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College electrical program reaches milestone
Almost half of current foundation students are female
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 16 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 50-50 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 at cotr.ca/programs/electrician
Lead image: Careers in trades are an excellent opportunity for women. College of the Rockies’ current Electrician foundation program includes seven female students (six shown here), who make up almost half of the class. College of the Rockies Photo
College of the Rockies
