Republished with permission from Women Building Futures
The Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced an investment of $2,097,375 to expand the Women Building Futures’ (WBF) Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) Program.
Well-known companies such as Emeco, Finning Canada, Immersive Technologies, Imperial, Lehigh Hanson, Mammoet Canada Western Ltd., and SureHire, support the WBF HEO Program by providing WBF with access to services and resources that ensure women receive the skills and experience needed to pursue their careers.
Quick Facts
• Federal funding will support the equipment purchase of two100-ton haul trucks, a loading tool and simulators, as well as simulator support packages, conversion kits and e-learning modules.
• Over 60 women are expected to be trained and employed as HEO operators by 2018.
• By 2020, WBF anticipates to have close to 100 HEO program graduates per year.
“Our Government is committed to ensuring Canadians have the necessary skills and training they need to fill available jobs in our economy. We are proud to support this collaborative initiative which will not only increase economic opportunities for women by providing them with skills they need to succeed, but also help to develop the talent required for the growth of our economy.” – The Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification
“Immersive Technologies is honoured to partner with WBF in providing world-class training to women joining the resource sector. The two simulators, eLearning and curriculum provided will deliver valuable skills training to the women in the program, equipping them to be assets to future employers, and beginning long-term careers that will positively impact their families for years to come.” – Ken McBride, Canadian Regional Manager, Immersive Technologies