A recent article by The Province’s Daphne Bramham argues that “by learning trades, women can save themselves — and maybe even the economy.”
The article and its video feature BCIT Trades Discovery Program Head Tamara Pongracz. Pongracz calls trades the final frontier for women. She and others interviewed agree it can be a challenge for women to enter an industry that is more than 95% dominated by men. But, they argue, trades careers are a smart choice for women.
“These jobs offer a pathway out of poverty in addition to simply being a well-paid career alternative for young women not interested in going to university. The fact is that tradeswomen are likely to earn more money than their sisters with bachelor’s degrees,” writes Bramham.
BCIT offers an introduction to the trades just for women, though women can enter the general Trades Discovery program if they wish. In both programs, held over 16 weeks, students explore 15 different disciplines, allowing them to discover which they like before investing in training and apprenticeship. Women have been benefiting from BCIT Trades Discovery programs for 15 years, thanks in large part to Program Head Tamara Pongracz and donors like Concert Properties CEO David Podmore.
Great job Tamara. You have made such a difference in encouraging women into the trades.
Keep up the good work
Meg Herweier
Thumbs up, Tamara! The empowered woman is powerful beyond measure and beautiful beyond description -Steve Maraboli. You recognize and set a brilliant example that women are undoubtedly the backbone of any society.
Your enthusiasm is contagious. Way to go!