BC Centre for Women in the Trades (BCCWITT) is working to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive skilled trades industry, where all feel welcome, healthy, respected, and safe.
The organization is a partnership led by tradespeople and industry and labour representatives, all of whom are committed to removing barriers faced by equity priority people, including Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTIAQ+ people, and women. The end game is to increase participation in the trades and promote healthier environments in workplaces and training institutions.
Operating under the umbrella of the BC Federation of Labour, BCCWITT works with people of all genders, union and non-union employers, all levels of government, and other trade organizations to provide connection, funding, resources, and supports. It also offers programs, tools, and resources to individuals and organizations that support the attraction, retention, and advancement of equity priority people in skilled trades careers.
Throughout the year, BCCWITT offers a number or training opportunities that are open to all tradespeople in BC.
- Free Occupational Health and Safety webinars, held in partnership with BC FED Health & Safety Centre, are virtual sessions that cover workers’ rights, safety committees, and practical scenarios.
- Try A Trade is a full-time, four-week session inviting women interested in starting a career in trades to try one out. It introduces successful applicants to several trades through no-cost training that includes PPE, transportation, and lunch.
- Be More Than a Bystander is a training and educational program to support organizational and cultural shifts towards more inclusive, safer, and respectful workplaces. Two-hour workshops equip participants with practical tools and strategies to prevent and intervene in gender-based and other forms of bullying, harassment, and violence in workplaces.
- On May 1, 2025, BCCWITT will host Taxes & Credits for Tradespeople, a free webinar held in partnership with Canada Revenue Agency. It will cover financial skills, taxes, and credits for tradespeople.
For information on these and other services BCCWITT provides, please visit bccwitt.ca ■
