About WEST




Women's Enterprise Skills Training (WEST) was developed as an initiative of the Women in the Workforce Sub-Committee of the Mayor's Committee on Employment Opportunities/Services to the Unemployed. This Sub-Committee was established in 1984 in response to disproportionately high levels of unemployment among women and the difficulties experienced by women attempting to enter the workforce.

During the course of the Sub-Committee's needs assessment, it became apparent the most disadvantaged women, in terms of training and employment opportunities, were visible minority women. As a result of those findings, the Sub-Committee applied for funding to research and develop a technical and life skills training program specific to the needs of visible minority women.

WEST first opened in February, 1987 with funding from Human Resources Development Canada and accepted its first group of trainees in April, 1987. It offers a unique training opportunity to visible minority women from Canada and other countries in preparation for entry into employment. Through skills enhancement and on-the-job experience, WEST graduates have been able to secure entry-level clerical positions.

WEST is incorporated in Ontario as a non-profit corporation and is registered as a charitable organization.
 


The current WEST board of directors and staff would like to express their sincere appreciation to the sub-committee and the founding members of the WEST Board of Directors. We thank you for the commitment and vision which has had an impact on the more than four hundred visible minority women, their families and the community.

WEST (Women's Enterprise Skills Training) exists to provide training for Severely employment disadvantaged visible minority women in order to Improve their employability in the work force and/or their education.

Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST)