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KCDS accepting applications for Bev LaPointe Memorial Women in Trades scholarship

Nelson Daily Staff
By Nelson Daily Staff
May 7th, 2020

The Bev LaPointe Memorial Scholarship for Women in Trades has been established by Kootenay Career Development Society in memory of founding Board Chair, Bev Lapointe.

Lapointe served KCDS from May 2004 until December 2012 and was passionate about the work of the society.

“(Bev) was a strong supporter of job seekers and workers in our community and always championed workers’ rights,” a KCDS spokesperson said.

“She was fierce in her defense of women’s rights both in the workplace and community (and) committed many years to the Canadian Union of Public Employees working as President of CUPE 339 Nelson Municipal workers, General Vice President on the CUPE BC executive board, chair of CUPE’s BC environment committee and member of CUPE’s National environment committee.”

Lapointe was the first woman hired to work for the City of Nelson and was employed with the city for 32 years (1980-2012) working in parks and public works.

Locals often saw Lapointe travelling down the street in her snowplow, bus or streetsweeper, joking “you bet I drive like a woman.”

Launched in May of 2016 the Bev LaPointe Memorial Scholarship for Women in Trades offers a $2000 scholarship to a full time or part time female student in the trades.

The scholarship is meant to support women interested in a career path that has historically been under -represented by women.

In 2011, women accounted for only 14% of registered apprentices and were concentrated in certain trades, including hairstylists and cooks, with small proportions in most other trades. Women account for only 2% of carpentry apprentices, 1.9% of plumbing apprentices, and 1.5% of heavy equipment apprentices. (Source: Statistics Canada)

The successful applicant must be accepted by an accredited college, university, vocational school, or apprenticeship program validated by the ITA for trades.

Eligibility

  • Applicants must be registered as a full time or part time female student in the trades.
  • Applicants must be a permanent resident of the region that Kootenay Career Development Society serves. This includes Nelson, Castlegar, Salmo, Kaslo, the Village of Slocan and RDCK areas D, E, F, G, H, I & J as well as Trail, Rossland, Warfield, Fruitvale, Montrose, and RDKB areas A & B.
  • The scholarship is open to any individual who self-identifies as a woman.
  • Deadline for applications is May 31, 2020

Application Requirements

  1. Bev Lapointe Memorial Scholarship for Women in Trades Application Form
  2. Resume
  3. Essay that describes how applicant’s education and career goals are aligned with the trades and and why the applicant is choosing this career path.
  4. At least one reference letter

A selection committee comprised of KCDS representatives will review the applications and make a decision based on the following criteria: demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in the trades, importance of the trade to this region, and residency in the KCDS service region.

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