Helping Women Get Ready for Technology, Trades Jobs

The province is helping support women interested in pursuing sciences, trades and technology through a new endowment fund.

The fund, announced today, March 8, will ensure women studying at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) in those fields can apply for the Bread and Roses bursary for years to come.

"The province is attracting more employers and more jobs than any time in our history," said Education Minister Ramona Jennex on behalf of Marilyn More, Minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women, during an event at the NSCC Kingstec Campus in Kentville. "With a demand for skilled workers just around the corner, the time is now to increase and advance women in trades and technology careers."

For the past five years, female students in technology, trades and science-related fields at the NSCC could apply for $1,000 bursaries. However, the funding had to be secured and approved each year.

This year, the province, Encana Corporation and the Canadian Auto Workers Union are contributing a total of $25,000 for Bread and Roses bursaries.

The province is also establishing a new $100,000 endowment fund to protect long-term funding for the bursary program.

"This sustainable funding will help encourage women to pursue careers in trades and technology through the NSCC, today and into the future. By increasing the number of women in these programs, we expand their job opportunities, future prosperity and transform their lives," said Ms. Jennex. "Along with interesting work, these jobs bring job security with good wages that will bring long-term economic benefits for families, their communities and our province."

The NSCC Foundation manages the Bread and Roses Bursary and the endowment fund. The bursaries will be awarded in the fall.

"The Bread and Roses Bursary program has been an enormous help to me in completing my education here at NSCC," said Courtney Madore, a Horticulture and Landscaping Technology student and recipient of a Bread and Roses Bursary at the Kingstec Campus. "The award gave me the financial assistance I needed to pursue this career and it really has meant the world to me."

Today's funding announcement is linked to International Women's Day, which recognizes and honours women's accomplishments and contributions in Nova Scotia.

Jane Davies, executive director of the NSCC Foundation, said they want to make access to education a reality for all Nova Scotians.

"We're thrilled that the Bread and Roses Bursary program will continue to allow women in non-traditional trades and technology to pursue their education here in Nova Scotia," says Ms. Davies. "This fund truly helps women pursuing a career in trades and technology by helping ensure they can meet their educational costs like tuition, child care, transportation, school supplies and other necessities.

"The NSCC is grateful for the contribution from our partners, the Department of Labour and Advanced Education, the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, Encana Corporation and the Canadian Auto Workers Union."

There are events being held across the province to commemorate International Women's Day. For more information, visit www.women.gov.ns.ca.