Carpenters’ Union Ottawa local starts WIN IT! Program to increase industry diversity

Ontario Construction News staff writer

Carpenters’ Union local 93 in Ottawa is preparing to give 36 women, Indigenous individuals and newcomers to Canada an opportunity to start a construction career through the union’s WIN IT! Program.

Under the program, three cohorts of 12 “from various underrepresented groups” will receive six weeks of intensive training at no charge to the participants, training co-ordinator Jon Baron said.

The first group will start on August 30 at the union’s training centre, 8650 Campeau Dr.  Subsequent programs are scheduled for January and March, 2022.

The program includes segments relating to health and safety, construction math, framing, scaffolding, formwork, and welding and stationary power tools.

The program offers opportunities for work placements and Carpenters’ Union membership.  “A minimum of 12 (participants) will go on to become members of Local 93 and participate in an eight week paid work placement,” Baron said last Thursday.

“We have received grants for equipment and supports for the WIN IT program from both levels of government,” Baron said. “This included investments in a new state-of-the-art Mobile wElding Shop and a new telehandler forklift which will not only benefit the WIN IT program but also future generations of Carpenters.  The Carpenters’ Union Local 93 has contributed $287,702 to the project to date.

Interested participants can register by phoning (613) 745-1513, emailing jbaron@local93.org, or filling out an application at https://www.local93.org.

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