EMPOWERED TO WORK OVERVIEW

HardHats – $152,000

GT Hiring Solutions Inc. runs HardHats for women entering the trades. The HardHats program:

is an introduction to the trades program targeting the construction and wholesale or retail related supply sectors;
gives participants the technical skills necessary to become employed as trades helpers/labourers and apprentices;
is offered through a 12-week course at Camosun College Interurban Campus and Discovery Community College in Duncan and Campbell River;
consists primarily of hands-on practical training; and
provides ongoing support for up to six months, including mentoring, monitoring, job replacement, supports and assistance with apprenticeship planning.

For more information, visit www.gthiringsolutions.ca or www.hardhats.ca.

Minerva Helping Women Work (Expansion) – $150,000

The Minerva Foundation for BC Women runs Minerva Helping Women Work (MHWW), a career-mentoring program for women who want to re-enter the workforce. The program:

· helps women create a solid strategy based on their wants, needs and skills; and

· prepares them for re-entry into the world of work by helping them set a target for their job search.

In addition to its five-month mentoring program, MHWW is now able to offer two series of career exploration workshops and two six-week career exploration mentoring programs for women whose schedules do not permit a longer time commitment. These programs are for:

· single mothers, women with disabilities, immigrants, Aboriginal and mature women;

· women aged 21 to 35 who have recently graduated with a post-secondary degree; and

· women aged 35 and over with no professional designation, but with many years of job experience.

Funding will also allow the MHWW program to expand its orientation, training and development resources for mentors. For more information, visit www.theminervafoundation.com.

YWCA - Connect to Success – $149,400

The YWCA of Vancouver is launching Connect to Success, a new mentorship program for 130 women living in the Lower Mainland. The program builds on the innovative and extensive employment and career assistance for which the YWCA is known. Connect for Success is for:

· women entering or re-entering the workforce, or underemployed women who are looking for more meaningful employment in a wide range of skilled/professional fields;

· women facing barriers in their pursuit of economic independence, including Aboriginal women, single mothers and new immigrants, with little or no local work experience.

The program will also publish a networking booklet as a resource for women. For more information, visit www.ywcavan.org/connecttosuccess.

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Media contact:	Dave Crebo Ministry of Community Services 250 356-6334

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.