Our programs prepare women to successfully enter and complete an apprenticeship in a construction trade, by:
Introducing participants to a variety of construction and mechanical trades;
Providing participants with a realistic understanding of the construction industry, the apprenticeship system and the construction workplace environment;
Providing participants with the necessary hands-on skill training and theory, workplace culture conditioning and safety certification needed to be productive and safe on the job, starting day one;
Preparing participants to write and pass the Alberta Apprenticeship Entrance Exam for their trade;
Preparing participants for the ups and downs of the construction cycle;
Facilitating job placement with employers of choice
Providing job retention support for as long as needed.
Journeywoman START
This 17-week program is for individuals who are serious about entering and completing an apprenticeship in a construction trade. The program includes a 6 week hands-on skill training and theoretical introduction to a variety of trades, workplace culture conditioning, 6 safety certificates plus a 4-week math/science component to prepare the student to pass the Alberta Trade Entrance Exam.” All WBF graduates are provided with job placement, apprenticeship registration and employment retention support.
Heavy Equipment Operator
This 17-week comprehensive program, offered in partnership with Olds College, will prepare you for a career as a heavy equipment operator. You will graduate with a certificate from Olds College and a Women Building Futures Certificate, which includes seven safety certificates plus preparation for the heavy equipment operator’s workplace.
You will learn about soil properties and soil reclamation techniques, grading, excavation math and blueprint reading. You will come away with an understanding of the operator’s responsibilities and basic preventative maintenance procedures for six types of equipment. You will be exposed to earthmoving processes and will run loaders, rollers, scrapers, graders, dozers and excavators.
At the end of the course, your training will be put to work on a 2-week practicum. Apply your skills in an industry environment, with a contractor, working in the road building industry, the logging industry, for public works or in other areas that interest you.