Women in Electrical Trades
The Quest for Balance
Up until now, women have made up only a small fraction of the skilled trades in Canada. The Electrical Joint Training Committee has set a goal: women are to reach a 20 percent share in the EJTC’s apprenticeship program in the near future. With the support of the government, we are recruiting women through online media and career fairs. We invite you to consider a career in the electrical trades. The current wage for a certified electrician in IBEW 213 is more than $41.00 per hour, plus valuable pension and health benefits. As you progress, you will find increasing variety in your work and the opportunity for advancement.
The EJTC is allied with the IBEW 213 Women’s Committee, the BC Centre for Women in the Trades and other tradeswomen’s organizations. We recognize that women face special challenges in the trades. We support efforts by unions and employers to make the workplace welcoming and respectful so that women will want to stay on the job.
Additionally, the government recently announced a new Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women which provides $3,000 per year or level, up to a maximum amount of $6,000, to registered apprentices who have successfully completed their first or second year/level of an apprenticeship program in eligible Red Seal trades.
Testimonials
When you become an apprentice in the EJTC program, you’re welcome to join the IBEW 213 Women’s Committee. It’s a safe place for women to support each other, grow together, and learn about our union, and to build solidarity within our gender.
Hilary
EJTC Apprentice
I can’t say enough good things about the EJTC’s Indigenous training partnership. It was wonderful to have a process that prepared me and my classmates for the electrical trades. And having classroom work every morning and shop every afternoon was really beneficial.
Alexa
EJTC Apprentice
I would highly recommend the ELTT program to anyone preparing to become an electrician. The Electrical Joint Training Committee provides you with a very strong foundation and the hands-on practice that you need to prepare yourself for the job.
Carissa
EJTC Apprentice
I was looking at a bunch of careers, and I realized I wanted to be hands-on. I didn’t want to be at a desk. Within the trades, electrical was the most interesting, and the EJTC offered the best entry-level program. It led me into an apprenticeship where I’m working with a team, feeling the satisfaction of finishing big projects, and getting regular wage increases!
Lisa R.
EJTC Apprentice
For Women from Indigenous Backgrounds
Since 2017, the EJTC has worked with ACCESS to deliver the “Alternate Pathways to the Electrical Trades” program for people from Indigenous backgrounds.
The program features eight weeks of Essential Skills training provided by our partner, SkillPlan. This leads to the EJTC’s 15-week Entry Level Trades Training program and 10 weeks of paid work experience. In the Essential Skills phase, trainees gain the skills they need to begin their technical training with the EJTC in Port Coquitlam.
EJTC is proud to be the #1 sponsor with the highest number of female apprentices and the #1 sponsor with the highest number of indigenous apprentices by the Industry Training Authority.
To find out about this program, contact ACCESS at 604-251-7955 in Vancouver or 778-395-0385 in Surrey.
