A new program funded by Prince Edward Island will help Island women receive training and employment in trades and technology, said Allan Campbell, minister of innovation and advanced learning.

“The Government of Prince Edward Island is working closely with
industry and post-secondary institutions to strengthen our workforce,”
said Campbell. “Canada is facing a labour shortage in skilled trades
and the Trade HERizons program is encouraging more women to enter
trades training programs. This project will promote non-traditional
trades as viable career options for women.”

Trade HERizons is a pilot project being administered by Women’s Network
PEI that will provide training for 36 women over three years. The
project’s goals are to provide women with the opportunity to upgrade
their skills through trades training and find employment in their area
of study.

Participants will complete a 14-week college-readiness program from
February to May, then enter a trades training program of their choice
in the fall. The program will also help the women find work after their
training is complete.

“I was pleased there was a strong response from women interested in
acquiring skills in trades and technology,” added Campbell. “This is an
excellent opportunity for women to gain employment in sectors that
offer highly-skilled jobs with good salaries.”

A similar project had great success in Nova Scotia over the past three
years, says the provincial government, with a retention rate of 96% for
the 102 participants enrolled—attributed to the built-in supports that
women received.

“We are pleased to be partnering with the province on this project,”
says Women’s Network PEI project manager Sara Roach-Lewis. “We hope
Trade HERizons will bring positive changes to women and their families
as they access supports to well-paying jobs on PEI.”

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