Tess Flewelling, Olds College HEO instructional assistant
Key government officials including Iris Evans, Alberta Minister of Finance and Enterprise, and Luke Ouellette, Minister of Transportation, were on hand near Edmonton today to help announce the launch of the very first Heavy Equipment Operator educational program designed specifically for women.
Women Building Futures (WBF) and Olds College have partnered to fill a significant employment gap in Alberta’s construction industry, with equipment and land usage donated by Sureway Construction, Brandt Tractor, Standard General and Weinrich Contracting. Representatives of those organizations, along with students, were present to witness heavy equipment being started up to ceremonially usher in this innovative new program.
There are 15 women in the first class, and in 17 weeks they will graduate with certificates from both Women Building Futures and Olds College. They will have seven safety certificates and be workplace ready with experience operating six types of heavy equipment.
“We’re excited to be providing this new opportunity for women. Partnering with Olds College is a great fit for Women Building Futures – together we are offering a program that’s destined for success,” says JudyLynn Archer, Chief Executive Officer for Women Building Futures. “Alberta employers will benefit from this program as well. I’ve been told by other organizations supporting this program that women are easier on equipment and the equipment is in better care when they have a woman operator.”
“This program typifies one of Olds College’s greatest strengths,” says Dr. Tom Thompson, President of Olds College. “We have a long history of working with industry, determining their employment needs and crafting educational programs that address that gap. Our new women-specific Heavy Equipment Operators Program is an excellent example of what such partnerships can yield.”
“Heavy equipment operators play a vital role in our economy,” said Iris Evans, Minister of Finance and Enterprise. “The Alberta government alone is investing $23 billion in infrastructure over the next three years, and skilled trades people like the women in this program are needed to bring that investment to life.”
“Alberta needs skilled workers to build and maintain our highway network,” said Luke Ouellette, Minister of Transportation. “The Heavy Equipment Operator Program for Women at Olds College is an exciting new program that provides students with an opportunity to learn these skills and help build the infrastructure that will support Alberta’s future.”
Since 1998, Women Building Futures has been helping women who are serious about pursuing careers in the construction industry. WBF graduates enter the workplace with realistic expectations and a toolkit of essential safety training, theory, hands-on practice and workplace conditioning that ensures they are job-ready on day one. The Women Building Futures Petro-Canada Training Centre features classrooms and workshops plus the housing facility offers 42 affordable housing units.
- For more information on Women Building Futures visit www.womenbuildingfutures.com
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