young female firefighter in front of firetruck

Women

Want to change or advance your career, boost your income or gain greater job satisfaction? Find the resources to help you move forward.

Introduction

A variety of programs and resources provide help for women who are looking for employment, ranging from mentoring in business development to training in the trades.

If you are looking for new employment or want to advance in your career, the resources here can help you find work that offers job satisfaction and independence.

Women in trades

With a high demand in B.C. for skilled tradespeople, you can build a rewarding career in the trades, including those that have not traditionally hired women. Some programs are designed to get you started in trades.

Women in Trades — Get support from SkilledTradesBC's training initiative, which helps women get training; find funding and paid apprenticeship opportunities; and match their interests with B.C.’s labour market. Watch SkilledTradesBC's Women in Trades video.

Women in Trades Training Service Providers — Find out about programs specifically designed for women interested in a career in the trades. Several institutions offer trades exploration programs that give you hands-on experience in a variety of different trades using a range of tools and equipment.

Discover the range of trades programs you can train for at the SkilledTradesBC website.

Check out what women say about their careers in trades with these personal stories:

Kendra standing in front of electrical cables

Kendra: Curiosity and Encouragement a Combination for Success

Discover how Kendra’s motivations helped her find a fulfilling career as an electrician.

Cressen in a workshop

Cressen: Challenging the Comfort Zone

Learn how the SkilledTradesBC's Youth Train in Trades helped Cressen become the first female carpenter for the Surrey School District.

Still of Poi from her video

Poi Yuk Garcia: SkilledTradesBC Women in Trades

Watch how one woman became a wall and ceiling installer through the SkilledTradesBC program for women.

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Women in science and technology

Technology drives some of the most dynamic sectors of British Columbia’s economy, creating new employment and career options for women. See how these organizations can support your career in science or technology.

Westcoast Women in Engineering, Science and Technology and Women in Science and Engineering — Find mentors, career tools, networking and support for women pursuing a career in science and engineering.

B.C. Women in Technology — Find out about events and contacts to build relationships and share lessons among women technology professionals.

Women in Communications and Technology — Connect with women in the communications industry through workshops, social events, scholarships and mentorships in B.C.

Canada Learning Code — Discover workshops and mentors who can help you learn how to build a website and improve your technical skills.

Women in Mathematics — Learn about “career starters” for women mathematicians and the mentors’ network to support women interested in careers in math.

Women in Engineering and Geoscience — Check out how EGBC builds a strong and supportive community to encourage and promote women in their industry.

Achieve Anything Foundation — Learn about opportunities for girls and women in aviation, aerospace, marine, defence and other STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields through hands-on events.

Apply to attend Operation: This IS you! events sponsored by organizations like the Vancouver Police, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, and Canadian Coast Guard.

Learn about The Sky’s No Limit – Girls Fly Too! annual event.

Find out what women say about their careers in science and technology with these personal stories:

Sarah sitting in front of computer

Sarah: Everyone Belongs in Tech

Watch how Sarah’s love for computers helped her find her true calling.

woman with laptop in boardroom

Women in Tech World

Read these women’s blogs and discover their successes.

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Women in business

Many women find employment and a career by creating a business of their own. By establishing a business, you can create employment that you control while building long-term employment opportunities in your own community. Check out these resources to support women in business.

Women's Enterprise Centre — Discover essential business services for women starting, purchasing or growing a small business. The Women’s Enterprise Centre offers guidance, skills development, networking and referrals to mentors and other resources and business services in B.C.

Forum for Women Entrepreneurs — Find programs and events that support and mentor women who are venturing into new business opportunities or who are ready to grow their existing business.

Young Women in Business — Connect with young women who are becoming leaders in business through mentorships and events ranging from case analysis workshops to yoga and style workshops.

Business Loans for Women — Get access to financing for women seeking to start a new business or to expand or purchase an existing business.

Small Business BC — Grow a successful and sustainable business with help from expert business advisors, educational services, easy-to-use free resources and engaging community events.

YMCA's Launchpad for Women Entrepreneurs Workshops — Attend free, introductory workshops for women and non-binary folk interested in entrepreneurship. Gain the knowledge, skills and resources to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey, and tap into connections to mentors and a community that will help you propel your business forward.

