This past December, Tradeworks Custom Products’ Women’s workshop said goodbye to another graduate group from their program. From the seven participants who completed the program, five of the women are either now employed in the trades or are enrolling in trades training. A couple of them decided to share their experience in the program and give thanks for all those who supported them along the way.
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“The program has changed my outlook significantly, where I previously settled for working for low wages in the service industry at jobs I got no satisfaction from and did not stay with for significant periods while trying to find enough extra money to be able to work on art related projects, I now see a future where I can work creatively for decent wages, happily and gainfully employed.”
“Low income women who do not see a real or purposeful future for themselves are given the skills and shown opportunities without which they would remain unemployed or not gainfully employed and feeling hopeless and like a burden on the societies in which they live.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved with Tradeworks and the Women in Trades Program, especially Kate and Arleen [since] without their patience, belief and constant support I could have not finished the program as I have [had]some health issues including previous addictions, depression and panic disorder. [This has] made it difficult for me to successfully complete other job finding and [career] training programs. [This situation] is very common to women who have lived in low income neighborhoods and been raised in situations which result in low self-esteem and often little practical knowledge of how to pursue their dreams in a realistic way. For me the value of this program is immeasurable, thank you.
-Jennifer
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“I was offered day-care service to take care of my son while I studied, [which] was highly appreciated. [These benefits gave] me the opportunity to see what [the program was like] and to learn what it teaches. [I was also able to] update my knowledge and attain new skills. [This enhanced] my confidence to compete in the job market and sharpened my capability to contribute [to] Canadian needs.”
“My 5-year old was proud of me because he [liked] my group project – a wooden house model which was made [with the help of Kate and her team].”
-Michelle
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Tradeworks Women’s Workshop offers this ten –week course to help 
participants develop skills in joinery and woodworking, as well as assist them in exploring other career options available in the trades. This pre-employment program is a great opportunity for inner-city women to expand their workplace
The Globe and Mail (Saturday January 7th) featured the story of one person who has been a member of Pathways Information Centre, Perry Joyce. Perry’s own story is similar to many; he lost his job, migrated to Vancouver and found himself in the inner-city. Finding work proved difficult. And so did accessing community services, housing, and building a network of friends, until he found Pathways.
