Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) was developed in 1984 as a response to disproportionately high levels of unemployment among women and the difficulties experienced by women attempting to enter the workforce.

During the course of development, it became apparent that the most disadvantaged women, in terms of training and employment opportunities, were visible minorities. As a result of those findings, a plan was implemented to create a technical and life skills training program specific to the needs of visible minority women residing in Windsor-Essex. WEST, a non-profit corporation and registered charitable organization, is the realization of that initiative.

With funding from Human Resources Development Canada, WEST opened its doors in February 1987, offering unique training opportunities for women from Windsor-Essex and around the globe. Through skills enhancement and volunteer placements, visible minority women have been prepared for entry to employment and have moved closer to achieving the success they desire.