On behalf of BC Centre for Women in the Trades —
BCCWITT is celebrating some exciting things coming up in the next few weeks, so we want to keep you in the loop! Did you know that BCCWITT is turning 5 years old next month!? To celebrate, we have a few upcoming contests and surprises. We also have our bi-monthly info session, some upcoming BMTAB training, and some grants to tell you about. Read on to learn more!
BCCWITT Events:
Upcoming Be More Than A Bystander training opportunities!
BCCWITT has secured funding for more Be More Than A Bystander train-the-trainer cohorts! We are looking at hosting cohorts on Vancouver Island, in Northern BC, and in the Lower Mainland, so if you or anyone you know would like to collaborate with BCCWITT to host and/or attend a cohort, please reach out to Coly@bccwitt.ca, 604-839-0188, or fill out the application.
The June 19th – 21st cohort only has 2 spots open for men in the skilled trades industry. The women and gender diverse spots for this cohort are now full, thank you to all who applied. To reduce barriers for those wishing to access our training, a Criminal Record Check is no longer required in order to participate.
BCCWITT HVAC Employer workshops May 30th 7 – 8:30pm.
BCCWITT has partnered with the City of Vancouver, and the Vancouver Economic Commission to conduct research on the biggest challenges facing HVAC employers in British Columbia. We are now hosting 2 workshops to share our findings and start building a best practices guide for employers of all sizes in the HVAC industry. The first workshop will take place on Tuesday, May 30th, from 7pm – 8:30pm. Register here:https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqc-6rrDsjHtUXZIMKCXuQT2MB_JrsHo90
BCCWITT info session Monday, June 5th, 7pm – 8pm.
BCCWITT is hosting another info session on June 5th from 7pm – 8pm PST. Join to learn all about BCCWITT – our programs, clients, partnerships, and more. This session will not be recorded, and there will be an opportunity for you to ask all your burning BCCWITT questions. Registration link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvdequrD8tHdE5lU0DtjHZukmesT-Arlw2
BCCWITT celebrates our 5th birthday!
BCCWITT turns 5 on June 30th, 2023! To celebrate, we are running a contest that could get YOU paid! Design a sticker and submit your mock-up before Sunday June 11th, 2023. Shortlisted designs will be voted on, and the top 3 designs will win $250 cash and a BCCWITT swag pack! Click here for more details and the submission form.
Please help us spread the word! Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | Website
We will also be running a video submission social media campaign, starting Monday, June 12th, 2023, where winners will receive gift cards and promo on our pages. Keep an eye out on our social media for more information, here are our links: Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
CAF-FCA Supporting Women in Trades June 10 – 12th, 2023.
Join BCCWITT in Winnipeg next month for the 2023 SWiT conference! Not only with BCCWITT have a booth at the exhibition space (with exciting advocacy and engagement opportunities!), we will also be presenting on Sunday, June 11th at 1:15pm CST on “Allyship and Advocacy: Building a Community for Change”. Make sure to register if you haven’t already!
Advocacy opportunities and grant deadlines.
United Way’s Period Promise Campaign is May 16 to June 13, 2023.
The Period Promise campaign recognizes that lack of access to menstrual products is a widespread issue. At BCCWITT, we know it greatly impacts our community’s ability to work, go to school and training, access services and be active in their community. Access to space and menstrual products are equity, health and safety issues for everyone — not only those who menstruate. Free and accessible menstrual products in training spaces, worksites and in the community can ensure that our classmates, colleagues and our community members can continue to show up! Learn more here: https://bccwitt.ca/period-promise-campaign/
New StrongerBC Future Skills Grant Program: Up to $3,500 for Up-skilling Courses
The StrongerBC future skills grant is open to British Columbians aged 19+ regardless of financial need and covers up to $3,500 per person for eligible short-term skills training at public post-secondary institutions. The grant will help learners access eligible short-term skills training to further their careers, upgrade their skills and enhance their productivity, giving them access to well-paid, high opportunity occupations. Many of the covered courses are very relevant to those in the trades, such as code courses and project management, as well as equity & inclusion, and leadership training courses. Learn more here.
Upcoming Bursary deadlines.
There are many grants, bursaries, and funding opportunities that have fast approaching deadlines! Including:
– Betty Spalton Scholarship, (May 31st) $1,500 for study and living expenses.
– TransAlta Women in Trades Scholarship (June 30th) $2,500 for enrolled trades students.
– EFC Scholarships. Various amounts for electricians with varying deadlines.
– CAWIC bursaries (June 30th) $2000 for enrolled trades students.
Find more information on these, and more on our website, under “Funding, grants, scholarships, bursaries, and tax credits”.
Volunteer Opportunity: HeroWork Greater Vancouver’s @ Surrey Urban Mission, Sept 13 – 27
HeroWork has long been that charity renovating other charities in Victoria, and they are finally expanding to the lower mainland! Coming up in September, HeroWork Greater Vancouver will be doing a small renovation in Surrey at a transitional shelter called the “Cove,”. Skilled tradespeople volunteers are needed to help make this happen. Volunteering with HeroWork is a unique and rewarding experience, where you get to network, work with friends, learn new skills, and always get a great free lunch! More info and sign up here: https://vancouver.herowork.com/surrey-urban-mission/
As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions about any of our programs, and I will be happy to assist. You can also stay up to date on BCCWITT News and Events on our website.