Women Building Futures

We would like to thank Rotaflow Fire & Utility for hosting our quarterly EOC Community of Practice on neurodiversity at their beautiful headquarters!

Bringing industry partners together to learn, share, and strengthen inclusive workplaces is core to building a more resilient workforce. Sessions like this highlight the impact of collaboration, and the important role organizations play in shaping the future of our industry.

Thank you, Rotaflow, for your warm welcome and allowing to take over your boardroom!

For years, Cranemasters has been opening doors for WBF students, welcoming them into their training spaces, sharing industry expertise, and supporting participants as they practice the safety skills required on active worksites.

From Overhead Crane & Rigging Level 1, their team creates hands‑on learning opportunities that mirror real job conditions and prepare graduates for day‑one expectations in the skilled trades.

Thank you, Cranemasters, for being a trusted Programming Partner to women building careers in industry.

👏🎓 Congratulations to our newest Heavy Equipment Technician graduates in Calgary.

Over the last few weeks, this group stepped into the shop ready to try something new: changing tires for the first time, tracing electrical circuits, learning diagnostics, earning safety tickets, and getting comfortable being uncomfortable.

Some came from retail. Some from university classrooms. Some were already working on site and wanted more. Others arrived at a crossroads, looking for a new direction and willing to take a chance on themselves.

And somewhere between the shop floor, the classroom, and the nervous first attempts, confidence started to grow.

One graduate shared that she almost cried, changing her first tire, then finished the second one with confidence. Another described finally understanding the machines she had operated for years as a “game changer.” Another said this program reminded her that she didn’t need everything figured out; she just needed to take the next step.

More than anything, this class kept showing up for each other.

They built friendships, found community, asked questions, challenged self-doubt, and proved to themselves that they belong in this industry.

Now they’re heading toward apprenticeships, blue books, Red Seals, and long careers in the trades, and we can’t wait to see where that journey takes them.

To our newest WBF alumni:

Keep learning. Keep asking questions. Keep making space for the women coming behind you.

And most importantly, work safely. 🦺

On job sites and in classrooms,
Pride shows up in real moments,
in conversations that make space for others,
in people feeling safe to be themselves,
and in the growing sense of community across the trades. 🌈

At Women Building Futures, we’re proud to walk alongside our learners, alumni, and partners as they help shape more inclusive workplaces every day.

Because building a stronger industry means making sure everyone has a place in it. 💛

Representation matters in every industry, including wood manufacturing. 🌲 We're excited to help amplify this opportunity!

Are you a woman or gender-diverse person working in—or interested in—the wood manufacturing industry in Alberta?

We want to hear from you! Comment your past, present, or desired job title in wood products manufacturing to get the link by DM (be sure to follow!)

Hard hats on. Early mornings. Massive projects taking shape.

Last week, our J2T 124 cohort stepped inside Waiward Industrial’s fabrication shop; seeing firsth and how major projects like Edmonton’s new LRT line come to life.

From classroom concepts to the realities of the worksite, the day offered more than a tour. It was a glimpse into the rhythm of the trade; shift schedules, team dynamics, and the kind of dedication it takes (including 4:00 a.m. starts!).

Moments like these bridge learning and lived experience, helping our students picture themselves in the industry and step confidently toward their careers.

A big thank you to Waiward for opening your doors and sharing your work with the next generation of skilled trades professionals! 👏🛠️

Thinking about a career in the trades? Start your journey with Women Building Futures this June 👷‍♀️✨

Join our free virtual Information Session to explore our Journey to Trades program and learn what your next step could look like, including program details, eligibility, and timelines. (Look for the orange circles in the graphic!)

Plus, build your confidence with our Readiness Sessions, designed to help you strengthen key skills like foundational math, resume building, and understanding the recruitment process. (These are highlighted in yellow!)

Whether you’re just exploring or ready to apply, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

🖥️ All sessions are virtual and free

🔗 Learn more & register:
Information Sessions: https://womenbuildingfutures.ca/getting.../info-sessions/
Readiness Sessions: https://womenbuildingfutures.ca/gett.../readiness-workshops/

👀If you’ve ever thought about a career in the trades but didn’t know where to start...

Journey to Trades is a FREE training program in Edmonton that lets you try 6 different trades. Hands-on. No experience needed.

Applications close July 12.

Attend our virtual information session on June 16.
Learn more. Ask your questions.

📆June 16 at 12–1 PM

Save your spot!
https://womenbuildingfutures.ca/getting-started/info-sessions/

There’s nothing better than learning on real equipment! 💪

A huge thank you to Bosch Truck International for loaning their truck to our Heavy Duty Equipment Technician program.

For the past two weeks, our Heavy Duty Equipment Technician students got up close and personal with this beauty — exploring every detail hands-on.

Safe to say… they’ve officially kicked the tires and checked it out! ✅🚛