Government

The completion of the training facility increases the capacity of the Women Building Futures program from 60 to 400 students per year.  The facility includes classrooms where students learn theory related to their chosen industry, as well as training laboratories with equipment to practice pipefitting, steamfitting, carpentry, electrical work, sheet metal, plumbing and welding.  Each student selected to participate in Women Building Futures has undergone an extensive assessment program to determine her suitability and readiness to enter the trades workplace.

“Through this facility we are preparing women for success in what can be a very challenging industry in which to work,” said JudyLynn Archer, Chief Executive Officer of Women Building Futures. “Women remain a significant untapped resource for the trades, but clearly, from the 95 per cent success rate of our program graduates, we are starting to change that reality.”

The province is committing $1.5 million for this project under the Major Community Facilities Program. This two-year, $280-million lottery-funded program helps municipalities, not-for-profit organizations and Aboriginal communities plan, upgrade or build major public-use facilities that enhance community life.

For more information on the Major Community Facilities Program, visit www.albertalotteryfund.ca.  More information on the Women Building Futures program can be found at www.womenbuildingfutures.com. 

Helping to build Alberta’s workforce and investing in infrastructure are part of Premier Ed Stelmach’s plan to secure Alberta’s future by building communities, greening our growth and creating opportunity.