Algonquin College’s Women in Tech & Trades program builds momentum, focuses on mentorship with growing industry support
Posted on Tuesday, October 6th, 2026
Algonquin College’s Women in Tech and Trades (WiTT) program is entering its second year with growing momentum, valued industry partnerships and a continued commitment to supporting women pursuing careers in technology and trades. WiTT is growing its industry network welcoming ALSTOM and Canadian Bank Note Company, Limited (CBN) as Trailblazer sponsors. WiTT also welcomes Modern Niagara, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), and Enbridge Gas Inc. alongside many returning industry leaders and foundations.
WiTT serves students across a broad range of technology and trades programs, including those within the School of Advanced Technology, School of Creative and Interdisciplinary Studies and Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence. Through intentional programming that connects learners with industry, WiTT helps to build professional networks, employability skills, and promote a sense of belonging that all contribute to academic retention and career success.
“The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum reports that only about 5% of Canadian workers in the skilled trades are women. Initiatives like WiTT are vital to address this gender disparity and solve the issue of labour shortage in the trades”, said Katherine Root, Dean, Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence. At the same time, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council reports “fewer than one in four jobs in Canada’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) sector are held by women, even though more than one-third of STEM graduates are women.”
Launched in the Fall of 2025 and made possible through the support of industry leaders and the Leacross Foundation, WiTT aims to provide women students in technology and trades with opportunities for professional growth, networking and mentorship. The WiTT initiative continues to evolve in response to student and partner feedback, ensuring programming remains relevant, impactful and aligned with workforce needs.
In its first year, WiTT brought together students, alumni, faculty and industry leaders, delivering two signature events and ten boutique-style networking experiences which offered skill building opportunities ranging from evidence-based learning strategies to the importance of turning curiosity into action in a welcoming and supportive environment. Through the generosity of donors, 10 students who identify as women received financial awards to support their academic journey in recognition of their leadership, engagement and contributions to the WiTT community.
Building on these achievements, WiTT’s second year will place a greater focus on industry mentorship conversations. These opportunities will give students more time to ask questions, share experiences, build relationships and hear directly from women working in the industry about their career experiences and the path they took to get there. With Algonquin College enrollment 10% above the industry average for women in trades, WiTT will continue to build on that momentum and encourage more young women to consider careers in technology and trades.
Alice Yang, WiTT alumna and graduate from Cloud Development and Operations reflected on the support she received at Algonquin College, “The advice, stories and encouragement I received from peers and mentors alike has been invaluable —not only during my time at Algonquin, but also as I begin my full-time career in IT.”
Louis W. Bray, a continued WiTT sponsor, highlighted the value of the initiative, “WiTT is an exceptional program that brings its members together through meaningful mentorship and community. Louis W. Bray is proud to support WiTT’s efforts to encourage diversity in tech and trades, empowering women and strengthening our industry. We’re happy to be a continued sponsor of a program that allows many bright minds to be better equipped with tools and support to build fulfilling and successful careers.”
The continued success of WiTT is made possible through the ongoing commitment of the Leacross Foundation and the support of its valued industry partners, including:
Together, these organizations are investing in the next generation of women in technology. Students interested in participating in WiTT and organizations who wish to shape the next generation of women in tech and trades are encouraged to contact WiTT by email or go to the WiTT website.
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For further information:
Meg Fraser
Communications Officer
Algonquin College
613-302-0138
fraserm2@algonquincollege.com
About Algonquin College
The mission of Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology is to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success. Algonquin College, an Ontario public sector community college, does this by offering hands-on, digitally connected, experiential learning in close to 170 programs. Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario, with campuses in Ottawa and Pembroke, with fully online programming delivered through AC Online.