Today 10 women of diverse ages and backgrounds begin new careers in skilled trades. The Skilled Trades Exploration Program for Women (STEPW) initiative is the first effort in a partnership between J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI), New Boots and the Government of New Brunswick.
The pilot project is focused on upskilling to better paying jobs that are being guaranteed by JDI on successful completion of an exploration and essential skills training program at the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) Saint John campus. All have been interviewed for full time employment with JDI as part of selection process.
This builds on the successful program pioneered by JDI at the Halifax Shipyard in partnership with Women Unlimited.
Today begins an 11-week program by the Apprentice and Occupation Certification (AOC) branch with the provincial department of Post-Secondary Education and Labour (PETL). NBCC will offer skilled trades exploration training, AOC will offer safety training, while PETL’s Workforce Essential Skills Program (WES) has met with each of the women to customize essential skills training which is focused on the 5 of the 9 essential workforce skills:
1. Numeracy
2. Oral communication
3. Thinking skills
4. Continuous learning
5. Working with others
On completion of the program the women will begin as paid apprentices at JDI in their chosen industrial trades as they complete the required blocks to become a journey person. Participating JDI companies include NB Southern Railway, Universal Truck and Trailer (UTT), Custom Fabricators and Machinists (CFM), Woodlands, and Irving Equipment. In some cases, after a block is completed, the apprentice has to look for new work. JDI will provide continuous work placements through the blocks and a guaranteed job on successful completion.
