed to everyone’s success and my fellow classmates were wonderful. Each day Karen, Sarah and our instructors devoted their time to prepare, educate, guide, and encourage us. My classmates and I formed a special bond that lasts to this day. Karen and Sarah are in touch with me on a weekly basis as well. What a great community to be a part of. This past April I completed my first year of electrical foundations. This six-month program was great for someone like me with no prior knowledge of the trade. It covered a lot of introductory topics to set us up for success in the field. I liked the different variety of labs we did, from setting up scaffolding to wiring three phase motors. I also enjoyed getting to know my classmates. They were all awesome to work with and I learned a lot from them. As for being a woman, it was amazing to have a ton of support from the Women in Trades Program at Camosun. Whenever I needed career counselling, networking help or simply someone to talk to, the Women’s in Trades office was always open. It’s only a two min walk from class, thirty seconds if you really need help and decide to run! My future goal is to work with Fortis or Hydro B.C. I’m currently upgrading my high school diploma to meet the prerequisites for work in those companies. I’m looking forward to eventually working in the trade’s community! Once again, my name is Anna and I am proud to be a first-year electrician.”

Kim, 1st Year Carpentry Apprentice with Local 276“Through the Women in Trades Program I was able to go into the Carpentry Foundations Program and I am now qualified to work in the carpentry industry as a first year apprentice. I learned how to use all of the tools in the carpentry shop and I am now comfortable using them when I show up on a job site. I was also able to get my Fall Protection certification, and my First Aid to help further my chances of being hired. At the end of the Women in Trades Program they provided me with a four day opportunity to experience work in the carpentry industry.” Kim

Singer, 1st Year Plumbing Apprentice with Local 324“I wouldn’t be here without WITT and the team that runs it. They are encouraging, supportive and full of knowledge. I completed the WITT program summer of 2018 and began my Plumbing and PipetradesFoundation program shortly after, I’ll be done mid June. I have an apprenticeship for Plumbing that I was able to get from my WITT work experience last summer. I’m looking forward to a fulfilling career. “

Carmen, Red Seal Journeyman Sheet Metal with Department of National Defence

“My name is Carmen and I am a sheet metal worker at the Department of National Defence. I have been in the trade for 7 years now and couldn’t be happier with my career. I went through the foundations program at Camosun College and knew right away that I had found my path. The coordinators and instructors created an exceptional learning environment. I am grateful daily for my experiences with them.” Carmen

Brooke, Sheet Metal Foundation Graduate 2019

“I am 20 years old and spent the last two years as a Health Care Assistant but decided to pursue my passion which is Sheet Metal. The Women in Trades allowed me to change fields and pursue my dreams. This past year has been challenging, exciting and most of all fulfilling. No REGRETS!!!!!!!

HEROWORK

Nicki, Plumbing Foundations Graduate 2019"I have three weeks left in the Plumbing and Pipe Trades Foundation program at Camosun. I was nervous signing up for this program because I thought I might be the only woman in the shop and I had no previous experience with plumbing. I showed up to find several women enrolled, and all of my instructors and peers have been friendly and supportive. I have no doubt I made the right decision with this career change. I find plumbing to be a challenging and diverse field with a lot of opportunity, as well as room for growth and change." -Nicki

Sydney, 1st year Electrical Apprentice 2019

“I tighten the last quarter inch strap with my red robby, pulling the BX cable tight. The only light shines from my tiny head lamp on my hard hat and I flip the breaker back on. Standing back I glimpse at the beautiful work I achieved. Straight parallel lines in the exposed concrete ceiling. Who would have thought that this is what an average morning would look like for me today. My name is Sydney and I am a first year electrical apprentice. Currently I am enrolled to complete my level 1 and 2 schooling at Camosun College in October. I can’t express my gratitude enough to Sarah, Karen and the college for the support and encouragement they have given me and other women in trades. If it wasn't for the Women In Trades Training Program I might not be here today.” Sydney

Ceanne, Welding Apprentice, Seaspan(Victoria Shipyards)

