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Women Building Futures

A Trusted Voice for Women

Women Building Futures is valued for its expertise and thought leadership and is a trusted voice in the media about women in the construction and maintenance industry. Take a moment to read our most recent media articles and partnership announcements here.




  • Women Building Futures Welcomes Carol Moen as President

    by Women Building Futures | Dec 16, 2019

    Carol Moen WBF President
    Women Building Futures is pleased to announce the newest member of their team, Carol Moen, P. Eng.,  as President. Carol brings an impressive background with both her previous leadership roles with DOW Chemical and Registrar with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA).

    Her 26 years of experience at DOW encompassed a variety of leadership positions including Associate Director, Responsible Care and Regulatory Affairs and Production Leader, Energy Systems and Environmental Operations.  As Registrar she held responsibility for APEGA's regulatory organization, policy and associated processes as well as leadership for the administration and oversight of The Engineering and Geoscience Professions (EGP) Act.  Carol also recently served the Government of Alberta on the Energy Diversification Advisory Committee which provided critical insight on opportunities for increasing the value of Alberta’s resources and ultimately creating more energy related Alberta jobs.  

    “I am privileged to provide leadership to Women Building Futures. An organization that is positively impacting the lives of so many women and communities, and while doing that enhancing the diversity of Canadian industry. I have always celebrated diversity and have seen firsthand the very positive impact of it in any organization or community” shares Moen. “I am committed to making the organization even better and while doing that developing a culture of respect and trust. I look forward to working with the team at Women Building Futures, their community partners and stakeholders to further support economic prosperity and opportunity for women.”

    As President, Moen will work with the Women Building Futures Board to set the strategic direction for the organization and then carry accountability for execution and oversight of the plan ultimately ensuring all strategic priorities are met.   Moen will also guide the current plans for the organization’s growth and regional expansion. 

    Please join us in welcoming Carol Moen.

    - Amanda Rosychuk, Board Chair Women Building Futures

  • "Program for women entering skilled trades receives $10M from province"

    by CTV Edmonton | Sep 25, 2019

    On Thursday September 18, the Government of Alberta announced $10 million over four years to Women Building Futures.

    The funding will allow the non-profit organization to expand its programming and ensure women are empowered to pursue careers in industries where they are traditionally under-represented.

    Nearly 20,000 skilled trade workers will retire over the next five years creating plenty of opportunities for newly trained graduates, the government said.

    Kathy Kimpton, the president of Women Building Futures, is confident this additional money will help more women train to fill these jobs.

    “Thousands of women will be impacted by this from an awareness stage all the way through to the point where they’re in the seat, taking our training and they go get these high paying jobs.”

    Read the full article here.

  • "Inter Pipeline and Women Building Futures Announce New Partnership"

    by Inter Pipeline News | Sep 04, 2019

    WBF & IPL Partnership

    "Women are generally underrepresented in construction and operations in our industry", said Christian Bayle, President and Chief Executive Officer of Inter Pipeline. "This partnership is a great opportunity to help address this by assisting women to enter the trades and unlock rewarding careers. It also aligns with Inter Pipeline's commitment to diversity and inclusion and helping to create a supportive environment for people to succeed in their chosen trade."

    Read the full article here. 
  • "Graham partnership assists women with construction careers"

    by Journal of Commerce by Construct Connect | Aug 01, 2019
    "Women Building Futures (WBF) and Graham Construction have started a three-year project to help women enter the construction industry.

    The partnership begins with the WBF’s Journeywoman Start program, a 17-week multi-trade readiness program that provides students with skills training, safety certification, workplace culture awareness, fitness, financial literacy and academics to prepare them for a job site. Once they’ve graduated from this program and with the support of a WBF Alumni Advisor the graduates earn referrals to WBF industry partners in preparation for their apprenticeships."

    Read the full article here. 

  • " SPONSORED BY LNG CANADA LNG Canada launches unique program to double percentage of women working in skilled trades"

    by Vancouver Sun | Aug 01, 2019
    "The exclusive training provider for the Your Place program is Women Building Futures (WBF), a non-profit organization that delivers customized training for skilled trades. All training will take place at Kitimat Valley Institute (KVI), which increases accessibility to training for Indigenous women and women in northern B.C. The location also introduces participants from other parts of the province to the realities of a fly-in worksite.

    'LNG Canada has made an extraordinary effort to help women to succeed in the trades,” says Jacqueline Andersen, director of stakeholder relations with WBF. “They’ve made it clear that women are both wanted and needed on this project and that if they’re willing to work hard, they will provide them with the encouragement and resources they need to start. Our job is to train women to the pre-apprenticeship stage and provide hands-on skills training. But we also help to develop the skills women need to be confident and successful walking onto the construction job site. That includes safety training and developing the type of attitude and perseverance that will help them to succeed.'

    Read the full article here.

  • "PSAC launches new scholarship program with Women Building Futures"

    by JWN Energy | Aug 01, 2019
    "The Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC) is using money raised at its annual Working Energy Golf Classic to fund a new three-year scholarship partnership with Women Building Futures. PSAC says that over the course of three years, an $18,000 contribution will be made from PSAC’s Education Fund to WBF’s Student Awards Program.

    This is expected to support 3 to 12 women in their career journey annually.

    The WBF Student Awards Program works to remove barriers faced by students and applicants by supporting the cost of living expenses, books, safety gear and tools."

    Read the full article here.

  • "LNG Canada training initiative aims to recruit women to work on Kitimat, B.C. megaproject"

    by On-site Magazine | Aug 01, 2019
    "All parties will work together on implementing the new recruitment and training initiative. Meanwhile, non-profit Women Building Futures will take the lead on developing and delivering the training.

    The four-week “Your Place” course for new recruits is open to B.C. women 18 and over from any working background. LNG Canada will pick up the cost of tuition, safety gear and airfare for those flying into Kitimat from elsewhere in the province. Women who have gone through training will be guaranteed entry-level jobs on the construction project, which is expected to require a total workforce of about 7,500 at peak."

