A new training course for male supervisors in the trades in Manitoba marked the completion of its first intake on Friday. The program, called Shift Change, was originally developed in Halifax and was brought to Manitoba through a partnership between the Manitoba Construction Sector Council and YMCA-YWCA Winnipeg. Bonnie Douglas, project manager with the Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science Trades and Technology, stated that this is the first time the program has been offered outside of Nova Scotia. Shift Change focuses on gender inclusiveness and is designed to lead culture change in male-dominated industries to create a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone involved. The support from partners in Manitoba has allowed for the expansion of this program to help bring about positive changes in the trades sector.
Twelve individuals representing various sectors in the trades graduated from the six-week, 30-hour program. Christian Fais, a supervisor with Bird Construction and one of the graduates, expressed that he was previously aware that some women faced different treatment on the job, but it wasn’t until he took the course that he realized the full extent of the issues they encounter. Fais found it disturbing to learn about the challenges women face at work, highlighting the importance of creating a more inclusive and supportive workplace environment. Two course graduates are set to become facilitators of the program, demonstrating the potential for further progress and change in the industry.
Jaime Chinchilla, a participant and future program facilitator with Johnston Group Inc., shared his experience of going through the six-week training. Chinchilla emphasized that this program is unique compared to other diversity and inclusion training he had received in the past. The course delves into a range of issues, from small daily challenges women face in the workplace to larger societal issues that impact them in the trades sector. By addressing these issues and creating open dialogue, the program aims to empower more individuals to become allies for women in trades, fostering a more supportive and inclusive environment for all workers.
The Shift Change program is part of a larger initiative to promote gender inclusivity and support for women in male-dominated industries. By providing training for male supervisors, the program aims to educate them on the challenges and systemic issues faced by women in the trades sector. Through awareness and education, the hope is to create a more supportive and respectful workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion. The successful completion of the first intake in Manitoba marks a positive step towards achieving this goal and creating a more inclusive environment for all workers in the trades industry.
The partnership between the Manitoba Construction Sector Council and YMCA-YWCA Winnipeg has been instrumental in bringing the Shift Change program to Manitoba. By working together, these organizations have been able to provide valuable training and resources to male supervisors in the trades sector, empowering them to become allies for women in the industry. The success of the program in Manitoba has paved the way for potential expansion to other regions in Canada, furthering the impact and reach of this important initiative. Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to creating positive change, the Shift Change program is making a difference in promoting gender inclusivity and supporting women in trades.
The testimonials from program participants like Christian Fais and Jaime Chinchilla highlight the impact of the Shift Change program on their understanding and perspective towards gender inclusivity in the workplace. By addressing issues faced by women in the trades sector and fostering empathy and awareness among male supervisors, the program is creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for all workers. As more individuals progress through the program and become allies for women in trades, the hope is to spark a cultural shift towards greater gender equality and inclusivity in male-dominated industries. The completion of the first intake in Manitoba is a promising indication of the program’s success and its potential to bring about positive change in the trades sector.
