For the first time ever, College of the Rockies’ Electrician foundation program is made up of almost as many female students as male.
“Seven of our sixteen current students are female,” said Jack Moes, Dean of Trades and Technology at the College. “It has always been our goal to increase the diversity of our trades classroom and to demonstrate that there are many, great-paying careers available in the trades to both women and men. To have reached an almost fifty-fifty ratio in our Electrician program is exciting and we look forward to seeing the numbers continue to rise in our other trades programs.”
There is currently a high demand for skilled tradespeople in B.C., making a career in trades a potentially lucrative option for women. Wages earned in the trades are typically much higher than one would earn in a more traditional field.
“I would encourage other women to consider taking a trade at the College,” said Kaitlyn Hamilton, one of the current Electrician students. “It’s been a great experience so far and it opens so many doors and can take you so many different places. It’s extremely worth it.”
Grants and bursaries are available for trades students, including the new Apprenticeship Incentive Grant which provides a taxable cash grant of $3,000 to $6,000 to women completing a Red Seal certification in trades where women are underrepresented.
College of the Rockies offers foundation and apprenticeship training in Automotive Service Technician, Carpenter, Electrician, Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, Industrial Mechanic (Millwright), Plumber, and Welder, Hairstylist, and Professional Cook.
Find more information about College of the Rockies’ Electrician program.
About College of the Rockies
For more than 40 years, College of the Rockies has provided post-secondary education that meets the needs and aspirations of the people, industry and businesses of our region. Each year, we welcome more than 10,000 full-time and part-time students into a full range of programs, including: skilled trades, university studies, adult upgrading, early childhood education, health and human services, business, office administration, tourism, hospitality, recreation, fire services, continuing education and contract training. Through smaller class sizes, highly-personalized instruction and dedicated support services, our students are primed to succeed in the job market, or in the next stage of their academic journey.
Contact:
Heather Jackson
Manager, Communications and Marketing
College of the Rockies
250-489-8258
jackson@cotr.bc.ca