Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, this multifaceted program fosters a supportive and inclusive environment through targeted mentorship, barrier reduction strategies and initiatives that promote cultural change. By promoting equity and belonging, we aim to empower more women to pursue and thrive in skilled trades careers.
Through this program, we will:
1. Build mentorship momentum
We host engaging Mentorship Momentum events to create a vibrant community of practice for women apprentices. These gatherings offer mentorship, peer support and valuable knowledge-sharing opportunities with experienced industry professionals.
2. Reduce barriers to participation
We offer wrap around financial support to assist women in overcoming obstacles to attending apprenticeship programs.
3. Promote inclusive workplaces
To foster inclusive environments, we offer:
- Allyship for apprentices: Online learning modules designed for apprentices.
- Inclusive culture workshops: Delivered to employers to promote workplace equity.
- Monthly meet-ups: Allyship sessions that build community and support among apprenticeship students, instructors and alumni.
Register now
Mentorship Momentum: Women Advancing the Trades is Monday, March 16 from 4:30 to 8 pm at SAIT.
This event is dedicated to advancing women in skilled trades through connection, conversation and shared experience, bringing together industry leaders, mentors, alumni, faculty and SAIT apprentices. Don't miss the inspiring keynote speaker and mentor-mentee speed networking.
Three lucky women apprentices will score an exclusive lunch with Hilary Peach, author of Thick Skin and a leading voice in the skilled trades, during SAIT's Mentorship Momentum event on Monday, March 16.
Share your story by submitting a 1 – 2 minute video answering the following questions:
- What does mentorship mean to you, and how has it shaped your learning journey so far?
- If you could learn one thing from Hilary, what would it be — and why?
- How do you see mentorship helping you achieve your career goals in the skilled trades?
This is your chance to connect, learn and gain insight from someone passionate about lifting others.
📅 Deadline: Friday, Feb. 20, 2026
📹 Video specifications: Can be filmed on your phone. 1 – 2 minutes in length (max 1 GB, MP4 or MOV)
📧 Submit: Send your submission here
🎯 Open to SAIT women apprentices in these programs:
- Bricklayer
- Cabinetmaker
- Carpenter
- Electrician
- Gasfitter
- Insulator
- Ironworker
- Plumber
- Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
- Roofer
- Sheet Metal Worker
- Mobile Crane
- Steamfitter
- Pipefitter
- Welder
- Machinist.
Please review the contest rules and regulations before submitting.
Financial support
The WIST Retention Program is committed to reducing financial barriers for women-identifying apprentices in skilled trades. Through targeted support, we help open doors to new opportunities.
What’s covered:
- Childcare during apprenticeship training at SAIT
- Tuition support for eligible training programs
- Essential materials, including tools and personal protective equipment (PPE)
These supports are designed to help women focus on their training and build successful careers in the trades.
Funding eligibility and application faqs
Apprentices who identify as women and are currently enrolled in the eligible skilled trades programs.
Bricklayer, Cabinetmaker, Carpenter, Electrician, Gasfitter, Insulator, Ironworker, Plumber, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Roofer, Sheet Metal Worker, Mobile Crane, Steamfitter Pipefitter, Welder and Machinist.
Applications are accepted year-round, but apprentices are encouraged to apply before or during their training period as allocations are limited.
All required supporting documents must be submitted before any reimbursements will occur.
- Document one: Proof of gender, SAIT student ID number, full name, email address, working phone number and program trade
- Document two: Receipts or invoices for expenses incurred within the project period, as proof of payment
The grant covers expenses that directly support your participation and success in the program. Expenses include tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), childcare and tuition.
Funding amounts vary depending on the expenses you are eligible for. Specific maximum limits are as follows and more details are available in the application itself:
|
Tuition |
$1,016 |
|
Childcare (incurred during training period only) |
$1,400 |
|
Materials and supplies |
$1,000 |
|
PPE |
$500 |
Applications are reviewed based on eligibility, demonstrated financial need and alignment with program objectives. A review committee evaluates each application against established criteria to ensure fairness and transparency.
Applicants will be informed of eligibility within a set timeframe after the application deadline — usually within 4 weeks. Successful applicants will receive the next steps along with their approval notice.
If your application is unsuccessful, you will be notified and may be encouraged to reapply in the future. Where it is possible, feedback will be provided to help strengthen future submissions.
Yes. Recipients will be required to provide proof of expenses for reimbursement, such as paid receipts, progress updates or a short report. These requirements help ensure accountability and continued program funding.
Yes, in some cases, applicants may be eligible to reapply, depending on program rules and available funding.
Questions related to financial support application and reimbursement can be sent to scholarships@sait.ca.
For general questions or assistance, contact the Women in Skilled Trades Retention Program Coordinator at belonging@sait.ca.
Events
Join a welcoming community of women in skilled trades — whether you're just starting your apprenticeship or have years of industry experience. Our events are designed to spark connection, share knowledge and celebrate the diverse journeys of women in the trades.
Upcoming events
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Contact us
Community and Belonging
Stan Grad Centre, MC201
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Phone - 403.284.8333
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Email - belonging@sait.ca
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Monday - Friday | 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.