Released on May 26, 2000
A graduation ceremony was held today recognizing the achievements of 17 femaleapprentice carpenters from the Women's Work Training Program.
Four of the 17 women are the first in the program to have both started and
completed their four levels of apprenticeship training together. All were
single parents on social assistance when they started the program. The
carpenters are now employed with the Regina Women's Construction Co-operative.
"These women are superb role models for all young women and single parents,"
Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training Minister Glenn Hagel said. "It's
not easy being a trailblazer in a non-traditional occupation. These women have
built a career and a more prosperous future for themselves and their families
through higher education. Apprenticeship training is gaining momentum
throughout the province, particularly among young people and equity group
members."
"This is the first time in Saskatchewan's history that four women have
completed their apprenticeship in the same year," Journeyperson carpenter and
SaskWITT (Saskatchewan Women in Trades & Technology) Executive Director
Valerie Overend said. "We know their leadership will guide other women in the
trade and their accomplishment will inspire their children and other youth."
A number of partners contributed to the success of the project, including:
Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission; Post-Secondary
Education and Skills Training through Canada-Saskatchewan Career and Employment
Services; JobStart/Future Skills and Employment Programs; Human Resources
Development Canada and the Women and Economic Development Consortium.
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For more information, contact:
Doug Muir Valerie Overend
Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission SASKWITT
Phone: (306) 787-2439 Phone: (306) 787-7614
Rick Pawliw
Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training
Phone (306) 787-5984