Women in Trades: get WIRED

WIRED is an empowering initiative by Western JETS aimed at promoting gender diversity and inclusion within the skilled trades.

This project is funded in part by the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Women in Skilled Trades Program

WIRED strives to break down barriers (both systemic and individual) to create opportunities for women to excel in traditionally male-dominated trades.

Let us ask: “What is standing in the way of your success?”

Project Overview

WIRED stands for Women’s Interconnection and Retention in Electrical Disciplines: a project which is designed to inspire and support women to pursue and advance in careers in the skilled trades by providing education, mentorship, and hands-on training.

Equity, DiVERSITY, INCLUSION & ACCESSIBILITY

everyone has a role to play

Join us in shaping a more diverse and inclusive future in the trades with WIRED. Empower your partner, sisters, daughters, or friends: Members of partner IBEW Locals may earn a $100 Referral Bonus to get new female apprentices WIRED for success in Electrical. Diversity and Inclusion results in better worksites for all!

WIRED Project Components:

Exploration, Education & Training

Gateway Training Workshops: Regularly scheduled electrical trade discovery workshops covering apprenticeship basics, tool usage, safety protocols, and industry knowledge. Women are encouraged to come try the trade in a low risk, safe and welcoming environment where they can meet mentors, learn about the trade ask questions and see if a career in electrical is right for them! Apply to attend a WATT Gateway
Online Learning Portal: A dedicated online platform offering resources, tutorials, and e-learning modules for everyone to promote Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA).
Upgrade Courses: Gender-minority Apprentices and Red Seal Electricians get priority access through WIRED to accredited courses that provide the necessary certifications and qualifications for various specialized skills in the electrical trade. Inclusive Leadership Training ensures equity-seeking electricians have the skills they need to not only stay in the trade, but advance into supervisory roles. Speak to your training coordinator today for more information about the training you need to achieve your goals and do your part to create a more equitable, diverse and inclusive industry. Put in a training request if there is a course you would like to see offered.

Mentorship & Networking

Tradeswoman Visibility: Many women feel they don’t belong because they’ve never known a woman in this male-dominated trade. We know that “if you see it, you can be it”. WIRED women are leading exploratory workshops and co-facilitating to increase the visibility of Women in the Trades.
Recruitment: Members of IBEW 230, 993 and 1003 can earn $100 for each successful referral of a new female member.
Mentorship: Connecting participants with experienced tradeswomen who provide guidance, support, and industry insights.
Networking Events & Sponsorship for National Conference Attendance: Opportunities to connect with industry professionals, employers, and fellow participants to build a strong support network.
Interconnection: Promotion and connection to other programs, committees, organizations and services that work to support equity priority tradespeople.

Hands on Experience

Skill-Building Projects: WIRED Tradeswomen conduct outreach across the Province of British Columbia, leading young women in middle and high school through real electrical projects such as making their own extension cord. This opportunity is combined with Career Talks so they can meet successful female Red Seal Electricians and imagine themselves in a non-traditional role.
Pre-Apprenticeship Training: New female apprentices can access free fast-track WATT Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship training to get a jump start in their new career.
Apprenticeship Placements: IBEW partner locals facilitate dispatch (employment) to reputable, supportive companies to gain practical, on-the-job experience.

Support

Career Counseling: Personalized career advice to help participants navigate their career paths and achieve their goals.
Financial Assistance: Funding, including childcare and wage subsidy, is available to help cover the costs of transitioning to a new career or fund further training and certification.
Community Support: Access to a supportive community of women in trades, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

WIRED Resources

Page UNDER CONSTRUCTION! Please email emilie@wjets.ca with suggestions on what’s needed here!

New entrants: apply for WATT Pre-Apprenticeship Training
Connect with the IBEW Local 230 Women’s Committee on Facebook or Instagram ibew230womenscommittee and other Regional and Provincial groups listed here
Need some academic support to get through school? Make an account on the WJETS Moodle site and enroll yourself in Level 1-4 Prep or IP Exam Prep
Signup for tutoring is available on https://wjets.ca/training/training-courses/
Put in a course request with your Training Coordinator if there is training you would like to access.
BCCWITT has an extensive list of resources for Equity Priority Tradesworkers. Check it out!
Speak to a WIRED Rep for one-on-one assistance

“If you can see it, you can be it!”
Billie Jean King

Think you might want to try electrical? Apply for WATT Exploratory Electrical Gateway Training!

Project Objectives

Increase Participation & Retention: Reduce barriers and encourage more women to consider entering and support their retention in the skilled trades.
Enhance Skills: Provide high-quality training and education to equip women with the skills needed for success.
Foster Diversity: Promote a diverse and inclusive workforce within the trades industry.
Create Opportunities: Open doors to rewarding careers and advancement opportunities for women in trades.

Connect with us…

Interested individuals and allies can get involved with the WIRED Women in Trades program by using the form below.

Let us know what you need, where you are in your journey and we can help you find your next steps: