With the economy recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the electrical trade is lighting the way forward! The industry is calling on women, Indigenous people, and other under-represented groups from all walks of life to join and help meet the rebounding demand.
Currently, the workforce sits at an average of about 6% of women entering and staying within the electrical trade. With B.C.’s economy growing and retirement rates rising, the industry is in critical need of more workers. With this in mind, several organizations are taking the stance that now is the time to bolster support and encourage under-represented groups and diversify this remarkable sector.
The future-forward industry requires a diverse, agile workforce to meet the current and anticipated demands. With more women than men living in B.C. and growth in newcomer populations, there has never been a better time for new talented candidates to join the electrical trade.
For those looking to pursue this promising career path, the Electrical Joint Training Committee (EJTC) is the perfect place to start. The EJTC is allied with the IBEW 213 Women’s Committee, the BC Centre for Women in the Trades (BCWITT), and other tradeswomen’s organizations that recognize the unique challenges women face when participating in trades.
BCCWITT is a non-profit organization funded by the provincial government that provides a diverse range of services, support, mentorship, and training for women, Indigenous people, and other under-represented groups interested in making a career in the trades. It is also an excellent resource in discovering different funding sources and grants to help fund education, tools, and other wrap-around supports in pursuit of the skilled trades.
"I think of our organization as a hub. I want us to be a place to go for people who are interested in coming into the skilled trades, to find out what resources there are, and to help make those connections and networks," Karen Dearlove, executive director at BCWITT, says.
Another example of a noble organization EJTC partners with is ACCESS Canada (Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society). The organization provides employment and training program services to Indigenous people while helping them overcome employment barriers and find rewarding career opportunities. ACCESS works with its students to make sure they succeed.
“We have a lot of people who come through who don’t necessarily have the pre-requisites to get into technical training because of some possible barriers,” director of trades training and apprenticeship at ACCESS, Buddy Cardinal, explains. “We provide them with the opportunity to make it happen.”
EJTC supports efforts by unions and employers to make the workplace more welcoming and respectful to ensure that women are empowered and comfortable, creating a desirable environment for them to work, but what is the industry doing to engage and welcome a more diverse workforce?
The objective is to create a varied workplace where all feel comfortable, safe, and welcome. With organizational, governmental, labour, and employer support, the electrical industry is working towards changing for the better.
The culture in the electrical trade is becoming more inclusive, and these progressive and diverse organizations are contributing to the advancements of this modern industry.
One way in which the EJTC is driving this initiative forward is by hosting events dedicated to empowering women within the trades. One such event, taking place on March 26 from 12 pm - 3 pm, serves to celebrate women and encourage others within the community to see what the trades have to offer. It is also an ideal opportunity for those considering entering the industry to meet female mentors who will share their experiences in the trades. The event will have food, live music, and prizes.
Those attending will also have the opportunity to speak with our instructors and the team, tour classrooms and our state-of-the-art electrical training facility, and learn the many factors that contribute to the success of the EJTC’s electrical program.
The time for women, Indigenous, and other under-represented groups, is now. If you are interested in broadening your horizons and engaging in something bright, new, and exciting, spark your passion for the electrical trades and become a part of a career that is leading the future.
If this is of interest, come celebrate International Women’s Day with the EJTC at 1405 Broadway Street, Port Coquitlam, on Saturday, March 26.
To learn more about our electrical program, visit ejtc.org.
