Special to Ontario Construction Report
For the next three years, the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) will be conducting research with female participants and consulting with the industry, the association said in an announcement to its members. “Together we will develop an action plan to increase the hiring, retention and advancement of women within the Canadian construction industry. You can be one of the women to help develop this action plan.”
CAWIC is recruiting 60 volunteer women from Ontario, Alberta and Newfoundland/Labrador (approximately 20 women per target province) to participate in the research.
“Why you?,” the announcement said. “We are looking for a diversity of participants across fields of study or work and level of career. We welcome women who are entering/re-entering or transitioning into the construction industry workforce. We also welcome women who are currently employed in the construction industry, but perceive, have experienced or are experiencing challenges to their personal career advancement.
“What is involved? Beginning immediately and continuing until December 2016, you will be asked to volunteer just a few hours each month. You will be asked to share your personal experience, on a strictly confidential basis, your success stories and challenges in your specific construction industry sector. You will provide valuable input into the project through in-person and telephone meetings, focus groups, surveys and other oral and/or written feedback. Your travel expenses (if any) for in-person meetings will be covered. CAWIC will accommodate participants’ schedules as much as possible to facilitate your participation.”
CAWIC says its primary objective is to help women advance into leadership roles within the construction industry. “The action plan that you will help develop through this project will form the basis of a formal public report to the federal Ministry for the Status of Women and the construction industry. It will be made available for implementation to industry employers and unions across the country. You will be an integral part of the much needed change in the Canadian construction industry. This is an exciting project and we need your help to make it successful!”
CAWIC is undertaking this project with financial support from Status of Women Canada, as well as CAWIC’s volunteers and industry partners.
If you are interested in participating, send a brief statement of interest and your CV to swc@cawic.ca by no later than June 30, 2014. CAWIC will communicate with selected participants by July 15, 2014.