    Read the full article here.

  • "Building a future for women in the community"

    by Stony Plain Reporter | Aug 01, 2019

    "Women Building Futures is paving the way to a better life for local residents.

    WBF is a social purpose organization with the mission of economic prosperity and ending the cycle of poverty for women. They educate and train women through a number of skilled trades programs to get them ready for the workforce.

    Megan Bates, manager of industry relations for the organization brought their annual report to the City of Spruce Grove Council meeting on Tuesday.

    “We know that women in Canada are still making around $36,000 a year working full time hours. We have a lot of work to do there and a lot of it is just getting women into better paying work,” said Bates."

    Read the full article here.

  • ECA Member Milestones-Breaking Ground Magazine

    by Edmonton Construction Association | Dec 20, 2018

    In early October, Women Building Futures hosted their first Trade Perspectives Work Proud Summit, a two-day conference focused on how to create and sustain a more diverse and inclusive workforce in the construction and trades industry.

    A common thread of the conference was the difference between inclusivity and diversity. The two terms are often thought of as a pair, but are not often considered for their individual meaning.

    “Diversity is being invited to the party, inclusion is being asked to dance,” said Regina Davis, supply and technical services manager with Imperial, in one breakout session.

    Click here to read more.

  • Building your future workforce – Truck News

    by Angela Splinter | Oct 31, 2018

    In this article, Angela Splinter of Trucking HR highlights WBF as she shares the importance of diverse recruiting and programming for the trucking industry. “If you’re committed to hiring more women, particularly as drivers, I want to highlight a program called Women Building Futures (WBF). Those who have attended our Women with Drive Leadership summits are likely familiar with WBF, but for those who have not, let’s take a closer look.”

    Click here to read more

  • Training Local Women for Local Work – Your McMurray Magazine

    by Your McMurray Magazine | Oct 23, 2018

    Check out this feature in Your McMurray Magazine to get a glimpse into our first regional office in the Regional Municipality of Woof Buffalo (RMWB).

    “Over the last 20 years, WBF has offered training and services through their Training Centre located in downtown Edmonton. WBF is now engaging with local women and organizations right here in the RMWB to make sure we have the workforce needed now and in the future.”

    Click here to read more.

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  • WHAT NOW? Blueprints for work-based learning – Canada West Foundation

    by Janet Lane | Oct 22, 2018

    This article by Canada West Foundation outlines the importance of skills focused programs as training for various groups underrepresented in the workforce. Women Building Futures, along with two other organizations are mentioned as examples.

    “WBF provides wraparound supports, including housing, to women who are unemployed or underemployed and offers pre-apprenticeship and equipment operator training for good quality careers in sectors that haven’t traditionally employed a lot of women.”

    Click here to read more.

  • More needs to be done to attract women to industry, says WBF Work Proud Summit Panel – Truck News

    by Truck News | Oct 11, 2018

    EDMONTON, Alta. – Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA) president Chris Nash believes companies that do not embrace diversity and inclusiveness will soon struggle to find talent.

    “Diversity will bring more ideas and progression,” Nash said during the Women Building Futures Work Proud Summit in Edmonton Oct. 3. “Going forward, it will be less appealing to work for a company that is not diverse.”

    Click here to read more

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  • You got this! - Western Economic Diversification Canada

    by Western Economic Diversification Canada | Sep 10, 2018
    The pursuit of inclusive participation in the economy requires a change in perspectives and a change in traditional ways of thinking. This belief prompted a small group of women to set up Women Building Futures (WBF) in 1998.

    WBF's goal is to prepare women for careers in industries in which, historically, they have been under-represented. Through skilled trades training and mentorship, WBF works with industry to create programs and career opportunities to help women achieve financial security that can transform their futures.

    Click here to read the full article. 

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  • Training Local Women for Local Work - RoadRunner Magazine

    by Angela Smith | Sep 10, 2018
    Reanne Adobas, a lifelong resident of the Town of Stony Plain, Alberta, knew she wanted a career that would allow her to work in her community. When she heard about the Women Building Futures Operator Readiness Program, with Stony Plain as a sponsor, she decided to apply and was accepted into the program. After four weeks of hard work, she graduated and was hired into a temporary position with the town’s Public Works Department. She then took a permanent position as a Facility Operator.

    Click here to read all about Reanne's success story. 
  • Building Solutions, Creating Economic Freedom-BuildForce Magazine

    by Angela Smith | Sep 04, 2018
    With a forecasted loss of close to 250,000 skilled workers over the next decade, employers in industry are looking for impactful, meaningful ways to attract and retain new talent.

    Click here to read how WBF believes women are Canada's largest untapped labour resource.
  • Goodfish Lake Partners with Women Building Futures - St. Paul Journal

    by CLARE GAUVREAU | Jul 30, 2018
    Whitefish Lake First Nation created a unique opportunity for indigenous women in the area recently when it provided a construction skills training program at Goodfish Lake last month. Program partners believe the success of this initial program has laid the all important groundwork to expand employment training on the reserve.

    Click here to read the full article.

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  • A Brighter Future - WBF Professional Class 1 Driver - Truck West

    by Derek Clouthier | Jul 05, 2018
    It didn’t take long for the second graduating class of Women Building Futures’ (WBF) Professional Class 1 Driver program to get noticed. In fact, within one week of completing the course, all 10 students were hired into the industry. 

    Click here to read the full article.

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  • Wilson loves walking the sky and wants to go higher - Journal of Commerce

    by Lizette Ortegon Rico | Jun 11, 2018
    Cara Wilson became an ironworker thanks to an initiative created by Women Building Futures with Ironworkers Apprenticeship and Training Plan (Local 720 in Edmonton) and the North West Redwater refinery project. Wilson says she knew the ironworker trade was for her after learning more about it and completing a four-week ironworker readiness class.

    Click here to learn more about her journey. 

