CAMBRIDGE — The Ontario government is investing up to $1,061,000 over three years to benefit the Conestoga College Institute of Technology’s carpentry pre-apprenticeship training program for women in Cambridge through the Women’s Economic Security Program.

This funding is part of the government’s investment of up to $26.7 million over three years in 25 local programs across the province that provide career training opportunities for women, helping them gain the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to find a job, start a business and achieve financial independence.

“The Women’s Economic Security Program empowers women to achieve financial independence by breaking down barriers to career training opportunities,” said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity. “I’m proud of our government’s continued support for local, community-based training programs that help women across the province reach their full potential and achieve the career success they deserve.”

"We are grateful for the generous support from the Women’s Economic Security Program,” said Dr. John Tibbits, president of Conestoga College. “Conestoga continues to invest in skilled trades training and resources to help address labour shortages across the province by attracting a diverse cohort of students to trades-based careers. This funding will be directed to Conestoga’s Carpentry pre-apprenticeship program to provide women with hands-on skills training. The program will help women gain their own financial independence as they contribute to the workforce and the prosperity of their communities."