“My name is Ceanne, I am a welder down at the Victoria Shipyards. Thank you to the Women in Trades program because I would not be where I am today without it. When I first started looking to being in the trades I had no clue which one to do so I just chose one, happened to be welding. When I completed that course there wasn’t much out there for welding at the time. Then I got the opportunity to be sent back to school for another 6 months to do the Sheet Metal/Metal Fabrication Foundations course, and I completely loved it. Having all three of these first year tickets, not to mention the women in trades course I had done on the side that offered me an abundance of other certificates. For example, Forklift training, TCP, Confined Space, the list goes on. I had an awesome resume to show to Seaspanand land myself a three year apprenticeship and it goes to the Women in Trades program. I think it’s awesome to educate women on the trades because that’s not something I would have thought going through high school that I would do after. I am very thankful for the amazing ladies that run it and highly encourage other women and girls out there to give it a shot. You can never learn too much. ”Ceanne

Amy, Sheet Metal Journeyman , SMWIA Local 276

Amy

After being a stay at home mom of 3, Amy decided it was time to go back to school and head in to social work. During school Amy did some odd trades jobs with her future husband. Loved it but didn’t think it was a possibility as a career choice. She was told as a young girl, by a relative, “that women don’t belong in the trades” and “no woman will ever work on my crew”.

One day in the halls of Camosun she ran in to Karen McNeil. Karen was talking about a new program called WITT exploration. It solunded interesting, and caught Amy’s attention. The next day she went down to Karen’s office and signed up.

The WITT Exploration program started in January 2011 with Christian, a carpentry instructor. Amy met some incredible women, tried various trades and fell in love with all things metal.

In sept 2011 she started her journey in to sheet metal taking Camosun’s sheet metal foundations course. March 31st 2012 she graduated and started what would be the hardest part of her journey, finding a job. It took 2 months of door knocking but she finally got in with Lewis sheet metal and SMWIA Local 267. She was the 2nd women in the union.

Amy is now a red seal sheet metal worker and finished her apprenticeship at Lewis. She regularly comes back to Camosun to visit and support other trades women. She is involved in everything trades women related: director for BC Tradeswomen Society, Governance committee for BCCWITT, Governance for BCCA equality workforce project, chair of Local 276 women’s committee, and an organizer and mentor for women in the trades Vancouver Island.

Continued………..Amy, Sheet Metal Journeyman , SMWIA Local 276“If I hadn’t run in to Karen that day, who knows where I would be today?! The witt program guided, supported and encouraged me every step of the way. My exploration instructor Christian was amazingly supportive and patient as he taught us tricks of the trades. They signed me up for S.M foundations and funded my first year of school, books and clothing essentials, that was huge. As a mom of three and a student there wasn’t extra money at home. WITT changed my life. I have a successful and challenging career that I love. Being a trail blazer wasn’t easy, I had no mentors and there were very little supports for women in the trades. Except for the WITT program; thank you to Karen, Jayna and Sarah for guiding, supporting and helping women like myself smash glass ceilings. Now I have been able to mentor and support other women. Our networks are what are retaining women and WITT is ground zero where it all begins.” Amy

Sue, First year Sheet Metal Graduate 2019

“Susan, Women in trades sampler which lead to Sheet metal and Metal fabrication.”

“The Women in trades sampler not only gave me the chance to improve my wage and job prospects but also to improve my life! The practical skills I learned and relationships that developed have given me a new confidence in my abilities. Through the Witt program I discovered a love of working metal which lead to the Sheet metal foundations course. Thank you Karen and Sarah for your support and encouragement!”

Karynn, Red Seal Welder Seaspan2019

"WITT changed my life completely. I had been waitressing for ten years and needed a change. I'd never considered the trades because it was never really introduced to me properly before. WITT gave me the tools and blueprints for my future career. I knew first week of WITT immediately that I wanted to be a welder. It was good to test taste the other trades too to be even more sure. I started my C level welding only two weeks after the WITT program and the rest as they say is history. I have been working very hard for the last five years, started my welding career journey in Calgary, bouncing around from job to job, gaining so much experience in the world of welding. I have now since been at Seaspan Victoria shipyards and have come a long way in my skills. I passed my red seal in March and finally become a full Journeyman ticketed welder in November. It's been an exciting journey and it absolutely would not have happened without the help and support of WITT.‘ Karynn