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For Immediate Release

January 31, 2005

NEW PROGRAM PUTS MORE WOMEN IN HARD HATS!

Burlington, ON - The Centre for Skills Development & Training is proud to announce the launch of its latest Women in Skilled Trades career training program: The New Home Service Technician / Enhanced General Carpentry program.

This program, now being run for the third time, is another of The Centre’s highly successful collaborative partnerships with both government and industry and will provide 20 women with an opportunity to train for rewarding service careers in the construction industry.

“These Women in Skilled Trades programs have been a resounding success for everyone involved,” says Jill Rydall, licensed carpenter and program coordinator. “Our previous graduates are doing very well in their new careers and our industry partners have benefited from being involved in the development of a new workforce for the industry. Because of these programs, we’ve also been able to help raise overall awareness that the skill level of women in the construction sector is “top notch”!

The program starts on February 21, 2005 and features 18 weeks of in-class training, followed by 12 weeks of “hands-on, on-the-job training” and a 16-week paid work placement. The in-class portion of the program takes place at The Centre’s Bay Area Learning Centre located in Burlington, while the on-the-job training and work placement portions are provided by major industry partners Diamante Development Corporation and Glenbarra General Contracting and other affiliated builders and sub-trade organizations. The Government of Ontario, through The Ontario Women’s Directorate, will provide tuition sponsorship for eligible program participants.

“We believe that there is a tremendous opportunity here for both women interested in careers in the trades and for an industry that is looking at a severe shortage of qualified and capable employees,” says Rydall. “Basically, what our industry partners and graduates have proven is that women can 'cut it' in the skilled trades.”

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.