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News/Media

For Immediate Release

July 25, 2003

New Program Gets Women in the Trades

Burlington, ON - The Centre for Skills Development & Training is proud to announce the launch of an exciting new career training opportunity for women: The New Home Service Technician Program.

This new program, which represents the most recent in a series of collaborative partnerships formed by The Centre with both government and industry, will provide 20 women between the ages of 16 and 30 with the opportunity to train for rewarding service careers in the construction industry.

With a start date of March 10, 2003, the program features 18 weeks in-class training, followed by 12 weeks of “hands-on, on-the-job training” and 16 weeks paid work placement. The in-class portion of the program will take place at The Centre, while the on-the-job training and work placement portions will be provided through Mattamy Homes Ltd. and various member companies of The Residential Construction Council of Central Ontario (RESCON). The Government of Ontario, through The Ontario Women’s Directorate (OWD), will be providing tuition sponsorship with Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) providing income support to qualified candidates.

In addition to the training provided, the program also boasts a significant post-program support feature. Mattamy Homes and RESCON will be providing opportunities for permanent placement to successful graduates while The Centre will be providing access to on-going mentorship and career development advice through its Women in Skilled Trades Support Network.

“With the increasing shortage of workers available to the skilled trades and given its history as a traditionally male dominated field, the timing of this program couldn’t be better.”
Richard Lyall, President
The Residential Construction Council of Central Ontario

The Centre for Skills Development & Training is a leading provider of quality career and workforce development programs, products and services specializing in Pre-Apprenticeship Trades and Technology, Career Planning and Development and Language Skills and Academic Upgrading.