Government of Yukon
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FOR RELEASE #05-265
October 17, 2005
Trades Report To Help Increase Women's Participation
WHITEHORSE - The Government of Yukon has released the Women in Trades Update Report (2005) as part of its efforts to increase women's participation in skilled trades training and employment.
The 2005 updated report is a follow-up to a 1999 report that highlights recent initiatives and identifies opportunities for increasing the representation and retention of women in skilled trades. The Women in Trades Update Report is a joint initiative between the Women's Directorate and the Department of Education.
"The Women's Directorate and the Department of Education have released the Women in the Trades Update Report to identify new and innovative ways to increase women's participation in the trades," Elaine Taylor, minister responsible for the Women's Directorate said. "The Yukon government recognizes that a skilled and diverse workforce will contribute to a more vibrant economy. To that end, we are committed to ensuring that women have access to trades training and employment."
To increase women's participation in the trades, recent initiatives include continued support of the Yukon Women in Trades and Technology organization, annual Young Women Exploring Trades conferences and a variety of hands-on workshops for Yukon women.
In direct response to the recommendations of the report, the Government of Yukon is providing funding for a women's only introductory course to trades. The Women Exploring Trades course will be delivered spring 2006 by the Yukon College and will run for 16 weeks.
"The Department of Education looks forward to promoting and developing the skilled trades as a career choice for women," Education Minister John Edzerza said. "The Women in Trades Update Report is both a review of government's progress on increasing women’s participation in the trades, as well as an indicator of how to move forward in this area."
The report recommendations were based on interviews with Yukon trades employers and women who are currently working or have worked in the skilled trades.
For a copy of the report contact Julie Haywood at 667-8269 or visit the Women's Directorate website at www.womensdirectorate.gov.yk.ca.
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| Contact: | ||
| Peter Carr | Julie Haywood | Clea Ainsworth |
| Cabinet Communications | Communications, Women’s Directorate | Education |
| (867) 667-8688 | (867) 667-8269 or 333-4055 | (867) 393-7102 |
| peter.carr@gov.yk.ca | julie.haywood@gov.yk.ca | clea.ainsworth@gov.yk.ca |