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To Trade or Not To Trade: Women in Trades Programs

What a farce I think this is. Don't get me wrong, I think more women should be in trades. In fact, I am going back to school in January to get involved in the trades myself (electrical, in case you are wondering). But am I taking a specialty "Women in Trades" program? 
No. 
These programs are for women only, and seem to touch on most of the constructions trades and skills: electrical, framing, plumbing, tiling, dry walling, etc. This should really be called the "Home-Reno" program, or the "Jack-of-All-Trades-Master-of-None" program, or even the "Didn't-Learn-Enough-to-Get-an-Apprenticeship" program, (yes they probably help) but... I'm sure you get my drift. 

 Realistically, being able to try a little bit of everything is not a bad plan. Especially, if you want to do a trade, but aren't sure which one is the best fit for you. But why does this need to separated into a women-only program? (I'm sure there are men out there who would benefit from this opportunity as well*.) Granted, this program has special government grant opportunities that attendees can apply for to cover tuition cost. This is designed to entice women into trades training, but why can't they offer this to any women getting into any trade, instead of just the Women in Trades specific program? I know what trade I want to do, so I am going into a specialized stream. I would benefit from money from the government! 

 Perhaps they want to learn in a 'safe' environment, with other women, instead of in front of the guys. Sure, we all have those moments where we need to try something on our own before showcasing our learning abilities to our peers. However, if you're getting into a trade, most of the learning is on the job, in front of your peers and your mentor. Who are most likely going to be male, so really, they might as well get over it sooner rather than later. This will make things more in line with a realistic work-related environment. 

 All that being said. I think my biggest pet peeve is the advertising for these Women in Trades programs. How come they all look... well... like men? Talk about stereotyping! I kid you not, I walked into a trades school and I'm talking about every picture in the pamphlet, or on the walls for this women's program showed a female with short-cropped hair, baggy jeans and an over-sized shirt. How are you going to entice smart women, who may happen to be decent looking, into these programs?  What's wrong with a hair elastic? Does this mean I have to give up my yoga pants cause they won't fit properly over my work boots? (Let's get real. I'll just tuck them in). 

 My plan is to go in there and show them that instead of advertising to square pegs that they have these round hole programs, we need to get outside of gender stereotypes for trades. I know plenty of females who like working with their hands, or aren't afraid to put in some hard labour. Let's show them they can still come out looking like a woman when the job's said and done. 

*I'm sure there are programs like this that are gen-pop.
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