Women Building Futures underway at Lethbridge College

A unique trades training opportunity for women is underway at Lethbridge College. 10 women have the opportunity to experience welding, carpentry and wind turbine mechanics, just to name a few, during the 12 week long program. 

As a way to get more women in the trades and eliminate the typical stereotype of a male dominated workforce, Lethbridge College has partnered with Women Building Futures to bring a 12 week long program to help women who are hoping to enter the workforce. Lethbridge College Welding Instructor, Wanda Leclaire, says the most rewarding part of the program is watching the students change directions and follow their passion. 

Women Building Futures is a non-profit organization that creates opportunities for women to experience trades, construction training, and certifications. President and CEO, Carol Moen, says the goal is to get unemployed women to have access to low cost training allowing them to start working in the trades industry.

A total of 10 students are taking part in the program at the college throughout the summer, including Jaida Overes who says the program is a huge confidence booster for women looking to enter the trades. 

The program also allows women to try out different programs such as welding, turbine mechanics, blueprint drawing, carpentry and a wide range of certifications, a week at a time. Student Jazmin Golia, says she was interested in heavy duty mechanics but has found a new career to pursue thanks to the program. 

Both Lethbridge College and Women Building Futures hope to continue the program over the next few years.