Spotlight on Women in Skilled Trades at SAIT

Felicia Durojaiye, Coordinator, Women in Skilled Trades Retention Program, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

In 2025, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) launched the Women in Skilled Trades Retention Program (WIST) to support current and future female apprenticeship students.

WIST is designed to reduce systemic barriers for women pursuing careers in the skilled trades by providing financial support, mentorship opportunities, and resources that promote inclusive learning and work environments. As the program coordinator, I saw an opportunity to uplift female apprentices throughout their educational journey and strengthen equity-focused initiatives at SAIT.

Partially funded by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, WIST offers wraparound supports to female-identifying apprentices, including assistance with childcare, tuition, and essential supplies like tools and personal protective equipment. This support is critical in helping students stay enrolled and focused on their training.

Beyond financial assistance, WIST also delivers online learning modules and culture workshops that promote workplace equity. The program hosts monthly meetups to foster community and allyship among students, instructors, and alumni. Our goal is to build confidence, create inclusive environments, and support long-term career success for women in the trades.

This March, we will host our first Mentorship Momentum Event, another milestone supported by the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy. This event will connect women in construction and manufacturing trades with experienced professionals to build networks, share knowledge, and increase representation. I encourage readers to visit www.sait.ca to learn more about this event and other opportunities.

Initiatives like WIST reflect SAIT’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and student success. Diverse perspectives strengthen both education and industry, and we continue to adapt our programs to meet Alberta’s evolving workforce needs.

My personal journey has shaped how I approach this work. Navigating spaces with limited representation reinforces the importance of empathy, advocacy, and community. In post-secondary education, this drives my commitment to creating spaces where students feel seen, supported, and empowered.

The most rewarding part of my role is seeing students gain confidence, complete their training, and move into successful careers. When barriers are removed and strong support systems are in place, everyone benefits.