Status of Women committee  Yes, 570 women have participated in our programs since 2005. We do extensive recruitment and outreach in diverse communities throughout the province. We have four sites across the province, one specifically for this Irving Shipbuilding pilot program. We reach out to women who are

Status of Women committee  The majority of the women are either unemployed or underemployed, and generally working less than 20 hours a week, if they are employed.

Status of Women committee  We have a significant number of women who apply during our recruitment process, and again we select 20 for each of our sites. So yes, we have a significant number of women who are interested in participating in Women Unlimited. I would say that much of our recruitment is as a res

Status of Women committee  There are so many stories of women who have participated in our program that it's hard to choose just one, but about 60% of the women who have participated in our programs are single mothers, so the impact is significant for them but it's huge for their children as well. It sign

Status of Women committee  Absolutely. We provide travel fares and transportation supports as part of our program. We try to address all the barriers that impact their success in these programs.

Status of Women committee  That's correct. They go into another program or career.

Status of Women committee  It's $291,358 and it is a 36-month project. It just started in March 2015.

Status of Women committee  Generally two years. The welding and metal fabrication programs are two year pre-apprenticeship programs. Irving Shipbuilding is contributing 50% of the tuition, and the corporate sponsor has also stepped up to match that. That isn't usual for all of the other programs; that's a

Status of Women committee  There's about 70% who are continuing with their education or employed, because it varies depending on whether they're in school or not. In Nova Scotia it tends to be that they go to the Nova Scotia Community College for training prior to entering fields.

Status of Women committee  Yes, I will, just very briefly. Women Unlimited works with women who are dedicated to building careers in the skilled trades. Women represent 50% of the population and under 5% of trades workers. They are a growing pool of talent for employers—hard-working, professional, and de

Status of Women committee  Thank you, Madam Chair and members of the committee, for the opportunity to speak regarding your study on women in STEM occupations. My name is Doreen Parsons and I am the manager of the Women Unlimited Association, a not-for-profit organization in Nova Scotia promoting the full