Twelve women have embarked on a groundbreaking nine-week residential construction worker course in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Offered by the Labourers International Union of North America (LiUNA), this initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing female participation in the construction industry, particularly in northern Ontario.
Eliminating Barriers to Participation
The course has been designed to be barrier-free, addressing various challenges that potential participants might face. Bryan Nieweglowski, manager of training at the LiUNA Training Centre, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the program. “We try to eliminate all barriers with anyone,” he stated. The union has covered essential expenses such as child care, transportation, and lodging, ensuring that participants from remote areas can attend without hindrances.
Nieweglowski explained that the initiative even includes providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand tools, stating, “There’s never a reason that they can’t participate. We even provide lunch every day.” The overarching aim is to equip these women with skills necessary for a successful career in construction.
Empowering Women in Construction
The course challenges the stereotype of construction as a male-dominated field. “Anytime we run a program focused on women’s participation, let’s face it, women could be some of the better workers in any field, and construction is one that we’re lacking,” Nieweglowski added. He believes this program will help attract a demographic that has traditionally been underrepresented in trades.
The curriculum covers comprehensive residential construction principles, including flooring systems, wall systems, and roofing techniques. Nieweglowski highlighted the project’s goal, stating, “The aim is to have two tiny homes built.”
Among the participants is Ellyzabethe Gillies, who joined the course to enhance her existing skills and acquire new ones. “I live out in the country and I’d like to build a house. These skills will definitely help me out,” she shared. Gillies noted the program’s accessibility, explaining that it opens doors for women who may not have local family support.
Kasaydia Woodcock is another participant, having previously completed a specialist high skills major in construction during high school. She expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to contribute to her community. “This is amazing. I can give back to the community and feel really good about it,” Woodcock remarked, highlighting her eagerness to learn more about roofing, an area she felt underexposed to in school.
As the first cohort progresses, a second group of twelve women is set to begin the program once this initial group completes their training. This initiative not only aims to enhance skills but also to reshape the perceptions surrounding women in the construction industry.