January 11, 2011

Pictured above L to R: Alberta’s Minister of Employment and Immigration Thomas Lukaszuk, Ciara Birney, a student at the Skills Training Centre, Lee Richardson, MP for Calgary Centre, Sue Tomney, CEO YWCA and Mona Jasinski. VP People, Vermilion Energy (Photos taken by James Michael Paul.)


Calgary, Alberta–Alberta’s Minister of Employment and Immigration Thomas Lukaszuk toured the Vermilion Energy/YWCA Skills Training Centre earlier today, where he learned how the YWCA of Calgary has been working with community and corporate partners for the last 100 years, breaking down barriers for women and their families.

Lee Richardson, Member of Parliament for Calgary Centre is very familiar with the Skills Training Centre and the broader work of the YWCA as he helped the Centre obtain $160,000 in Federal funding two years ago, was also on hand for the day’s event.

“The Vermilion Energy/YWCA Skills Training Centre is an inspiration to all of us working together to ensure sustainable employment to people willing to work,” says Richardson. “It is a proven program that works with business, non-profits, and government, each partnering to provide life and job-specific skills to graduates,” he adds. “Congratulations and thanks to Vermilion Energy and the YWCA for offering hope, and a meaningful second chance.”

During the course of the tour Mr. Lukaszuk and Mr. Richardson heard stories from current and former students who have benefitted directly from the government, along with the support of corporate partners including Vermilion Energy, RONA as well as the Switzer Foundation. 

About the Vermilion Energy/YWCA Skills Training Centre:

Launched in 2008, the Vermilion Energy/YWCA Skills Training Centre offers programs for women and men-in-need who require marketable skills for a career in Calgary’s high-demand construction industry. The provincially-approved program offers 16-weeks of training to ensure graduates receive the necessary life and job-specific skills to enter the workforce. The course program includes pre-apprenticeship and pre-employment carpentry training. Since inception, over 100 men and women have graduated from the program and 70 percent are employed in the construction industry.

Upon program completion, graduates seek out sustainable employment situations and many students are employed less than a month after program completion. The program also includes career path mentorship, workplace culture adaptation and provides support to women seeking safe and suitable housing and childcare.