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Uplift Program

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YWCA Hamilton Uplift Program

The YWCA Hamilton Uplift Program provides women and non-binary individuals the opportunity to reskill or upskill in specialized technology fields through certification training, and provides additional supports related to career development and navigating non-traditional workplaces.

Programs are delivered online on a part-time basis. Each program has it’s own learning schedule.


Program Background

Since early 2021, nineteen cohorts involving nearly 700 participants have leveraged this opportunity through YWCA partner organizations across Southern and Eastern Ontario. 86% of participants have made a career transition while in the program or shortly after completion. Participants are enrolled in tailored certification programs at accredited Ontario universities and colleges where they gain job-related technical skills and develop professional competencies, leading to a certificate of completion and/or micro-credentials. Skills training is provided alongside wraparound supports and career development. YWCA of Hamilton offers training in the following streams:

  • UpliftMobility & Cybersecurity
  • Data Science
  • Data Analytics

All training fees for participants are covered by FedDev Ontario. For details of each program stream, please check the respective program tab below.

Industry Partners and Role Models

We would like to build relationships with companies who share our vision of achieving a highly qualified gender-balanced workforce in high-tech industries.

Consider identifying women in your organization who could benefit from reskilling in one of our certification cohorts alternatively to recruit Uplift Program participants to fill positions in your organization upon graduation.

Also, role models can provide a glimpse into the day-to-day experiences of the workplace and perhaps share their personal journey as an inspiration to others.

For details, please review the program tab below.




Uplift Program

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Employment Services at YWCA Hamilton

Uplift Program

Skilled Trades and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs

The Opportunities Program
YWCA Hamilton Talent
MakerSpace
Advancing Women in Skilled Trades
Equitable Pathway for Young Women

YWCA Hamilton has partnered with the University of Ottawa to offer The Information and Cyber Security Program is part of the Professional Development Institute (PDI) learning ecosystem in security, cybersecurity, and other disciplines offered through PDI. Graduates of the program will gain knowledge, skills, and tools required to transition to several work opportunities in the field of information technology and cybersecurity. 

The course covers three objectives: 

  • Train participants on applying tools, techniques, and methods to improve communication and solve information and cyber security challenges. 
  • Equip participants with skills to reduce and mitigate information and cyber risks within their organizations. 
  • Enhance career opportunities with new management and leadership skills in information and cyber security. 

Core program participants gain a solid foundation in information and cyber security, covering topics like technology, equipment, software, frameworks, and standards. 

Elective courses help program participants enhance their foundational skills with additional specialty KSAs in fields such as engineering, regulatory, investigations, threat analysis, legal and contractual requirements, risk management, and more. 

All expenses covered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

For more information, please contact:

Adriana Bozur
Uplift Coordinator
abozur@ywcahamilton.org

Applications are now closed


Launch your career in the green economy! Industry-aligned training in Electrification Technologies and Project Management, delivered by McMaster University’s MMRI experts.

YWCA Hamilton has partnered with the McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) Industrial Training Program to offer comprehensive training in Electrification Technologies and Project Management for the automotive, aerospace, and infrastructure sectors.

Program Structure & Overview 

This program covers: 

  •  The latest advancements in electrified transportation 
  •  Opportunities and technological challenges in electrification 
  •  Societal, environmental, and ethical considerations 
  •  Project management frameworks for green technology initiatives 

Electrification Technologies (April – June | 6 weeks) 

  • Automotive: EV powertrains, battery systems, and industry trends 
  • Aerospace: Hybrid-electric flight, urban air mobility, and sustainability 
  • Global impact: Smart cities, policy, and ethical considerations 

Project Management for Green Tech & Manufacturing (June – August | 7 weeks)  

  • Implement work breakdown structures (WBS)  
  • Practical training:  
    • Critical path method for production timelines  
    • Task accountability frameworks  

Through hands-on activities and live demonstrations, you’ll apply these skills to real manufacturing challenges.

Key Benefits 

  • Gain both technical knowledge and project leadership skills 
  • Learn through case studies and practical applications 
  • Earn recognition from McMaster’s MMRI Industrial Training Program 
  • YWCA wraparound supports including: 
    • One-on-one career coaching 
    • Industry networking opportunities 
    • Peer mentorship groups (bi-weekly forums) 

Eligibility Requirements 

  • Women (cisgender or transgender) or non-binary 
  • Bachelor’s degree, diploma and some relevant skills and/or experience 
  • Canadian citizen or permanent resident 
  • Canadian Language Benchmark levels 7-8 

Steps to enrolment 

  • Complete online application form 
  • Attend an Information session/Intake Interview 
  • Provide proof of eligibility 
  • Receive offer of acceptance, complete Participant Agreement containing code of conduct, expectations, consent to release information and confidentiality agreement. 
  • Enrolment with training partner is completed by the Program Coordinator 

Funder: FedDev 

Partner: McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute Industrial Training Program (MMRI)

For more information, please contact:

Wendy Graham
Uplift Coordinator
wgraham@ywcahamilton.org

Applications are now closed

Our Data Science Program offers comprehensive certification training in Data Science. Participants in this stream will gain expertise in various areas, such as data analysis, developing algorithms, and solving complex business challenges.

The Data Science stream is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of data science and the pivotal role data scientists play in today’s technology-driven world. Through an engaging and hands-on approach, this stream equips participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the vast realm of data analysis, interpretation, and prediction.