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  • EcoCity Edmonton Community Sustainability Grant funded our first Electrical and Solar Basics Program

    by Lizette Ortegon Rico | Jun 08, 2018

    We’re pleased to announce that we are recent recipients of the EcoCity Edmonton Community Sustainability Grant.  A big thank you to the City of Edmonton, Alberta Ecotrust Foundation and Edmonton Community Foundation for providing this grant.

    Your support made it possible for us to train women in our first Electrical and Solar Basics Program and graduate 10 women to open the doors to a new future in solar energy.

    Click here to read to full news release.

    DSC_0820esbGrads
  • Trades are a positive career option for women - Alberta Native news

    by Lizette Ortegon Rico | Apr 03, 2018
    The "You Got This" National Awareness Campaign has accomplished much more than awareness that the trades can be a first choice career for women. Conversations are changing, women are realizing their full potential and the industry is taking notice.

    To read the full article, click here.

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  • Unharnessed Power - HPAC Magazine

    by Lizette Ortegon Rico | Mar 09, 2018
    During her time at WBF, graduate Chrissy Bell was one of three women in the organization’s Indigenous training program. She has worked for Edmonton, AB-based HVAC and plumbing company Ram Mechanical for three years.

    To read Chrissy's whole story, click here.


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  • WBF elated with federal budget gender equality focus - Journal of Commerce

    by Lizette Ortegon Rico | Mar 09, 2018
    “It is definitely a win-win for everyone,” said Kathy Kimpton. “When you make those kinds of commitments through a budget, what you’re doing is making a commitment about change and about economic prosperity for women…their families, their communities and the economy overall.” - Kathy Kimpton, President & CEO of Women Building Futures. 

    To read the full article, click here.

    JoC
  • She's Got This! - The Well Endowed Podcast

    by Lizette Ortegon Rico | Mar 01, 2018
    JudyLynn Archer, founding President & CEO of WBF, and Kathy Kimpton, current President & CEO of WBF, were guest speakers on The Well Endowed Podcast.

    Learn how Women Building Futures has grown from a grassroots group, to an incredible organization that is changing the face of Alberta’s construction industry and empowering women. 

    Click here to hear the podcast.

    Well Endowed
  • True Grit - Edmonton Community Foundation Blog

    by Lizette Ortegon Rico | Mar 01, 2018

    A new endowment fund is JudyLynn Archer’s latest contribution to her life’s passion – Women Building Futures

    If you want something, it’s up to you to make it happen.”

    For 13 years, that philosophy shaped JudyLynn Archer’s vision as CEO and president of Women Building Futures (WBF), an organization dedicated to helping women find employment in careers where women are under-represented. It is also at the heart of the JudyLynn Archer Endowment Fund that she created at Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) upon her retirement at the end of 2016, which will help cover tuition and housing costs in perpetuity for students in need. If women are provided with the tools to succeed, she believes, they will make it happen.

    Click here to read the full blog.


    JudyLynnArcher-SM

    Photography by Cooper & O’Hara.

  • WBF featured on The Ryan Jespersen Show

    by Lizette Ortegon Rico | Feb 06, 2018

    On February 5, 2018 WBF was on the air with Ryan Jesperson on 630 CHED talking all things WBF! Kathy Kimpton, President and CEO was joined by Tyler Gabert, GM of Willowridge Construction and Cara Wilson, WBF Alumni and Ironworker Apprentice with Local720. The conversation was lively and we talked about our YOU GOT THIS campaign, why we need to talk about a skilled trade as a first option career opportunity for women. Cara shared her empowering story about succeeding as an Ironworker and Tyler spoke about how industry is embracing women as skilled workers on job sites and why this is a good business decision.

    To hear the full interview, click here. 

    ryan jesperson
  • Women in Trades Night in Calgary

    by Lizette Ortegon Rico | Feb 06, 2018

    Join us in Calgary for the Women in Trades night. Enjoy discounted tickets and premium sitting as the Calgary Roughnecks take on the Colorado Mammoths.

    We're honoured to have been chosen to be the recipient of ticket sales for this game as $5 from every ticket will go to the WBF Student Awards Program.

    Get your tickets here.

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  • ‘You Got This’ campaign encourages women pursuing careers in trades-Global TV

    by Lizette Ortegon Rico | Feb 05, 2018
    “We’ve got a lot of work to do,” said Jacqueline Andersen, the director of stakeholder relations with the non-profit society. “Women are between four and six per cent of the field-level trades professions. And so, this conversation needs to continue, we need our partners to continue it, we need everyone to share it and we want this conversation to not stop and to be impactful.”

    To see the full article click here.

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  • Empowering Women to Pursue a Career in the Trades - Alberta Prime Time CTV

    by Lizette Ortegon Rico | Jan 31, 2018

    Hoping to change the perception of how the trades industry is often represented, a campaign called “You Got This” is empowering women to pursue a career in the trades.

    Ever since the not-for-profit organization, “Women Building Futures” launched the campaign in the fall, applications have drastically increased by 300 per cent with more women applying for the non-traditional workforce.

    Along with the efforts of the team behind the campaign is their success in meaningfully promoting this initiative, as well as provide opportunities into Indigenous audiences.

    See the full segment here

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  • WBF featured on News Talk 770 with Danielle Smith

    by Lizette Ortegon Rico | Nov 27, 2017
    Women Building Futures are encouraging women to enter the trades. At around 5 percent of field-level trades professions, WBF is hoping a new ad campaign entitled 'You Got This' will help change minds about women in trades. Jacqueline Andersen of Women Building Futures joins Danielle Smith to discuss why women should get into trades.

    To hear the full interview, click here.

    Radio Interview
  • The First Professional Class 1 Driver Program Graduates

    by Lizette Ortegon Rico | Nov 10, 2017
     If being perfect is the measure of success, Women Building Futures’ (WBF) can hold its head high after a 100% graduation rate from its inaugural Class 1 driving program.

    Coming from various employment backgrounds, many from what would be described as non-traditional female occupations, a recurring theme among the group of graduates was a desire to be on the road and do a job they would be proud of.

    To read the full article, click here.

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  • Building the Future

    by Lizette Ortegon Rico | Oct 11, 2017
    Mass retirements and an upturn in work will create workforce challenges, but opportunities abound if industry can engage the next generation from all potential sources of labour. 

    The Canadian construction industry is forecast to lose almost 20 percent of its workforce – close to 250,000 workers to retirement – over the next decade, while estimates based on historical data predict the potential for 216,000 new workers to enter the industry during this same period. This imbalance is sure to create a substantial deficit in the workforce, especially if there’s an upturn in the overall volume of work. So, what’s the industry to do?

    To read the full article, click here.

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  • Women Building Futures and Enbridge partner to train women for careers as field operators!

    by Lizette Ortegon Rico | Aug 17, 2017
    Women Building Futures (WBF) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Enbridge to train and prepare women for careers in the pipeline operations or construction industries. These careers offer women endless opportunities for training and advancement, an outcome that WBF and Enbridge fully support.

    To read the full press release, click here

    To learn more about the program and how to apply, click here.

    Enbridge Email
  • WBF’s Class 1 Driver Program gives women the tools to be successful in the industry.

    by Lizette Ortegon Rico | Jul 26, 2017
    In an effort to leverage one of the most significantly untapped sources to help alleviate the impending driver shortage, Women Building Futures (WBF) is offering women a chance to take its Professional Class 1 Driver Program.

    Click here to read the full article. 

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    Interested in taking our Professional Class 1 Program? Click here for program details and how to apply. 
  • On-Ramps to Industry: Programs increasing diversity in Alberta’s construction industry

    by Lizette Ortegon Rico | Jul 21, 2017

    Edmonton Construction Association Magazine, Summer 2017 - The construction workforce is aging, and some educational organizations such as Women Building Futures say that to mitigate attrition, industry needs to look to under-represented demographics to take their places.

    To read the full article, click here.

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  • Status of Women Announces Funding for Women Building Futures

    by Lizette Ortegon Rico | Jul 19, 2017
    Women Building Futures is receiving $384,000 for a three-year project to support the hiring and retention of Indigenous women in the construction, maintenance, and oil and gas sectors. To learn more, click here.

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    Representatives from WinSETT and WBF with Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women at the announcement on July 19, 2017 at WBF.
  • WBF to train Indigenous Women for work on Trans Mountain pipeline

    by Lizette Ortegon Rico | Jun 26, 2017
    Vechical_Mechanical_Occupation

    A dozen Indigenous women from central Alberta are about to begin a course that could land them jobs in the construction of the multi-billion dollar Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project. To read the full article, click here.
  • BuildForce Aims to Retain Tradeswomen

    by Lizette Ortegon Rico | Jun 15, 2017
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    While there have been various efforts to attract women into the skilled trades, BuildForce Canada is trying to tackle the task of retaining them once they make the decision to join. To read the full article, click here.
  • WBF Opens a New Branch in Fort McMurray

    by Lizette Ortegon Rico | Jun 15, 2017

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    With the recent introduction of a new pilot project in Fort McMurray, Alta. Women Building Futures (WBF) has taken its initial step toward expansion beyond its long-time Edmonton home base. Click here to read the full article.

  • May 24th, 2017 - Women Building Futures announces Family of Endowed Funds

    by User Not Found | Jun 01, 2017

    Women Building Futures (WBF) is pleased to announce the establishment of the WBF Family of Endowed Funds, the first in the organization’s history. The new endowment fund will support WBF in its mission to create positive economic change for women wishing to explore, pursue and/or advance in trade careers.

    Click here to read the full Media Release


    Quick Facts

    • JudyLynn Archer kick-starts WBF Family of Endowed Funds with a personal donation of $100,000.

    • North West Refining and Canadian Natural Resources Limited immediately step up to contribute $100,000 each to the new JudyLynn Archer Endowment Fund.

    • The fund will remain open for future contributions from industry and beyond.

    • The video of the announcement can be seen on YouTube click here to watch.

    • Women Building Futures empowers women to become economically prosperous in careers in trades and occupations where women are under-represented.

    • Women Building Futures operates the WBF Training and Housing Centre, the first of its kind in Canada.

    • Women Building Futures partners with over 300 employers to create diverse, innovative and productive workforces with qualified working women.

    • WBF grads experience an average of 132% increase in their income after completing a WBF program.

    • Women are 50.7% of the workforce, but only 4-6% of the construction workforce in Canada. Of WBF grads…

        • 92% find work in their field.
        • 83% are registered as apprentices in their first year.
        • 34% are Indigenous women.

    Click here to read the full Media Release
  • April 10th, 2017 - New Partnership Announcement

    by Christina Dickie | Apr 10, 2017
    Women Building Futures continues to grow with new Professional Class 1 Driver program sponsors!

    Quick Facts
    • Canada is undergoing a professional driver shortage
    • Only three percent of professional drivers in Canada are women
    • Women are interested and they can do the job

    Edmonton, AB – Over 300 employers choose Women Building Futures (WBF) to help recruit and train women for the transportation, construction, and maintenance industries. In fact, many WBF programs are entirely driven and funded by industry partners. Each year, WBF has been able to add new programs and capacities on the basis of the generous support of industry leaders who want to see their sectors evolve....

    Read full announcement here!
  • March 6, 2017 - CBC News

    by System | Mar 06, 2017
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    Jacqueline Andersen, Acting Industry Relations Director of WBF said she was excited by the government's announcement Monday to invest $1 million to help train apprentices who've found themselves out of work in Alberta's lacklustre economy.. Click here to read the full article.
  • March 1, 2017 - Canadian Occupational Safety Magazine

    by System | Mar 01, 2017
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    WBF staffers, Journeyman welder (Amy Charette) and Journeyman carpenter (Chris Roddelt) discuss the changes in PPE for women in the trades over the years.. Click here to read the full article.
  • February 28, 2017 - Piling Canada Magazine

    by System | Feb 28, 2017
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    Women Building Futures (WBF) and BuildForce speak on bridging the gap in order to attract more women into the trades. To read the full article, Click here.
  • February 27, 2017 - Calgary Sun

    by System | Feb 27, 2017
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    The Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA) and Women Building Futures (WBF) have entered into a partnership to ensure a safer, more productive workplace for women working in the construction industry. Click here to read the full article.
  • February 17, 2017 – Edmonton & Calgary Sun

    by System | Feb 17, 2017
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    Women Building Futures focuses on driving change with new Class 1 Driver program. Read the full article.
  • February 9, 2017

    by System | Feb 09, 2017
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    Women Building Futures (WBF) and the Trans Mountain Expansion Project recently entered into a new partnership to recruit, assess and train Indigenous women for safe and productive entry into the pipeline construction field.
  • February 8, 2017 - CBC

    by System | Feb 08, 2017
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    Why women are expected to play a bigger role in the field in the coming years. Listen to the report here
  • February 8, 2017 - Global News

    by System | Feb 08, 2017
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    A partnership was announced Wednesday morning at a gathering of Alberta’s construction leaders that aims to make construction sites safer for women. Click here to read the full article.
  • February 6, 2017

    by System | Feb 06, 2017
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    WBF and ACSA Partnership promotes a safer and more productive workplace for women. To learn more, click here.
  • January 12, 2017 - What comes to mind when you think of women in trades?

    by System | Jan 12, 2017
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    Women Building Futures (WBF) wants it to be equal. Equally capable, equally needed, and one day, equally represented #itsherturn. To learn more about this initiative, click here.
  • January 7, 2016 - Edmonton AB

    by System | Jan 07, 2017
    Women Building Futures (WBF) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Borger Group, Lehigh Hanson and O’Hanlon Paving (The Fath Group) to train women as entry-level operators with potential employment opportunities with their companies. WBF, along with the sponsoring companies have identified bulldozer operators and front-end loader operators as occupations in demand, designing a program to gear students and their potential employer for success. Click here to read the Press Release. 


  • News in 2016

    by System | Mar 31, 2016

    December 8, 2016 - JudyLynn Archer, President and CEO of Women Building Futures, teams up with Rosemary Sparks, Executive Director of BuildForce Canada, to discuss the impact women can have on the trades. To read the full article click here: http://www.careersandeducation.ca/industry-insight/qampa-women-building-futures.

    November 24, 2016 - “With as many as a quarter of a million construction workers retiring this decade, construction companies want and need women to help fill that skills vacuum" - Wise words from Darrel Reid of PCA. To read the full article, click here: http://www.pcac.ca/…/construction-companies-step-up-effort…/

    November 7, 2016 - BuildForce Canada and Women Building Futures (WBF) are collaborating to encourage more women to pursue careers in construction, Daily Commercial News. Click here to read the article.

    October 27, 2016 – WBF launches Vision 2025 at Women Building Extraordinary Futures Industry event. Check out some major milestones in WBF’s history and our vision for the future. Click here to view the timeline.

    October 26, 2016 - New BuildForce‒Women Building Futures Partnership Aims to Attract More Women to Construction. Click here to read the full press release

    September 19, 2016 – Job Creation Partnership Trains and Employs Women in Trades. New Class Of Graduates Joins The Sturgeon Refinery Workforce Thanks To Women Building Futures, North West Redwater Partnership And The Alberta Carpenters Training Centre. Click here to read the press release.

    September 22, 2016 – Women Building Futures Carpenter/Scaffolder graduates begin work at the North West Redwater Partnership’s Sturgeon Refinery. Read Article

    September 16, 2016 - The United Brotherhood of Carpenters, one of North America’s largest builder-trade unions, congratulated WBF’s first graduating class of Carpenter/Scaffolders. The union’s Sisters in the Brotherhood from the Alberta region announced the new alumni on their website. Read More

    August 18, 2016 - Women Building Futures has been included in a Journal of Commerce article  along with NWR and the Ironworkers Local 720, about how WBF and the union have trained 11 female Ironworkers to work at the North West Redwater Refinery. Click here to read the full article. 

    June 13, 2016 - Women Building Futures has been included in a Huffington Post article along with LIFT Philanthropy, about how women in the trades could close the labour shortage in Canada. Click here to read the full article. 

    May 19, 2016 - Women Building Futures' first class from the Ironworker Readiness Program graduated in May. All 11 women were recruited to join NWR Refinery as apprentice ironworkers. At the graduation, some of these successful grads shared their stories with news crews.
    Read in The Edmonton Journal • Watch on Global Television • Read Press Release

    February 26, 2016 - Edmonton AB — Women Building Futures (WBF), Alberta’s premier trades training organization for women, is pleased to welcome TransCanada as a new partner in the WBF Opportunities for Women in Construction Awareness Campaign (OFWIC). WBF has been running the OFWIC campaign since 2007, the only sustained awareness program of its kind in Western Canada. Click here to read the press release. 

    February 18, 2016 - Edmonton AB—Women Building Futures (WBF), Alberta’s premier trades training organization for women, is pleased to announce a new partnership with the North West Redwater Partnership (NWR) and the Alberta Carpenters Training Fund to train women to become carpenters and scaffolders. Click here to read the press release. 

    February 11, 2016 - Edmonton AB—Women Building Futures is pleased to announce a new partnership with KBR Wabi, a CLAC affiliate. Click here to read the Press Release. 

