VANCOUVER - The provincial government is providing $100,000 to connect women with employment opportunities in the construction sector, helping to address critical skills shortages in that industry, announced Community Services Minister Ida Chong at a Vancouver conference to celebrate women in trades.

"British Columbia's strong economy continues to open up more opportunities for women interested in pursuing non-traditional careers and we're pleased to support the mentorship of women in construction, something B.C. will benefit from now and in the future," said Chong. "We've seen significant growth in the number of women working in construction - over 18,000 employed last year. I'm certain that, through the Skilled Trades Employment project, we will help encourage even more women to participate in industry training and build a career in the trades."

Through the Skilled Trades Employment Project for Women, the B. C. Construction Association (BCCA) will link participants interested in a construction career with employers. A network of women already working in construction will act as on-site volunteer mentors for women entering construction-related jobs.

"This project will provide a great opportunity for the construction industry to focus, not only on recruiting more women into construction careers, but also on giving them the support they will need to stay in it," said Manley McLachlan, president of BCCA. "Given the current construction boom and corresponding tight labour market, this couldn't have come at a better time."

"Women have an important role in helping B.C. address its labour shortages, particularly in the trades," said Economic Development Minister Colin Hansen. "I am pleased to be supporting the B.C. Construction Association in its efforts to not only recruit women in trades, but support them, once they embark on their new careers."

"Tradeswomen: A Winning Ticket!" is a conference to celebrate B.C. and Yukon Women In Trades being held at Simon Fraser University on April 20-21. The event is being sponsored by the Woodward Chair in Women's Studies at Simon Fraser University and the BC Institute of Technology, in partnership with several organizations that support women in trades.

The ministries of Community Services and Economic Development are each contributing $50,000 to the BCCA project.