The Northeastern Ontario Construction Association (NOCA) has presented two bursaries to women in the region who are pursuing careers in the skilled trades.

Both are attending Cambrian College. Emma O’Brien is enrolled in welding and fabrication, while Emily Levesque is attending the heavy equipment technician program.

The members of NOCA’s Women in Construction Committee, which runs the bursary initiative, selected the winners for their passion for the trades.

“Our committee members work hard every year to raise funds to support women pursuing a career in the trades,” says Chair Joan Strawn. “Currently there are still many barriers facing women in the trades and helping with tuition costs is one way WIC can support women in the trades.”

The committee also supports women who are currently working in the construction industry through the monthly SheBuild Spotlight, where they highlight a woman who is making meaningful contributions to women in the industry.

“We saw a big growth in our application pool this year,” Strawn says. “We had 29 applicants from Sudbury, North Bay, Timmins, Cobalt and Sault Ste. Marie.”

This is the second year the committee has run its bursary program, and it has issued a total of $8,000 to women pursuing careers in the trades.

The bursary is available to anyone in NOCA’s membership area.

In April, the NOCA WIC group plans to host its Evolution and Empowerment of PPE event at the Northbury Hotel and Conference center. The aim of the event is to call attention to the importance of proper fit and use of personal protective equipment, while also providing a platform for manufacturers and suppliers to showcase their latest advancements in safety gear.

“This event is not just about industry excellence; it's about building a diverse and empowered workforce,” says Strawn. “As we come together, we'll also make a significant impact, as this event serves as a fundraiser for the Women in Trades Bursary Program, reinforcing our commitment to fostering equal opportunities for all.”