    January 21, 2016 – Students from JWS 68 visit the Sturgeon Refinery for a site tour. Check it out here: https://nwrsturgeonrefinery.com/news/wbf-journeywoman-class-at-nwr-sturgeon-refinery/

    January 21, 2016. Mammoet Canada Western is a proud sponsor of  WBF programs. Mammoet and WBF have enjoyed a relationship that has carried on for 8 years and one that has allowed Mammoet and WBF program graduates the opportunity to work together. Read the full article here:http://www.mammoet.com/en/news/about-women-building-futures/  Mammoet Canada Western and the Government of Alberta team up to create a new video featuring WBF. View the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUZy5QZVP7U

    January 21, 2016 - Women Building Futures and NorQuest College partner to deliver new Academic Readiness training to women. Click here to read the Press Release
     
    January 7, 2016 - Edmonton AB—Women Building Futures (WBF) is pleased to announce a new partnership with Borger Group, Lehigh Hanson and O’Hanlon Paving (The Fath Group) to train women as entry-level operators with potential employment opportunities with their companies. WBF, along with the sponsoring companies have identified bulldozer operators and front-end loader operators as occupations in demand, designing a program to gear students and their potential employer for success. Click here to read the Press Release.

  • News in 2015

    by System | Mar 31, 2015

    December 8, 2015 - Edmonton AB - Women Building Futures is pleased to announce the appointment of JudyLynn Archer, President and CEO of Women Building Futures to the NAIT Board of Governors. Click here to read the Press Release. 

    November 2, 2015 - Edmonton AB—Women Building Futures (WBF), Alberta’s premier trades training organization for women, is pleased to announce a new partnership with the North West Redwater Partnership (NWR) and the Alberta Ironworkers Apprenticeship and Training Plan (Local 720). Click here to read the Press Release. 

    September 21, 2015 - Construction Business Magazine - Transforming the face of the industry - Increased demand for skilled workers means rewarding, well-paying career opportunities. Women Building Futures (WBF) is committed to helping women get the training and get the work. And the work is definitely there. It is estimated that 40 per cent of the tradespeople currently working in Canada will retire over the next decade. And that means plenty of great career opportunities available for women in construction. To read the full story, please click here

    September 17, 2015 - Ledcor Lends Heavy Equipment Valued at Over $25,000 to Women Building Futures - Vancouver, BC--(Marketwired - September 15, 2015) - The Ledcor Group of Companies is proud to support Women Building Futures (WBF) and their Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) program by loaning over $25,000 worth of heavy equipment. Ledcor joins other well-known and respected companies and organizations such as Imperial, Suncor, Emeco, Mammoet, SureHire, Lehigh Hanson, Finning and ARHCA in supporting the WBF HEO program by providing them with access to services and resources.To read the full story, please click here. 

    September 16, 2015 - Crane and Hoist Canada. An article featuring our graduate,Perri Arnold, who has been interviewed about her position as a crane operator at Mammoet Canada. Mammoet has been a strong supporter of ours, and have hired a number of our grads over the years. We're proud to have them as our partner.To read the full article click here. 

    August 12, 2015 - Edmonton, Alberta. SureHire renews agreement with Women Building Futures!  SureHire has been a huge success for Women Building Futures with the professional testing they've done for our programs and the help that they have provided with our assessment process. To read the full story on the renewal agreement and how they help us click here. 

    August 12, 2015 - Edmonton, Alberta. Ledcor has written a story about our partnership. They have been big supporters of Women Building Futures and have loaned $25,000 dollars worth of heavy equipment to support our Heavy Equipment Operator program. Click here to read the full story. 

    July 27, 2015 - Edmonton, Alberta. Canadian Natural and Northern Gateway Pipelines partner with WBF to help women overcome barriers to success. This partnership will give WBF the ability to go to Aboriginal communities and teach math programs that were previously only available in Edmonton.To read the full story of the partnership and the programs that will be offered click here.

    July 23, 2015 - Edmonton, Alberta. The federal government is expanding training and skills development opportunities for women by investing more than two million dollars in the Women Building Futures Heavy Equipment Operator Program. To read the full article by the Journal of Commerce click here. 

    July 7, 2015 – Edmonton, Alberta – Today, the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced an investment of $2,097,375 to expand the Women Building Futures’ (WBF) Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) Program. Today’s investment will allow WBF to acquire assets that promote the long-term sustainability and delivery of their HEO training program for students. Additionally, federal funding will secure simulator equipment that supports HEO training at WBF. Click here for details.

    July 2015 – Edmonton, Alberta. Watch the recently released video by the Government of Alberta of a WBF grad crane operator working at Mammoet. What a great partnership between WBF, industry and government. Click here to view.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Je9lVfEHIk

    June 2015– CLAC Magazine. Building Careers. An article featuring WBF and interviews with two of our grads, Karen Mohr and Shannon Godlien, both Journeymen working for CLAC companies. CLAC is the primary sponsor of the WBF Opportunities for Women in Construction Awareness Campaign, a program to inform women of the career opportunities available to them in the construction trades. Click here to read the story.

    May 8, 2015 - Fillmore Construction joins growing number of companies to partner with Women Building Futures to sponsor women with new construction program! Click here to read more!

    May 8, 2015-  Women Building Futures partners with Expocrete, for a new construction program! Click here to read more!

    April 30, 2015 -  Graham Brothers enters second partnership with Women Building Futures to sponsor women into new Construction Program. Click here to read more.

    April 7, 2015 - Women Building Futures offers PCA members the opportunity to become a WBF Employer of Choice. Click here to read more. Click here to learn more about PCA.

    March 27, 2015 -  The Red Deer Advocate has written a special feature on Women Building Futures,Click here to read the story. 

    March 26, 2015 Joanne Stepney, Women Building Futures academics teacher wins the Breakfast Television Golden Apple Award!Click here to watch 
     
    March 2015 - Women Building Futures and Imperial welcomes the next class of haul truck operators. Click here to read more.
    March 2015 Pembina partners with Women Building Futures to create a unique training opportunity for aboriginal women.Click here to read more.

    March 2015 - Women Building Futures partners with AECOM to recruit and train women for their workforce.Click here to read more.

