The Peterborough & the Kawarthas Home Builders Association (PKHBA) launched two Women in Trades programs during a networking event at the Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (HFHPKR) Lakefield ReStore on Wednesday. The event gathered around 30 women working in skilled trades and construction, marking the beginning of a new initiative aimed at creating a supportive community for women in the construction industry.
PKHBA unveiled two key programs to promote and empower women in trades: the Ambassador Program and the Mentorship Program. The Ambassador Program, a collaboration with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR), Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNC), and Fleming College, seeks to inspire more women to pursue careers in the skilled trades. At the event, representatives from the school partners highlighted various initiatives, including the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs, and hands-on experiences for students at job sites.
The Mentorship Program, available to women in construction, offers guidance from experienced industry leaders within the PKHBA membership. This program focuses on four key areas: entrepreneurship, workplace culture, systems and processes, and sales and marketing.
Andria Cowan, Chair of the Women in Trades Committee at PKHBA, emphasized the importance of women supporting each other. “The power of women supporting each other is unmatched,” said Cowan. “By coming together, we can create positive change, open new doors, and inspire future generations of women to explore rewarding careers in the skilled trades.”
These programs align with PKHBA’s mission to build a collaborative and supportive construction industry, empowering women and celebrating their contributions to the skilled trades.
