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On Friday, July 10 at the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), 19 women walked across the stage to complete their 14-week career exploration program in metal trades through Women Unlimited.
The program was developed through a partnership between NSCC, Irving Shipbuilding and other sponsors including Unifor.
“The goal of the program is to encourage women to enter the trades and to prepare them for the challenges and rewards of this career,” said Koren Beaman, Chair of the Atlantic Regional Women’s Committee, an Irving Shipyard worker and member of Unifor Local 1.
“I wish that I’d had this kind of support when I first walked into the shipyard years ago, so it means so much to me to be able to support these women.”
The students are supported monetarily through the program, and they gave back to the community with a cheque for local women’s shelter Bryony House in the amount of $2,015 that they fundraised.
Inspired by the commitment of these women, half of whom are single mothers, Unifor and the Canadian Welders Association each matched their donations for a total of $6,045 for the shelter.
“Your success in this program is not just hopeful to me, but this is what motivates me in the work I do - that Unifor does - every day,” Unifor National President Jerry Dias said.
At the Unifor Skilled Trades Council held in Nova Scotia earlier in the year, the council selected the Women Unlimited program as the recipient of the annual Bob Chernecki Charity of Choice award of $4,000.
To learn more: www.womenunlimitedns.ca