    March 2015 - Toronto, Ontario – JudyLynn Archer, president and CEO of Women Building Futures speaks at the first Women in Drive Leadership Summit. Click here to read more.

    February 2015 - Women Building Futures offers new training opportunities for women. Alberta Native News. Click here to read more.

    February 2015 - WBF partners with O’Hanlon Paving to recruit, assess and train women for potential employment with O’Hanlon Paving in Edmonton. Click here to read more.

    February 2015 - Graham Brothers partners with WBF to recruit and train more women for their workforce. Click here to read more.

    February 2015 - WBF announces a new partnership with Standard General Inc. to recruit and train women as Class 3 Drivers for Standard General’s workforce. Click here to read more.

    January 2015 - EN / FR - The Federal Government, Alberta Government, Imperial Oil Foundation, CLAC, and Shell Canada announce their  support of WBF for a new online project called #4ME to reach any woman, anywhere who is interested in a career in the trades. Click to read in English or French.

  • News in 2014

    by System | Mar 31, 2014

    December 2014 Oilweek Magazine. Connecting With Communities. Read about how companies like Imperial Oil are partnering with programs such as Women Building Futures. Click to read more

    October 2014 - Women in Heavy Construction. An article featuring WBF, our President & CEO, JudyLynn Archer, and an interview with Angela Carter, one of our HEO grads. Piling Canada Magazine. Click to read more. 

    October 9, 2014 - Canada-Alberta Job Grant now accepting employer applications. Women Building Futures ready to work with employers to provide training. Click to read more. 

    October 2, 2014 - Women Building Futures celebrates third year of recruiting and training haul truck operators for Imperial's Kearl oil sands. Click to read more. 

    September 18, 2014 - WBF Electrical Graduates are ready for hire. Click to read more. 

    August 8, 2014 - LIFT Philanthropy Partners makes multi-year commitment to Women Building Futures. Click to read more.  August 2014 - WOMEN IN THE TRADES. Coming soon to a construction site near you. Check out the article with WBF and NAIT in the August issue of Edmonton New Home and Condo Living Magazine. Click to read more. 

    June 20, 2014 A different path. First Nations student finds Women Building Futures a perfect fit. Aboriginal Alberta, The Edmonton Sun. Click to read more.

    June 13, 2014 - Female workforce in the trades “untapped and underemployed”. An interview with JudyLynn Archer, president & CEO of Women Building Futures. By Carol Christian, Fort McMurray CONNECT. Click to read more. 

    Spring 2014 - Empowering Communities. Empowering Women. Talisman Energy Community Report. Click to read more. 

    May 21, 2014 - WBF & ARHCA Heavy Equipment Operator graduates ready for hire! Click to read more

    May 14, 2014 - WBF and TFL Industrial graduate first class from pre-employment welder training program. Click to read more

    April 22, 2014 - Women Building Futures offers unique training for women -- Alberta Native News.Click to read more. 

    April 14, 2014 - Women Building Futures celebrates renewed industry partnership training program. Click to read more

    April 4, 2014 - Minister of State Michelle Rempel, Western Economic Diversification, recognizes and thanks supporters of WBF. View the video here. 

    April 8, 2014 - Industry gains access to Alberta’s largest untapped workforce with the new WBF/ARHCA heavy equipment operator program. Click to read more. 

    March 20, 2014 - Tapping into an Untapped Workforce: A Sneak Peak with JudyLynn.Alberta Rural Development Network (ARDN) BlogClick here to read the interview. 

    March 11, 2014 - Meet JudyLynn Archer: Canadian Pioneer, President and CEO of Women Building Futures. Each year, Women’s History Month celebrates the contributions women have made in shaping our nation, past and present. View the video here. 

    February 5, 2014 - WBF Women gain access to free occupational testing through a new partnership with SureHire. Click here to read more

    February 3, 2014 - It’s a man’s world no more. Find out about the exploding interest among women who want to get into the trades. Interview with Tanner Stewart from TFL Industrial and WBF grad Kim Schenkenfelder, 1st year apprentice at TFL. CBC Radio. Click here to listen in. 

  • News in 2013

    by System | Mar 31, 2013
    November 2013 -  Building our own opportunities. Women of Influence Magazine interviews JudyLynn Archer, President & CEO of WBF. See page 23. Click here to read more. 

    November 29, 2013 - SAY Magazine features Shannon Kay, Aboriginal woman of influence. Click here to read more Or visit the SAY website at http://www.saymag.com/

    November 29, 2013 -  Industry gains access to Alberta’s largest untapped workforce through a new partnership between Women Building Futures and the Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association. Click here to read more. 

    November 28, 2013 - Bridging the Gap! This new video by Electricity Human Resources Canada features our Journeywoman Start Grad, Casie Murdoch. Casie is now a Journeyperson Millwright and does a wonderful job of explaining what her trade is and why more women should look at becoming a millwright. Take a look! 

    November 25, 2013 - Imperial Contribution to Women Building Futures Program. For the second year Women Building Futures partners with Imperial Oil for a heavy equipment operator program. Click here to read more. 

    November 13, 2013 -  See what yes can do! This new video by Suncor explains perfectly why we do what we do! Features interviews with Suncor’s Executive Vice President Mark Little and WBF’s President JudyLynn Archer, and our Heavy Equipment Operator graduate, Lori Haggerty, who is a great example of what’s possible for any woman who’s serious about pursuing a career in non-traditional trades. Take a look! 

    October 2013 - JudyLynn Archer: Canadian Pioneer. Listen to WBF’s President & CEO talk about why there's never been a better time in the history of Canada for women to consider working in the trades. Click here to view. 

    October 4, 2013

    Women Building Futures and TFL Industrial join forces in innovative new welding program. Click here to read more. 

    September 16, 2013

    The power of influence. The story of Shannon Kay, aspiring electrician and Women Building Futures graduate. -- Leading the Way: Aboriginal People Today, Alberta Aboriginal Relations. Click here to read more. 