We are proud to offer this program in partnership with the University of Guelph’s Open Learning and Educational Support program led by experienced and professional data science instructors. More information can be found here. Coupled with the support from the YWCA, participants will have access to industry connections and career development, ensuring they have the necessary tools for future success.

Course Topics

  • Discovery Data Science (4 weeks)
  • Introduction to Data Science (8 weeks)
  • Data Mining and Machine Learning (8 weeks)
  • Big Data Analytics (8 weeks)

Learning Outcomes:

  • Apply appropriate data analytic methods to inform organizational decision-making.
  • Develop skills in data acquisition, processing, and cleaning.
  • Apply statistical methods and predictive modeling to solve real-world problems.
  • Analyze big data using tools like Hadoop, Hive, and Spark.
  • Create compelling data visualizations and communicate findings effectively

Sample job titles in this category include:

  • Data Architect
  • Data Scientist
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Machine Learning Specialist
  • Quantitative Analyst

High annual salary $110-116k annually

Median wage $70-80k /annually

Source: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/227147/ON

Admission Requirements

  • Women (cisgender or transgender) or non-binary
  • Bachelor’s degree, diploma or relevant experience
  • Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • Ontario resident
  • Canadian Language Benchmark levels 7-8

To be successful in this program, it is recommended that you have a recent statistics course and basic experience or understanding of ’R’ programming language.

Steps to Enrolment

  • Complete online application form
  • Attend an Information session/Intake Interview
  • Provide proof of eligibility
  • Receive offer of acceptance and complete Participant Agreement containing code of conduct, expectations, consent to release information and confidentiality agreement
  • Enrolment with training partner is completed by Program Coordinator

For more information, please contact:

Fiona Hodgetts
Interim Uplift Coordinator/Job Developer
fhodgetts@ywcahamilton.org

Applications are now closed

Take a step forward in your career! YWCA Hamilton has partnered with the McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) Industrial Training Program to offer comprehensive training in Data Analytics and Project Management for Manufacturing. 

Program Structure & Overview 

This program provides: 

  • Foundational skills in industrial data management 
  • Condition-based monitoring techniques 
  • Machine learning applications for manufacturing 
  • Project management frameworks for data initiatives 

 Data Management in Manufacturing (April – June | 6 weeks) 

Core Topics: 

  • Fundamentals of Data Management: SCADA, PLCs, IoT systems 
  • Condition-Based Monitoring: Sensor technologies, fault detection 
  • Machine Learning: Predictive maintenance, quality optimization 

Project Management for Manufacturing (June – August | 7 weeks) 

Key Focus Areas: 

  • Work breakdown structures for analytics projects 
  • Critical path methods for implementation 
  • Task accountability frameworks 
  • Through hands-on activities and live demonstrations, you’ll apply these skills to real manufacturing challenges. 

Key Benefits 

  • Hands-on experience with manufacturing data systems 
  • Learn to lead data-driven projects 
  • Earn recognition from McMaster’s MMRI program  
  • YWCA wraparound supports including: 
    • One-on-one career coaching 
    • Industry networking opportunities 
    • Peer mentorship groups (bi-weekly forums) 

Eligibility Requirements  

  • Women (cisgender or transgender) or non-binary 
  • Bachelor’s degree, diploma and some relevant skills and/or experience 
  • Canadian citizen or permanent resident 
  • Canadian Language Benchmark levels 7-8

Steps to enrolment 

  • Complete online application form 
  • Attend an Information session/Intake Interview 
  • Provide proof of eligibility 
  • Receive offer of acceptance, complete Participant Agreement containing code of conduct, expectations, consent to release information and confidentiality agreement 
  • Enrolment with training partner is completed by Program Coordinator 

Funder: FedDev Ontario

Partner: McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) 

For more information, please contact:

Wendy Graham
Uplift Coordinator
wgraham@ywcahamilton.org

Applications are now closed

The YWCA Hamilton Uplift takes pride in its comprehensive career support program, which goes above and beyond to assist our participants in their professional journeys. We have forged strong alliances with industry partners and employers who play a pivotal role in enhancing the program’s effectiveness. These invaluable employer relationships enable us to provide participants with firsthand knowledge of the current job market, industry trends, and skills in high demand. Through their collaboration, we are able to offer a diverse range of resources and real-world insights that significantly enrich participants’ career perspectives and broaden their horizons regarding future possibilities.

The Partnership Commitment

Interested industry professionals will join our list of employers to be contacted as needed to virtually present various themed sessions to our participants ranging from a career journey conversation to a subject-specific workshop. Time commitment will vary but will be no more than 2 hours per month. It is important to emphasize that all contributions of time from partners are entirely voluntary. We deeply appreciate the willingness of industry partners and employers to share their expertise and resources with our program participants. Your valuable input and engagement play a vital role in shaping the future of aspiring professionals and promoting inclusive practices within the workforce.

How to Get Involved

  • Consider identifying women in your organization who could benefit from reskilling in one of our certification cohorts.
  • Connecting us with potential guest speakers from your organization to take part in our career support program.
  • Opportunities for your organization to recruit Uplift Program participants to fill positions in your organization upon graduation.

For more information, please contact:

Fiona Hodgetts
fhodgetts@ywcahamilton.org

Applications are now closed

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Training Partners: