CAF-FCA’S SUITE OF

Professional Development Programs

Two programs dedicated to enhancing the leadership and mentorship skills of women and gender-diverse individuals in the skilled trades.

Skills and Relationships

Along with learning new skills and practical tips from subject matter experts, participants will receive coaching and mentorship from experienced tradespeople. Additionally, participants will learn alongside a community of their peers and will have many opportunities to develop lasting relationships with other women and gender-diverse individuals in the trades.

These programs invite participants from all over Canada to come together online for approximately four months and about six hours a week. Individuals are welcome to take both of these complimentary courses, although they cannot be taken simultaneously.

Leadership Development Program

The National Leadership Development Program was designed by skilled trades experts to help participants develop as leaders in the workplace.

If you are interested in the National Leadership Development Program for Women in Manufacturing Skilled trades cohort in February 2025 organized by Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, please contact Susan at smclachlan@emccanada.org.

Please note: the February 2025 cohort is open to manufacturing trades only and registration will be processed through EMC. We’ll reopen to all trades in September 2025 and applications will return to CAF-FCA.

Mentor Development Program

The National Mentor Development Program was created to empower women and gender-diverse individuals within the trades by equipping them with valuable mentorship skills.

Applications for the February 2025 cohort are now closed. Stay tuned for information on the September 2025 cohort.

Interested in being a Coach?

The National Mentor Development Program is also looking for 5 coaches per cohort to provide guidance and mentorship to the participants of the program. This is a paid position and is open to women and gender diverse individuals in the trades who are qualified journeypersons and have been in their trade for several years. The ideal candidates will have previous experience as a mentor in the trades either in a formal or informal capacity.