NEWS
WELCOME WOMEN INTO HVAC AND THE SKILLED TRADES
The future of the industry depends on it
From contractors to engineers to welders to maintenance and service technicians, skilled employees are the No. 1 resource the HVAC industry depends upon most to meet the growing demand for comfortable indoor climates.
ONTARIO’S NEW SCHOOL-AGE EDUCATION PLAN TO EMPHASIZE SKILLED TRADES
After two years of pandemic disruptions, the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Education launched its Plan to Catch Up for the 2022-23 school year. The Plan is focused on providing students the best learning experience possible, so that they can get back on track, and learn the skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow.
ONTARIO INVESTING $90.3 MILLION IN SKILLED TRADES STRATEGY
Ottawa, Ontario — The Ontario government has announced it is investing an additional $90.3 million in its Skilled Trades Strategy, over the next three years, to promote and streamline careers in the skilled trades. Key new initiatives from the Skilled Trades Strategy include creating a skilled trades career fair as well as enhancing the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program.
FROM IDEA TO REALITY: THE EVOLUTION OF WOMEN IN HVACR
From a simple conversation discussing the lack of women in the trades, the idea of a "Women In HVAC-R" group grew. Shelley Vallee-Ewing, District Sales Manager at Vista Services, and Nathalie Brooks, owner of Brooks Heating & Air, started to list all the great women they knew currently working in the industry in a variety of roles. They contacted as many women as they could, who in turn recommended others.
Response from commercial and residential contractors, suppliers, manufacturers and associated HVAC businesses was universally positive, and the first meeting was held in October 2019 at the HRAI head office. The boardroom was packed and it was so exciting to see how many women were interested in moving forward.
When the pandemic hit we lost a bit of momentum, but got it all back and more when Nathalie spoke at an ORAC event in Oct 2020. Because it was virtual it hit a much broader audience, and before we knew it we had amazing women from all across Canada putting their hand up with great ideas and lots of energy. We're so excited for what the future holds! Please join us on our journey as we continue on our mission to increase awareness of Women in HVACR.
GET TO KNOW KICKASS CAREERS
Learn more about Jamie McMillan and Pat Williams story and initiative to engage, educate and encourage young men and women about the life long benefits offered in MITC careers sectors through school and community outreach.​
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Their mission is to teach the young hands of today to build the world of tomorrow through apprenticeship, technical programs and the armed forces.
GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE OFFERS A FREE PROGRAM TO BRING MORE WOMEN INTO CONSTRUCTION
On International Women's day, Talia Ricci visited the Women Transitioning to Trades and Employment program at George Brown College. The free program aims to increase the number of women in construction and skilled trades by teaching hands on skills and career planning.
GEORGE BROWN AND HILTI PARTNER ON EXPANDING WTTE PROGRAM
April 2021 - George Brown College has partnered with Hilti (Canada) Corporation to help women build careers in the skilled trades. The WTTE (Women Transitioning To Trades and Employment) 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.
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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.
