Media Advisory: Women in Trades Funding to be Announced at DTES Event

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Sept. 19, 2012) - On September 20, the Industry Training Authority (ITA) will announce funding to provide trades training for women in community-based partnerships across British Columbia. The announcement will be made at Tradeworks Women's Workshop where a graduation ceremony will be held honouring nine women who have completed their pre-apprenticeship skills training program, and are preparing to pursue careers in the trades.

Join Erin Johnston, ITA Labour Supply Initiatives Manager, along with Jane Thornthwaite, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour, to celebrate the achievements of these women, and to learn about the opportunities available in B.C. for women working in the trades.

A photo opportunity and interviews are available following the graduation ceremony and pink hardhat presentation.

• When: Thursday September 20, 2012, 12:00-12:45 p.m.
  12:00 p.m.: Arleen Dauncey (Program Coordinator, Tradeworks) speaks
  12:05 p.m.: Ross Gentleman (Executive Director, Tradeworks) speaks
  12:10 p.m.: Erin Johnston (Manager, ITA Labour Supply Initiatives) speaks
  12:15 p.m.: MLA, Jane Thornthwaite speaks
  12:20 p.m.: Certificates and pink hardhat presentation
  12:30 p.m.: Group photo
  12:35 p.m.: Media interviews

• Where: Tradeworks Women's Workshop, 876 Cordova Diversion, Vancouver

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY:

Erin Johnston is available to discuss:

• The barriers women face when entering into the trades
• The future of B.C.'s labour market for women working in trades

Graduates such as Alexandra Rauscher, a 20-year old single mother, as well as past graduates, are also available to discuss how trades training has improved their lives.