Tuesday April 28, 2026 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Women working in the skilled trades is part of the federal government’s support for a strong economy. More announcements on that to come in the federal government’s Spring Economic Update in Ottawa today.
Despite strong demand for skilled trades workers, women remain significantly underrepresented in the sector.
The 2025 B.C. Labour Market Outlook projects around 85,000 job openings in skilled trades over the next decade, driven largely by retirements and a growing demand for housing and infrastructure. Programs like EWiT aim to close that gap by providing financial support, mentoring, networking opportunities, and employment guidance for women pursuing trades careers.
Award at Camosun:
Meanwhile, Camosun College in Saanich has announced that their Board of Governors has awarded its highest honour to The Gwyn Morgan and Patricia Trottier Foundation (based out of Calgary) in recognition of its long-standing involvement and support for women entering high-demand skilled trades careers.
The Board of Governors’ Award for Innovative College Partnerships recognizes an external individual or group that demonstrates a strong partnership with the college. The award was presented April 27 on the college’s Interurban campus.
Empowering women in trades:
“It’s been an incredible honour to be a part of the Empowering Women in Trades program, including its launch,” says Patricia Trottier.
“Hearing directly from the students, sharing in their successes and being able to offer encouragement is very meaningful. Not only are we helping address labour shortages in the trades sector, we are also empowering women to be the best they can be,” said Trottier.
The partnership between Camosun and the Foundation began in 2017. Patricia named the program Empowering Women in Trades (EWiT) to reflect its purpose: empowering, equipping and encouraging women to succeed in the trades. Patricia remains actively involved in the operation and evolution of the program, meeting regularly with staff to stay informed of student needs, daily activities and emerging challenges. The support has helped ensure the program can adapt as needs change so EWiT is responsive, effective and centred around student success.
“Empowering Women in the Trades was instrumental in helping me throughout my pipe trades training at Camosun,” says Jenny Breukelman, a dual Red Seal plumber and gas fitter. “Being from a small community meant regular travel and having to pay bills at home. Being supported by the foundation made it possible for me to concentrate on my studies and thrive at school – and now I am in the fortunate position of having my Red Seal and being able to pay it forward to other women in trades and in my community.”
Renewed for second 5-year term:
Support for EWiT was renewed for a second five-year term, and in 2025, the Foundation also provided support for the college’s Trades Sampler program, which introduces participants to a range of trades and creates a pathway into EWiT.
“The college is very grateful for the personal involvement and ongoing support of The Gwyn Morgan and Patricia Trottier Foundation,” says Lindsay Kearns, Chair of Camosun’s Board of Governors, Red Seal construction electrician and college alumna. “Patricia’s personal commitment has helped ensure Empowering Women in Trades is centered around student success and is responsive to the needs of students in the program. Thank you, Patricia, for encouraging women to pursue foundation training and apprenticeships.”
Over 1,000 women in foundation and apprenticeship programs have received support through tuition assistance, tool allowances, childcare, personal protective equipment, transportation, and other resources that helped them stay enrolled and succeed in their programs. Many students have gone on to complete a skilled trades program and earn a Red Seal certification.
The Gwyn Morgan and Patricia Trottier Foundation:
The Gwyn Morgan and Patricia Trottier Foundation has provided a total of $2.91 million to support trades education at Camosun College including $2.285 million targeted at EWiT.
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NEWS SECTIONS: CAMOSUN COLLEGE | POST-SECONDARY