The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum – Forum canadien sur l'apprentissage (CAF-FCA) invites presentation abstracts for our next Supporting Women in Trades Conference.

The 2023 SWiT Conference will bring together Canada’s tradeswomen and their allies including employers, labour representatives, government, educators, community partners and experts in diversity, equity and inclusion.  Delegates will share experiences, learn strategies, gain skills and connect with resources to bring back and implement in their workplaces.  More than 300 delegates are expected to participate over three days.

Date: June 10-12, 2023

Saturday, June 10 Welcome Reception
Sunday, June 11 Day One
Monday, June 12 Day Two
 

Location: Fairmont Hotel, Winnipeg, MB

Women are underrepresented in the skilled trades and can play a vital role in satisfying Canada’s future workforce requirements.  CAF-FCA wants to improve educational and industry experiences and create positive change for all equity-priority apprentices and tradespeople. SWiT 2023 will highlight programs that support inclusive organizational cultures, equity and the use of diverse talent. 

At SWiT 2023 we will offer a safe place for tradeswomen and their allies to come together and support each other, talk about experiences and overcome challenges. The program offers opportunities to gain practical skills for navigating barriers at work and advocate for yourself and others in the skilled trades.  Group and breakout sessions will allow delegates to learn about research-backed programs and brainstorm solutions through collaborative discussion.  Join us to connect, share advice and support the advancement of women in the trades by Building Community.

 

In 2023, SWiT will offer breakout sessions in two program streams:

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Best Practices 
Highlight initiatives that support inclusive organizational cultures, equity and the use of diverse talent.  Examples include programs featuring:

• Inclusive hiring policies
• Organizational wellness practices and benefits
• DEI frameworks
• Allyship
• Psychological safety
• Creating accountable spaces
• Inclusive benefit packages
• Unconscious Bias
• DEI training
• Employee Resource Groups
• Mentorship
• Inclusive Language

Tools 4 Change Workshop
Offer practical resources through workshops for tradeswomen on topics such as mental health and well-being, advocacy, and leadership development.  Topics for consideration will include:

• Personal and family well-being
• Self-advocacy fundamentals
• Leadership development
• Building networks
• Health and safety
• Mentorship
   

A successful submission will:

• Share insights into diversity, equity and inclusion best practices.
• Highlight innovative projects, initiatives and partnerships that stand to increase participation and advancement of women and other under-represented groups in apprenticeship and skilled trades careers
• Inspire the skilled trades community to engage in collaborative solutions to address common challenges, including skills shortages, employer engagement and the attraction, preparation and retention of women in the skilled trades

A successful submission will:

• Showcase programs that connect tradeswomen with the peers, mentors and programs to support mental health and well-being 
• Highlight initiatives that support the creation of welcoming, safe and inclusive workplaces for tradeswomen and all equity deserving individuals
• Empower delegates to partner with others and/or help them become leaders in their community by addressing barriers through a shift to solutions and supports