A Women’s Work Support Centre announces launch of flagship location in Toronto

A Women’s Work (AWW) Support Centre has announced the launch of its flagship location at 7-1111 Finch Avenue West in Toronto.

AWW is the first Ontario-based, woman-led, non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women to enter the skilled trades, particularly construction, at no cost.

The organization was founded in 2022 by Natasha Ferguson, the founder and owner of EthelFox Construct Group and focuses on providing educational and training programs to encourage more women to enter the trades at a time when Ontario continues to face a skilled labour shortage.

“We are not just opening a school—we are opening doors to new possibilities for women in construction,” said Ferguson. “This school represents a commitment to breaking barriers, empowering women with the skills to lead and succeed. Together, we are building a more inclusive, innovative future where opportunity knows no gender.”

What started as a privately funded pilot in 2022, is now a government-supported training program for women of all ages and from all walks of life.

The eight-week pre-apprenticeship program includes foundational training, and skills training in tiling, drywall, framing, roofing, and painting. The program is followed by an eight-week paid job placement with a leading industry employer or a general contractor.

“Building a bright future for Ontario requires all hands on deck – but when women represent only one in ten workers in the skilled trades, it means we have one hand tied behind our back,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “That’s why our government is proud to invest over $2.1 million through our Skills Development Fund to help A Women’s Work open this first-in-Ontario all-women training campus.”

The free program is open to women who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and new-comers to Canada. There are no prerequisites related to skills or education, and no age limitations.

So far, AWW has had almost 100 students participate in its pre-apprenticeship training program since the start of its pilot project in 2022.

“The launch of A Women’s Work Support Centre is a game-changer for women trying to launch a career in the skilled trades,” said Charmaine Williams, associate minister of women’s social and economic opportunity. “This initiative not only addresses the province’s skilled labour shortage, but also enables women to build successful, independent careers. I wholeheartedly support this initiative and look forward to witnessing its transformative impact on women across Ontario.”

AWW’s programming has been made possible with the help of several groups including funding from the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and support from their community partner The Career Foundation, and industry partners including Bosch, Sherwin Williams, Flynn Group Of Companies, City Modular Buildings Inc., and Fero International Inc.