Twelve women have embarked on a groundbreaking nine-week residential construction worker course in Thunder Bay, a first for the Labourers International Union of North America (LiUNA) in northern Ontario. This initiative aims to empower women by providing a barrier-free pathway into the construction industry, addressing the traditionally male-dominated field.
Course Details and Accessibility
The course, organized by LiUNA, emphasizes inclusivity by eliminating obstacles that might prevent participation. According to Bryan Nieweglowski, manager of training at the LiUNA Training Centre, the program covers essential costs such as child care, transportation, and lodging. “We wanted to ensure that every barrier was covered, even providing lunch each day,” he stated. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand tools are also supplied, making it easier for participants to fully engage in the training.
The aim of the course is to equip women with the necessary skills to join the construction workforce, enhancing their capabilities in residential building. Nieweglowski noted that increasing female participation in construction could address the skills gap within the industry. “Women could be some of the better workers in any field, and construction is one that we’re lacking,” he remarked.
Curriculum and Participant Experiences
The curriculum covers a range of topics, from flooring systems and wall systems to roof systems and exterior finishing, including door and window installation as well as siding and roofing. The ultimate goal is to construct two tiny homes by the end of the course.
Among the participants is Ellyzabethe Gillies, who joined the program to enhance her existing skills. “I live out in the country and I’d like to build a house. These skills will definitely help me out,” she expressed. Gillies emphasized the importance of a barrier-free program, particularly for those without local support systems.
Kasaydia Woodcock, another participant, completed a specialist high skills major in construction during high school. She expressed her enthusiasm for the course, stating, “This is amazing. I can give back to the community and feel really good about it.” Woodcock is particularly eager to learn about roofing, an area she felt was underexplored in her previous education.
As the first cohort progresses, a second group of twelve women is scheduled to start after the initial program concludes, furthering the initiative’s reach and impact. The LiUNA Training Centre is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that encourages women to pursue careers in construction, thereby strengthening the skilled labor force.
