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Introducing the

Our Programs Are Funded By

Canadian Women's Foundation

Community Foundations of Canada

Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST)

Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) was developed in 1984 as a response to disproportionately high levels of unemployment among women and the difficulties experienced by women attempting to enter the workforce.

During the course of development, it became apparent that the most disadvantaged women, in terms of training and employment opportunities, were visible minorities. As a result of those findings, a plan was implemented to create a technical and life skills training program specific to the needs of visible minority women residing in Windsor-Essex. WEST, a non-profit corporation and registered charitable organization, is the realization of that initiative.

With funding from Human Resources Development Canada, WEST opened its doors in February 1987, offering unique training opportunities for women from Windsor-Essex and around the globe. Through skills enhancement and volunteer placements, visible minority women have been prepared for entry to employment and have moved closer to achieving the success they desire.

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Mar 30

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🎉 On March 26, 2026, WEST proudly hosted our annual WIST Recognition Event, celebrating the incredible women in our skilled trades programs!

This year’s spotlight shone on participants of:
🔧 CNC/Industrial Mechanic Millwright Pre-Apprenticeship Program
⚡ Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship Program
❄️ STARS Program for Women – Skills Training in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Sheet Metal

We also honored the employers who make these opportunities possible, who demonstrate a strong commitment to equity and inclusion in trades, while helping women build successful careers.

✨ Building an Inclusive Workplace Award recipients:

LAVAL International
Cavalier Tool & Manufacturing Ltd.
EnerQuest Technology Solutions
MTE Controls

👏 The Blueprint for Student Leadership Award winners were also a highlight of the evening, recognizing women who have displayed leadership, academic excellence, resilience, and strong commitment to training and career development.

Joan Walsh
Amie Robson
Trudy Yax

Your perseverance, leadership, and dedication inspire us all! 💪

#WomenInTrades #SkilledTrades #InclusiveWorkplace #StudentLeadership #WISTRecognition

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Mar 30

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What an incredible March Break week with our EDGE youth! From March 16–19, we had a fun-filled and meaningful lineup of activities designed to inspire, connect, and empower.
We explored creativity through arts & crafts, learned from inspiring guest speakers about their careers, and strengthened our skills through engaging workshops. The group also enjoyed a field trip to the library and gave back to the community through a rewarding volunteering session. It was a perfect mix of learning, growth, and fun, and we’re so proud of the energy, participation, and teamwork shown by all our youth! ❤️

#EDGEProgram #NewcomerYouth #CommunityConnections

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Mar 27

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WEST had the privilege of presenting at Hiram Walker, highlighting our programs and the impact we’re making in the community.

Grateful for the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and continue opening doors.

#WESTofWindsor #CommunityImpact #WindsorEssex

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Mar 26

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Integrated Employment Services had a great time meeting students at the University of Windsor’s Career Expo! We shared how our free employment services can support their job search and career goals. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the WEST booth!
#IntegratedEmploymentServices #UWinCareerExpo #EmploymentSupport

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Mar 26

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Unifor is partnering with researchers at the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children (CREVAWC) on an important research project focused on sexual harassment in the skilled trades sector.

This project aims to increase awareness of workplace sexual harassment in the trades and improve understanding of workers’ rights, employer responsibilities, and the supports available to workers who experience harassment. The research will also help identify prevalence, barriers to reporting, and the experiences of workers in the sector, with the goal of strengthening protections and creating safer workplaces.

The skilled trades are a critical pathway to good, unionized jobs. However, harassment remains a significant barrier for many workers, particularly women, gender-diverse workers, and other equity-deserving groups, preventing them from accessing, remaining in, or advancing within these occupations.

To ensure this research reflects the real experiences of workers, we need skilled trades members to participate in the survey.

We are asking locals and allied organizations to help support this work by:

• Sharing the survey with your skilled trades members and encouraging them to participate
• Promoting the survey through your local communication channels such as newsletters or member emails
• Amplifying the message on your social media platforms

Your support will help ensure the voices of skilled trades workers are reflected in this important research and will contribute to stronger strategies to prevent harassment and improve workplace safety across the sector.

Together, we can help build safer, more inclusive workplaces in the trades.

The survey can be found at: itsnotpartofthejob.ca

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Mar 23

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✨ March Break 2026 Highlights – Mom & Me Program ✨

Our Mom & Me participants enjoyed a wonderful and memorable March Break filled with learning, connection, and fun for the whole family! 💛 Throughout the week, families took part in a variety of engaging activities, including a creative and educational visit to Safety Village where moms and children explored safety rules through interactive games and family art 🎨🚦, a joyful Family Strength Day at YOYO’s Family Centre filled with bonding and laughter 🎉, and a warm community gathering at WIA that helped build meaningful relationships and connections 🤝. The week wrapped up with an exciting full day of social and recreational activities with RCIC, creating lasting memories and strengthening community ties 🌟.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing community partners for their continued support and to all our wonderful families for making this March Break so special! 🌸

#MomAndMe #MarchBreak2026 #CommunityConnections #FamilyFun #WESTPrograms

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Mar 19

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✨ Congratulations to Our LEAD 4 Intake 7 Graduates! ✨

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the amazing achievements of our LEAD 4 Intake 7 graduates! Your dedication, resilience, and commitment to your growth have brought you to this milestone—well done!

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our valued community partners for their continued support and for helping create these meaningful opportunities for our participants.

A special thank you to our keynote speaker, Tanisha Szeto, RMT, for her inspiring and empowering words. Your message truly encouraged and uplifted our graduates as they prepare for this next step.

We are so proud of each and every one of you—this is only the beginning! 🌟

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Mar 19

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Eid Mubarak to our community 🤍 May this beautiful occasion bring peace, joy, and blessings to you and your families.

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Mar 18

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Wishing Michelle all the very best on her next chapter. Thank you for everything you’ve contributed to WEST, you will be missed, and we look forward to seeing you again soon 💛

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