The Nation’s First All-Woman’s Introduction To Millwrighting Program
February 5th, 2024 marked the official beginning of a wonderful new partnership between We Build A Dream and the Millwright Regional Council. The first all-woman Introduction To Millwrighting (ITM) program was launched at the OPG Darlington Energy Complex and is sure to be the first of many to follow right across Canada.
As the MRC leads the way with initiatives promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion, we are proud to be spearheading this program that is sure to lead to generational change and will lay the foundation to prepare the ten candidates for lifelong careers as UBC millwrights. The five-week program will equip the individuals with the necessary skills to successfully complete the millwright aptitude test and begin their journey as first-year Unionized Millwright apprentices.
The All Woman ITM will provide wrap-around services to the participants to ensure their success and provide a collaborative blend of training, mentorship, and advocacy, to help the woman succeed. After the successful conclusion of the program, the candidates will find employment with Canatom, and Black & McDonald, and all the new apprentices will be welcomed to be a part of the UBC Sisters in the Brotherhood organization, where they can continue to help support one another, as well as advocate for change.
This program comes at an exciting time in Ontario, as our Energy sector continues to flourish with the continuation of the DNGS refurbishment, new Small Modular Reactors near the horizon, and the recent announcement regarding the plan to refurbish the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, not to mention the continuing electrification of the automotive industry in the provincial epicenter we call home.
This program was made possible with the assistance and collaboration of many organizations including The MRC and Millwright Local 2309, We Build a Dream, OPG, Durham College, The Federal Government of Canada, and our Contract Partners including Canatom and Black & McDonald, who will be the first employers of this next generation of UBC Millwrights.