WINDSOR – The Ontario government is investing up to $1.24 million over three years through the Women’s Economic Security Program to provide skilled trades training for low-income women in Windsor. This investment will support the Industrial Mechanic Millright CNC Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Women delivered by Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor in partnership with St. Clair College.
This funding is part of the government’s investment of up to $26.7 million over three years in 25 local programs across the province that provide career training opportunities for women, helping them gain the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to find a job, start a business and achieve financial independence.
“The Women’s Economic Security Program empowers women to achieve financial independence by breaking down barriers to career training opportunities,” said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity. “I’m proud of our government’s continued support for local, community-based training programs that help women across the province reach their full potential and achieve the career success they deserve.”
The Women’s Economic Security Program offers training in four streams: skilled trades, entrepreneurship, information technology, and general employment. To help remove barriers to participating, the training programs also include additional supports such as providing meals throughout the training day, transportation to and from training, and support finding child care.
Through the training program women who have experienced or are at risk of intimate partner violence, can also access wraparound supports, including referrals to mental health and well-being supports, counselling, housing, and legal support.
Women interested in the program can visit Ontario.ca/women.
“Ontario is taking a government-wide approach to address and prevent gender-based violence and support women’s economic empowerment,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “Through the Women’s Economic Security Program, we are helping women access in-demand careers, achieve financial independence and succeed in sectors that are vital to the economy.”
This investment is part of Ontario’s four-year action plan to prevent and address gender-based violence. In addition to the province’s $15 million investment over three years in the Women’s Economic Security Program, Ontario is providing up to another $11.7 million through the bilateral agreement with the federal government on the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence.
QUICK FACTS:
Organizations funded under the Women’s Economic Security Program deliver employment, pre-employment, pre-apprenticeship, and entrepreneurship training to low-income women. The 25 training programs are delivered through partnerships between women-centred organizations, educational institutions, and businesses.
Since its inception in 2018, the Women’s Economic Security Program has helped more than 2,600 women secure employment, become entrepreneurs, or pursue further training and education. This includes helping 1,298 women start small businesses and 237 get jobs in the skilled trades.
QUOTES:
“Women deserve equal opportunities in the workforce, and when they have them, our whole economy benefits. I’m proud to see investments from the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence supporting vital initiatives like the Women’s Economic Security Program. These programs help women achieve financial independence, which is a key step towards safety and empowerment. Together, we’re working so every woman can reach her full potential, while building a safer, more inclusive, and equal Canada for everyone.”
The Honourable Marci Ien
Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
“I’m proud to see our government’s continued support for women’s economic security through this investment in partnership with Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor and St. Clair College. The Industrial Mechanic Millright CNC Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Women is a tremendous opportunity for women to build both their career and their independence in an incredible line of work.”
Andrew Dowie MPP, Windsor–Tecumseh
“Together, with the support of the Ontario Government, this program is transforming lives by removing barriers and creating pathways for women to enter the skilled trades. The Industrial Mechanic Millwright CNC Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Women not only opens doors to economic empowerment but also addresses the growing demands of the local labor market. By equipping women with the necessary skills and opportunities, this life-changing program is fostering greater gender diversity in traditionally male-dominated industries, creating a more inclusive workforce, and driving sustainable economic growth. The partnership model has been the key ingredient for success of this program; WEST is delighted to partner with St. Clair College, Unifor and local manufacturing.”
Rose Anguiano Hurst
Executive Director, Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Women’s Economic Security Program
Ontario’s action plan to prevent and address gender-based violence
Ontario Helping More Women Build Skills and Get Jobs |