I just got back from the Waterloo campus of Conestoga College where a bevvy of cabinet ministers and other politicians were there for the announcement of new training programs for women at Conestoga. Approximately $780,000 was announced by Deb Matthews, Minister Responsible for Women's Issues, for local Women In Skilled Trades and Information Technology Training for Women programs.

These new programs are funded through the Ontario Women's Directorate and are geared to assisting women of all ages train for new skills. This new funding will benefit up to 61 local women, offering training in carpentry, automotive service, network administration and web development. Today's announcement is part of a $3.3 million, 2-year investment to help 264 low income Ontario women access training they need to get jobs.

Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, and local MPP, John Milloy is quoted in a press release. "By improving skills training for women, we're building the workforce Ontario needs to compete in tomorrow's economy"

One of the other guest speakers today was Mike Holmes who I have had the opportunity to speak with a couple of times in the past. Mike is a great supporter of Conestoga's skilled trades programs and is a great role model and obvious favourite of Conestoga students. His encouragement and dedication to helping women access skilled trades obviously rubbed off on those present. Hooray for pink hard hats!

If you have any comments or thoughts you'd like to share, do not hesitate to contact me at carol@workforceplanningboard.com