George Brown College and Hilti (Canada) Corporation partner to support women’s education, employment in skilled trades

Toronto, March 8, 2021 -George Brown College has partnered with Hilti (Canada) Corporation to help women build rewarding careers in the skilled trades.  

Through a $40,000 financial contribution, Hilti (Canada) Corporation is helping to expand George Brown College’s Women Transitioning to Trades and Employment (WTTE) program by providing access to industry expertise and hands-on learning.

The WTTE program was established with funding from the provincial government through the Office of Women’s Issues, with a mandate of increasing the economic security of low-income women by providing opportunities for women in the skilled trades. Statistics show that women make up about 48 per cent of the Canadian labour force yet hold less than 4 per cent of jobs in the skilled trades. In Ontario, women make up roughly only 7 per cent of employment in trades, transport, and related occupations.

The new partnership aims to reduce barriers to participation and success in the trades by offering women and other underrepresented groups access to scholarships career planning, networking, mentoring/coaching, job shadowing, as well as employment opportunities.

“Skilled trades play a vital role in our economy and our society. Skilled tradespeople build, maintain, and repair the infrastructure that connects us all. But the barriers to entry for women are well-known,” said Kizzy Bedeau, Director, Community Partnerships, George Brown College. “With a significant skilled trades shortage on the horizon, it’s essential that we do everything we can to support women who wish to enter the trades. This partnership will open pathways to opportunity for women who wish to pursue careers in the trades, while also building the highly skilled, inclusive workforce that Canada needs.”  

To ensure students have access to industry leading products and start their careers well equipped, Hilti (Canada) Corporation is also donating approximately $100,000 worth of training tools. Graduates of the program will also receive a new tool kit to help lessen the financial burden of having to purchase news tools.   

“Hilti Canada is excited to be able to work with George Brown College and our team members are looking forward to supporting these courageous women in the WTTE program who are choosing to enter a non-traditional workforce. We are looking forward to helping educate and train these pioneers to bring more diversity and inclusion to jobsites around Canada,” said Dan Wade, General Manager of Hilti (Canada) Corporation.

George Brown is one of the leading providers of skilled trades training in Ontario, offering apprenticeships and credentials in carpentry, plumbing and welding, as well as building information management (BIM) and Ontario’s only degree program in construction management.

The Hilti Group supplies the worldwide construction industry with technologically leading products, services and software that provide construction professionals with innovative solutions and superior added value. Hilti employs about 30,000 people in over 120 countries who passionately create enthusiastic customers and build a better future. Hilti’s North America operations includes 3,800 employees. The Hilti (Canada) Corporation headquarters is located in Mississauga and is a perennial Top 50 Great Place to Work. www.hilti.ca. 

Toronto's George Brown College prepares innovative, adaptable graduates with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. With three campuses in the downtown core, the college blends theory with experiential learning, applied research, and entrepreneurship opportunities. George Brown offers 172 full-time programs and 180 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to more than 31,300 full-time students, including 30 percent international students, and receives more than 64,500 continuing education registrations annually. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates, apprenticeships, and degrees. www.georgebrown.ca

For more information:

Rima Kar

External Communications Specialist

George Brown College

rima.kar@georgebrown.ca