The Manitoba government announced supports for programs that promote women in trades on Monday as part of International Women’s Day.

The province will give $50,000 to two programs aimed at supporting women pursuing non-traditional careers in the heavy construction and information technology industries, said Cathy Cox, minister responsible for the status of women.

Jobs in those fields come with good wages, better benefit packages and more job security than in “traditional female-dominated careers,” including retail and hospitality, Cox said.

The additional funding will help women move into jobs and secure employment opportunities in fields “of particular importance” as Manitoba’s economy begins to recover following the pandemic, she said.

“Supporting women and girls to explore non-traditional careers is an important way to advance women’s economic equality, support a health economy and build a more inclusive and prosperous society,” Cox said.

Women occupy more of the public-facing jobs in the retail, restaurant and hospitality sectors that have been hit hardest by global pandemic closures.

According to Statistics Canada, at the end of January 7.4 per cent of Manitoba women over the age of 25 were unemployed, compared to 4.8 per cent of men. The national unemployment rate rose to 9.4 per cent the same month.

Half of the provincial funding announced Monday is for the Manitoba Construction Sector Council and River East Transcona School Division to encourage women to consider careers in heavy construction. Adults and Grade 12 students in that school division will have access to certifications and networking opportunities within the heavy construction industry, the province said.

Keep reading on CBC News