Okanagan College is offering a new program that will train Indigenous women in carpentry to meet the labour needs of the region. The SISTERS’ program trains students in the basics of carpentry, including how to use tools and work with different materials. Students in the 30-week program will have their tuition sponsored by the Okanagan Training and Development Council, and will additionally receive dedicated funds for textbooks, personal protective equipment, and tools. Supports such as help writing CVs and cover letters and field trips to get to know potential employers will be available to the participants to help them start their career. “Engaging the women in all kinds of things like the subtleties on a job site … really helps the women to have the confidence to go and get those first jobs,” said Okanagan program manager for women in trades Nancy Darling.
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