    July 4, 2013

    Apprenticeships: Women entering construction trades get support from Women Building Futures. – Trades Alberta, Edmonton Journal. Click here to read more. 

    June 27, 2013

    Women in the trades. Read about Karen Mohr, WBF Grad and now WBF Electrical Instructor. – Trades Alberta, Edmonton Journal. Click here to read more. 

    June 21, 2013

    Removing Barriers. Breaking New Ground: Careers for Women in Construction – Media Planet for the Calgary Herald.Click here to read more.  

    June 21, 2013 Removing Barriers. Breaking the Mold: Rona Ambrose urges Women to Step into Non-traditional Roles – Media Planet for the Calgary Herald.  Click here to read more. 

    June 21, 2013

    Removing Barriers. Keep Trucking: One Woman who Just Won’t Quit – Media Planet for the Calgary Herald. Click here to read more. 

    June 21, 2013

    Women Building Futures Opportunities for Aboriginal Women - Aboriginal Alberta, The Edmonton Sun. Click here to read more.  

    June 21, 2013

    Woman building her future. A story about one of our recent graduates, Lori Cardinal - Aboriginal Alberta, The Edmonton Sun. Click here to read more. 

    Summer 2013

    Building Futures and Breaking Barriers - page 7, Tracks & Treads Magazine, Finning Canada. Click here to read more. 

    June 21, 2013

    Women Building Futures Aboriginal Engagement Commitment. – Business Profile, Trades Alberta, Edmonton Journal. Click here to read more.

    Summer 2013

    Bringing more women into the construction trades. Piling Canada Magazine, see page 50. Click here to read more. May 30, 2013

    WBF is the go-to place for women serious about entering the trades and for employers needing skilled workers. – Business Profile, Edmonton Journal. Click here to read more. 

    May 16, 2013

    Women Building Futures Nominated for YWCA of Edmonton Women of Distinction Award. Click here to read more. 

    May 1, 2013

    Women Building Futures Train to Make a Better Future in the Trades – Edmonton Commerce News. Click here to read more. Click here to read more. 

    Spring 2013

    Trade in for a New Career: Women get a better chance at success in the construction industry with specialized training – Open Mind Magazine, Volume 21, Issue 1, page 17. Click here to read more.

    April 25, 2013

    Best of Trades Alberta Magazine. See Women in the Trades, page 24 to 26 – Edmonton Journal. Click here to read more. 

    April 22, 2013

    Public Affairs Minister Rona Ambrose visits Women Building Futures – Edmonton Sun. Click here to read more. 

    March 22, 2013

    While visiting Women Building Futures, Minister for Status of Women Canada, Rona Ambrose highlighted the Government of Canada's commitment to increasing the role women play in non-traditional occupations. Click here to read more.

    February 21, 2013

    Women Building Futures leads the way with innovative industry partnerships. Click here to read more. 

    February 21, 2013

    Trades Alberta: From light lunches to heavy equipment. – Edmonton Journal. Click here to read more.

  • News in 2012

    by System | Mar 31, 2012
    Winter 2012

    Steelcraft Inc. www.steelcraftinc.com hires Women Building Futures Graduates to train as Welding Apprentices. – Above and Beyond Newsletter, Steelcraft.  Click here to read more. 

    December 20, 2012

    Women Building Futures works with industry to help graduates succeed on the job. – Edmonton Journal. Click here to read more. 

    December 19, 2012

    Trades Alberta: Women Building Futures, industry focus on training, recruiting, retaining women. – Edmonton Journal. Click here to read more. 

    November 20, 2012

    Women Building Futures in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. – Nunatsiaq Online. Click here to read more. 

    November 8, 2012

    Women Building Futures was instrumental in helping Sheila Chouinard become an electrician. – Edmonton Journal. Click here to read more.

    November 8, 2012

    Edmonton-based Women Building Futures chisels out pathway into trades. – Edmonton Journal. Click here to read more. 

    October 28, 2012

    Building Strong Foundations.  Women Building Futures gives women the training they need to succeed in careers in the trades. – Katie Patterson, Edmonton Sun.  Click here to read more. 

    October 26, 2012

    Promoting women employment. Lafarge and the NGO "Women Building Futures" work together in a recruitment and training program on truck driving, dedicated to women. Click here to read more. 

    October 13, 2012

    More Women in Trades. More women are now learning trades they hadn't previously considered, such as in the construction and oil industry, in the midst of a national shortage of skilled labourers. – Briar Stewart, CBC National News. 

    October 7, 2012

    Through a partnership with WBF, Mammoet has recruited a strong nucleus of female workers. – Edmonton Sun. Click here to read more.

    October 1, 2012

    Imperial Contribution to Women Building Futures Program. 

    May 29, 2012

    Lafarge Shows Leadership. 

    April, 2012

    Unique opportunities for women seeking to enter the trades. – Alberta Native News. 

    March 21, 2012

    Lafarge sponsors "Women Building Futures" – 

    January 11, 2012

    Building New Partnerships for Women in the Trades. 

  • News in 2011

    by System | Mar 31, 2011
    August 1, 2011

    Women Building Futures Nurtures a Hidden Labor Pool. 

  • News in 2009

    by System | Mar 31, 2009
    December 1, 2009

    At an awards ceremony in Toronto, JudyLynn Archer, President Women Building Futures was recognized as one of Canada’s most powerful women. Listen to the CBC interview (right-click -> save as)Building New Partnerships for Women in the Trades At an awards ceremony in Toronto, JudyLynn Archer, President Women Building Futures was recognized as one of Canada’s most powerful women. 

  • News in 2008

    by System | Mar 31, 2008
    June 6, 2008

    Dr. Sam Shaw, NAIT's CEO & President, along with NAIT students and instructors, help unveil statue at Women’s Training Centre and Housing Facility. 

    May 9, 2008

    Expanded Women’s Training Centre and Housing Facility opens: More Classroom Capacity Plus Housing for Students.