Find out what women say about their careers in business with these personal stories:

Owner Mandy standing on hotel stairs

Mandy: Accommodation

Excellent customer service and thinking outside the box make for a winning combination.

Elana crouching in front of coffee bags

Elana: Coffee Manufacturer

This business doubled every year from the start, and its owners saw the potential right away.

Denise and Kim standing in front of their store

Denise and Kim: Retail

They love being moms, but they’re also two women who find the business world rewarding.

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Education / skills

Education opens doors — for developing your career, finding a job, earning a higher income and expanding your life choices. Explore post-secondary education and skills training opportunities:

EducationPlannerBC — Search for post-secondary education programs by interest, subject, type of credential or institution.

Find Your Path — Find Your Path is a personalized, interactive education and career planning tool. Explore, save and share your selections all in one place.

Co-operative Education Programs — View B.C. co-op education programs by institution or program type. You can also find contacts and learn about academic and work terms.

Trades Training BC — Explore trades programs, learn about apprenticeships and entry-level training, and use the BC Trades Training Seat Finder to identify openings you could apply for.

StudentAid BC — Find out how to fund your post-secondary education through student loans, grants and scholarships, and learn about programs that help with loan repayment.

Canadian women university leaders and researchers — Learn about Canadian women who are working in a range of academic environments and roles.

Upgrading — Planning to upgrade or finish high school level courses to prepare for post-secondary training or education? Find a post-secondary institution or school near you that offers adult upgrading courses.

Skills Training for Employment Program — Check out programs that offer skills training and employment support. You’ll find programs for young adults, survivors of violence and/or abuse, and older workers.

Personal development for women

Building your confidence and job skills can help you find employment and move ahead in your career. See if these programs for women can help you get the employment you want.

Minerva Foundation for BC Women — Find support that helps women and girls gain the confidence and skills they need to prosper and become leaders. The B.C. program offers leadership programs, education awards and culturally-relevant programming developed in partnership with Indigenous women.

Bridges for Women — Discover employment training and supportive programs that help women impacted by violence or abuse rebuild their lives and economic stability, with in-person and on-line programs. The program is available to women on southern Vancouver Island and the south Gulf Islands.

FOCUS @ Work — Access a free employment program that helps women reconnect with their confidence, strengths, talent and experience, and build connections. Participants develop customized work search strategies to find the right career path and meaningful employment. The program serves women across Metro Vancouver.

YWCA Employment Programs — Access free employment programs that are specifically designed to help women build confidence and find meaningful employment. Develop customized work strategies to find the right career path for you. Programs available in the Lower Mainland include FOCUS @ Work, Changing Gears, and LEADS.

Dress for Success — Community program focused on empowering women with the tools they need to enter the workforce. Provides career development training, job search assistance, and professional workplace attire. Dress for Success has locations in Vancouver and Kelowna. Contact your local WorkBC Centre to learn more about community programs available to you in your area.

WorkBC Centres

Call or visit your local WorkBC Centre for more information about career preparation programs in B.C. Use our interactive map to find a WorkBC Centre in your area.

Attending post-secondary for the first time?

Are you starting your post-secondary journey?

  • Changing location.
  • Living on your own.
  • Facing new academic challenges.
  • Juggling school and work demands.
  • Managing your money.

The guide From Surviving to Thriving: Developing Personal and Academic Resilience (PDF) gives you resources, checklists, worksheets, a coping strategies planner, and a choice of four strategies for managing stressful situations.

From Surviving to Thriving can help you prepare for challenges and pressures that may arise. The guide will help you identify your personal strengths and develop strategies to manage stress, address challenges and reduce worry and fear. Know when and where to ask for help, and build a network of people for mutual support.

Survivors of Violence and/or Abuse Program

If you’ve fled a situation of violence and/or abuse and face barriers to employment, learn about a program for those who are unemployed or have insecure employment. The Individuals Facing Multiple Barriers program provides skills training and employment support based on each participant’s needs. Support can include counselling, mentoring, child care, transportation, disability supports, work experience, wage subsidies and equipment.