Ontario Construction News staff writer
GM Canada will sponsor Skills Ontario initiatives to empower young women in skilled trades careers. As a not-for-profit organization committed to empowering youth to explore skilled trades and technologies, Skills Ontario relies on the support of businesses in the community to continue delivering programs to young Ontarians.
Jennifer Cowdrey is an electrical/chassis/ HVAC quality engineer at CAMI Assembly in Ingersoll. “As a woman in trades, I’m proud to work for GM as we dismantle barriers and perceptions that prevent women from pursuing careers in skilled trades and technology,” she said. “We’re working with Skills Ontario to help empower women to be their own advocates and to pursue what they believe in, working collectively to make work a more inclusive place.”
Over the past 20 years thousands have participated in Skills Ontario’s Young Women’s Initiatives program that includes experiential learning, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Thousands of young women have been inspired by the program to explore career paths they may have never considered before or might have even been discouraged from considering. Initiatives include career exploration events, an International Day of the Girl virtual activity series, and International Women’s Day Conference.
“We are very grateful to GM Canada for joining us as a sponsor,” said Ian Howcroft, Skills Ontario CEO. “Working together and setting skilled trade and technology leaders up for success is crucial. Skilled trades and technologies play an imperative role in our lives and continuing to support these fields and the professionals working within them benefits us all. Together, we can build our future skilled workforce.”