Manitoba Women in Trades

Conference 2022

Together We Can Do It!

Announcement! Manitoba Construction Sector Council has made the very difficult decision to postpone the March 16th,2022 Manitoba Women in Trades Conference in light of the extended health orders and the general uneasiness many have attending large gatherings at this time. We feel the discussion is best in person so we have rescheduled the event on November 16th,2022.

Meet Our Keynote Speakers

Nadine Speirs
President/Sales, Metal Depot Ltd.

Mary Van Buren
President, Canadian Construction Association

Wendy Hofford
President, WH Strategic Drive Inc.

Nadine Speirs

Mary Van Buren

Wendy Hofford

Covid-19 Information As per the provincial health regulations, the Victoria Inn requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated. Proof of double vaccination and ID will be requested by the hotel at the registration desk.

Important Note for MB Women in Trades Conference This is a public event and any photos taken by the organization may be published in its materials.

Register Now!

Early Bird Registration until October 21, 2022!

Sponsor Packages On Sale Now!

Booths On Sale Now! Only 20 spots available!

On November 16, 2022 the second annual Women in Trades Conference will continue the conversation

In October 2019, the Manitoba government announced their plan to work with partners in the private sector to create 40,000 new private-sector job opportunities over the next four years. The Manitoba work plan focuses on targeted actions to help create the right conditions to support private-sector job creation and overall growth in Manitoba’s economy. This includes accelerating talent acquisition and business expansion by fast-tracking the development of a Manitoba’s Skills, Talent and Knowledge Strategy.

Manitoba’s Skills, Talent and Knowledge Strategy was released in 2020 to provide strategic direction to publicly-funded post-secondary institutions and outline actions needed to accelerate recovery, advance Manitoba’s economy and promote positive outcomes. The strategy includes targeted actions to strengthen alignment between post-secondary institutions, immigration, training and employment services, and labour market needs. The strategy was informed by robust stakeholder engagement, including sector council partners.

With this strategy in mind, the Manitoba Construction Sector Council, Manitoba Home Builders’ Association, Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, Winnipeg Construction Association and First People Development Inc. are hosting a 1-day Manitoba Women in Trades Conference, November 16, 2022 (7:30am-4:00pm) at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Conference Centre in Winnipeg, MB. The conference is geared toward women who need support, guidance, and connections to make their construction career a success, as well as to employers, superintendents, project managers and estimators to identify ways to recruit, retain and support women in trades.

The Purpose of This Conference:

Learn how to address challenges and work effectively in a male dominated workplace
Connect with mentors and organizations that support women
Learn best practices for entry and advancement
Network with 40 construction and safety associations, educational institutions, Apprenticeship and construction companies at a trades show
Build relationships with other women, employers, educational institutions and government to advance in a construction career

As a result of the first conference, the Manitoba Construction Sector Council developed a Women in Trades Profiles Booklet, a one-day Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges workshop to support women entering and working in construction, and a one-day workshop to support employers recruiting and retaining women. These workshops and booklets will be available at the event.

Priority for Attendees:

Superintendents, Estimators, Project Managers, Employers, Employees of Construction Companies or Suppliers of Construction Companies, Newcomers, Indigenous People, Youth, New Entrants, Skilled Labourers, Journey People and Supervisors.

As a result of the conference, the Manitoba Construction Sector Council will be developing a one-day Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges workshop to be delivered by local community colleges, industry trainers, career counsellors and associations that support women in transition.

In addition to the conference, the Manitoba Construction Sector Council will be developing a one-day Women in Leadership workshop to be delivered by local community in leadership-stories of success to support women transitioning to leadership roles.

On November 16, 2022, the second Manitoba Women in Trades Conference will continue the conversation! We look forward to seeing you there!

Related Features

Sponsorship Opportunities

Manitoba Construction Sector Council is seeking financial support from our industry and government partners to host the Women in Trades Conference. We have some great speakers planned for the event but need sponsorships to make this happen. There will be an opportunity to host a trade show booth. Last year the 40 booth sold out quickly so reserve your space as soon as possible.

Any profits are made from the event, will be donated back to the women we support!

Thank you to our Sponsors

2020 Conference Highlights

Manitoba Women in Trades Conference: Building Our Future

Manitoba Women in Trades Conference - Keynote Speaker, Monique Buckberger

Manitoba Women in Trades Conference - Keynote - John Bockstael

Manitoba Women in Trades Conference 2020- "Retention and Onboarding Panel"

Manitoba Women in Trades Conference 2020 - "Cultural Workshop"

Testimonials

“It’s was quite informative I was able to network and meet people. More of this should be encouraged especially for new immigrant who are trying to figure out what to do with their career. “

“I appreciate this care opportunity to attend this properly organized and highly resourceful conference. I had the opportunity to network and build on my connection, as a newcomer to Canada and I am delighted to leverage on this information to make meaningful career advancement. “

“Due to 18th February event I meet people that in touch with construction market and contact with number of HR in the hall, which help me a lot to increase my relation as newcomer and increase my chances to get a job in construction field and the most important it save a lot of time where I find 5 companies I want to visit in one place.”

“It was amazing day with a lot of powerful energy and a lot of new useful information for women in trades.”

“The day was inspirational while being informative. From the panel discussions to break out sessions there was a lots to digest and more important connections were made. The keynote touched on great themes like asking for honest feedback, advocacy and mentorship.”