Mentorship and networking
Connect with experienced industry professionals.
Women in ACTION Project
Mentorship, training and employment supports to our female apprentices in construction and manufacturing trades to encourage their retention in the industry and progression towards their Red Seal certification.
About the project
ACTION stands for Apprenticeship Completion Training, Innovative Opportunities and Networking and is a project that supports female apprentices in construction and manufacturing trades.
This includes a one-on-one mentorship program and networking events with industry mentors and female apprentices as well as opportunities for tuition-free certification, specialized training for more senior apprentices, and bursaries for transportation, textbooks, PPE, and more for eligible and select participants*
*Certain supports such as mentorship will be available to apprentices of all genders in all OC trades programs, thanks to additional funding partnerships.
Project benefits
Educational workshops
Workshops could include injury prevention, leadership, communication skills, and more.
Events will be hosted throughout the year including tool demos, holiday craft night, networking events and socials and more.
Join our mailing list to be the first to know! Email action@okanagan.bc.ca
Financial assistance
Emergency bursaries for childcare, transportation, textbooks.
ACTION Project Grant Application - Apply now!
Employment and certification support:
Access to First Aid, Forklift, and other specialized, job-ready certifications.
Past Events
Gather & Build: Charcuterie Board workshop
Our Carpentry/Joinery students recently teamed up with the OC Indigenous Student Services team, Trades Clients Services team and leadership for an exciting hands-on "Gather & Build: Charcuterie Board" workshop in the Carpentry Shop! Students embraced the spirit of mentorship, a cornerstone of the ACTION Project, by guiding participants, who had little to no woodworking experience, through the activity while sharing their skills, building confidence, and growing as leaders together.
ACTION at Jill of All Trades™
ACTION mentors and female apprentices participated in our Jill of All Trades™ events for female high schoolers. This event includes many hands-on workshops in the motive power, manufacturing, and construction trades sectors. Female mentors lead these workshops to help young women develop a better understanding of the potential of skilled trades’ careers. To learn more about Jill of All Trades™ events, visit Jill of All Trades | Okanagan College.
COMING SOON: Industry Certification Courses
More industry certificate course dates will be published here shortly — and we want you to be part of them! Please check back soon.
Whether you’re an apprentice who is looking to build your skills, grow your career, or connect with other tradespeople, industry training courses are designed to support you and your apprenticeship journey.
Connect with us to get involved
For apprentices
Getting involved in the ACTION Project can significantly benefit a skilled trades apprentice, both personally and professionally, through various activities, resources, and communities.
For mentors
A mentor can provide valuable advice, share industry insights, and help navigate the challenges of the trade. Enhance your skills with networking and professional development opportunities to gain career advancement while guiding the next generation of tradespeople.
For partners and sponsors
By participating in discussions, workshops, or advocacy efforts, community partners can help shape the future of their trade, improve working conditions, and elevate the industry's status in the community.
Contact us
You can also reach us by phone or email:
Phone: 250 862 5457 or 1800 621 3038
Email: action@okanagan.bc.ca