Jim Corman, the president and CEO of Orano Canada, Dr. Larry Rosia, Saskatchewan Polytechnic's president and CEO, and WITT program head Allison Zerr. (Submitted photo/Saskatchewan Polytechnic)

By paNOW Staff

TRADES AND TECHNOLOGY

Orano Canada gifting $1 million to encourage more women to enrol in trades and technology training

Feb 14, 2023 | 2:03 PM

It’s a big boost for women in northern Saskatchewan looking for a career in the trades and technology.

To bolster the future for women in technical trades, uranium producer Orano Canada is gifting $1 million to Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Women in Trades and Technology program.

The program works with instructors, professionals and non-profits to build a curriculum for camps, workshops and mentorship opportunities so women can learn several skills and in turn consider their career options in several fields.

“We pride ourselves on being an equal opportunity employer. Orano is committed to hiring more women at our McClean Lake operation, ensuring pay equity and advancing women to more senior and supervisory positions,” Jim Corman, the president and CEO of Orano Canada said.

“Supporting the Women in Trades and Technology Program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic will help to increase the awareness of career opportunities for women in the mining industry, as well as provide job links to trades that are accessible near their home communities,” he added.

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The company has a global goal of increasing women in senior roles by 10 per cent between now and 2025.

With Orano’s gift, the school will now provide additional programs in northern and rural communities. To recognize the company’s contribution, the program name will now change to Women and Trades and Technology Program (WITT) – Powered by Orano. The gifted amount will be disbursed over 10 years and includes an annual scholarship to a female student.

“Thank you to Orano Canada for your generous gift in supporting women entering the technical trades,” Dr. Larry Rosia, Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s president and CEO said.

“Women account for 47 per cent of the Canadian labour force but represent only five

per cent of the most in-demand trades across Canada,” WITT program head Allison Zerr said. “Jobs in these sectors are high paying. This significant contribution from Orano Canada will enable Sask Polytech’s WITT programming to support our female students in meeting their education and career goals.”

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panews@pattisonmedia.com