CCWESTT Conference 2012

The Canadian Coalition for Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology (CWESTT) Conference 2012 Steering Committee awaits your arrival at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, May 3-5, 2012!

It is only a few days away, and preparations are ready to provide you with an authentic and dynamic experience.

In keeping with the CCWESTT Conference Theme, we will work together to “Inspire a SeaChange” that will enable us to “Move Forward Together” to increase the employment and retention of women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology.

We are pleased to have over 30 informative and inspirational workshops involving over 50 inspirational and knowledgeable Presenters from across Canada. This wide-range of relevant topics will assist us in creating a sea change (defined as a profound transformation) together, for the benefit of all stakeholders involved in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology (SETT). Whether your are an employer, employee, student, educator or peoples’ representative (Municipal, Provincial/Territory or Federal); there is an important role for you to play in building a future where all stakeholders work closely together for the success of SETT fields and a positive economic benefit for all Canadians.

We realize that life is not all about work, so in addition to workshops, plenary discussions and strategic planning, we are incorporating some “energizing” activities to keep your body active. And for your spirit, there are Exhibitors, local Nova Scotian Artisans and diverse, talented Performers joining us.

Stroll through the second floor Foyer to enjoy the exhibits and artists’ creations and join us on Saturday evening for Dinner & Live Entertainment featuring our Host – Shauntay Grant with the Silvio Pupo Trio, Marinda & Solari, Maria Osende Flamenco Company and Tesia Rolle, Poet. (See more information about the Artisans and Performers under the Arts & Culture tab on our web site.)

→ The Nova Scotia Government announces the CCWESTT Conference in Halifax

Read More

→ Limited Exhibitor Space Available – Only 5 Booths Remaining

The Canadian Coalition of Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology (CCWESTT) invites you to exhibit at its upcoming conference. See here for more details.

→ Take a look at our At A Glance Program and the workshop descriptions to help make your selections easier.

Voir en français | Forum sur les politiques

Full – No more seating available

Please join us for a discussion on policy issues that affect the participation, retention and advancement of women in science, engineering, trades and technology (SETT). This Forum will be held on Thursday, May 3rd, 1:15 – 5:00 pm at the conference site. It is being supported by the federal/provincial/territorial Status of Women Forum.

We will be bringing together individuals from industry, business, professional associations, unions, women's organizations, NGOs, educational institutions, governments, and equity groups. Together, we will explore why there are still so few women employed in SETT. How can we link our policies, programs and practices to make a difference? In keeping with our conference theme - Inspiring a SeaChange – we will examine how we can move forward together to transform the future for women in non-traditional fields.

In particular, the Policy Forum will:

• Increase understanding of how our policies, programs and practices affect the participation of women in SETT;
• Provide insights into the policies, programs and practices that support the recruitment, retention and advancement of women in non-traditional fields;
• Increase networking and information-sharing among representatives from non-government organizations/not-for-profit organizations, employers, industry associations, unions and governments; and
• Build on the insights of practitioners, to create new networks, partnerships and programs to increase the employment of women in SETT.

This women-centred Policy Forum will encourage conversation and connect participants by hearing the personal stories of some women employed in SETT. Participants will explore common threads between these stories and how certain policies, programs and practices have affected these women’s lives. The perspectives of employers, unions, educators and government will also be explored. The flow of stories and conversations will be designed to support a shift from the understanding of current challenges, to possible future actions to attract more women to non-traditional careers.

NOTE: A short document will be distributed to all Policy Forum participants in advance of the event. It will include a summary of relevant statistics and a range of barriers/challenges already identified through numerous research projects. The purpose is to provide historic and background information so the Forum can focus on policies, programs and practices to move forward.