Women Building Futures
Women Building Futures is a Canadian non-profit founded in 1998 that provides free pre-apprenticeship training programs in construction trades, transportation, and heavy equipment operation for women and gender-diverse individuals, combined with wraparound support services and employer placement through its Employer of Choice network of 60+ corporate partners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1998
- HeadquartersEdmonton, Canada
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Women Building Futures does
Women Building Futures (WBF) is a Canadian non-profit society and registered charity founded in 1998 in Edmonton, Alberta, that provides free pre-apprenticeship training programs for women and gender-diverse individuals seeking careers in skilled trades and transportation. The organization delivers hands-on classroom and workshop-based programs including Journey to Trades (12-17 week construction trades introduction covering welding, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, millwright, and steamfitter/pipefitter), Professional Class 3 Driver, Pre-Apprenticeship Heavy Equipment Technician, Power Engineer Career Accelerator, Suncor Haul Truck Program, and the Ontario-based Women Ready to Work in Automotive program. Over 25+ years, more than 3,000 women have graduated and entered skilled trades careers. WBF's core differentiator is its wraparound support ecosystem: Success Coaching, 42 affordable housing units at its Edmonton training facility (managed in partnership with Civida), Financial Aid, Indigenous Services, and Alumni Support.
The business model is multi-revenue: tuition is fully funded through government grants (Government of Alberta, Government of Canada, Government of Ontario), corporate sponsorships from major energy and construction firms, and individual charitable donations (CRA registered charity No. 884181223 RR0001). Revenue-generating streams include Employer of Choice membership fees (60+ employer partners paying $750-$3,500 CAD annually based on company size), fee-for-service DEI training workshops ($250-$450 CAD per participant), and online donations. The Employer of Choice program creates a two-sided network connecting graduates with employers committed to inclusive workplaces — major participants include Suncor, Enbridge, Cenovus, Pembina, Shell, Chevron, TC Energy, Imperial, ConocoPhillips, PCL Construction, and Vestas.
Women Building Futures firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Women Building Futures
- Legal name
- Women Building Futures Society
- Website
- https://womenbuildingfutures.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1998
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Women Building Futures is a Canadian non-profit founded in 1998 that provides free pre-apprenticeship training programs in construction trades, transportation, and heavy equipment operation for women and gender-diverse individuals, combined with wraparound support services and employer placement through its Employer of Choice network of 60+ corporate partners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Women Building Futures industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Vocational Training and Workforce Development Services
- NAICS
- Apprenticeship Training (611513), Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Employment Agencies (7361)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs (BPACANAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Employment & Job Readiness Support Services (BPAGAEAJ), Internship-to-Apprenticeship & Early Talent Pipeline Programs (EDAMAKAL), Career Coaching, Mentoring & Placement Support Services (EDAAAKAO)
Keywords
Where Women Building Futures is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Edmonton
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Women Building Futures business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: Monthly and one-time donations from individuals and organizations supporting WBF's mission to provide free skills training for women. CRA registered charitable organization No. 884181223 RR0001.
- Employer of Choice Membership Fees: Annual membership fees from employers (scaling from $750-$3500 CAD annually based on company size) who join the Employer of Choice program to access WBF graduates and DEI resources.
- Work Proud Inclusivity Training: Fee-for-service training workshops (Building Workplace Success at $450/individual, Best Practices at $250/individual) for organizations seeking to build inclusive workplaces.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Employer of Choice Membership - 1-49 Employees |
| Subscription | Annual | Employer of Choice Membership - 50-499 Employees |
| Subscription | Annual | Employer of Choice Membership - 500+ Employees |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Building Workplace Success Workshop (Leadership) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Best Practices for Success Workshop (Workers) |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
Women Building Futures product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Women Building Futures provides free pre-apprenticeship skills training and wraparound support services for women and gender-diverse individuals seeking careers in skilled trades and transportation. Core training programs cover construction trades, commercial driving, heavy equipment operation and technician training, and power engineering, supplemented by housing, success coaching, financial aid, Indigenous services, and alumni support. The organization also operates the Employer of Choice membership program and Work Proud Inclusivity Training workshops for employers seeking to build inclusive workplaces.
Product overview
Women Building Futures offers a portfolio of free pre-apprenticeship training programs in construction trades, transportation, and related fields for women and gender-diverse individuals. The core programs include Journey to Trades (construction trades introduction), Professional Class 3 Driver, Pre-Apprenticeship Heavy Equipment Technician, Power Engineer Career Accelerator, and Suncor Haul Truck Program. The organization surrounds students with wraparound support services including Success Coaching, Affordable Housing, Financial Aid, Indigenous Services, and Alumni Support. The Employer of Choice Program and Work Proud Inclusivity Training extend services to employer partners seeking to build inclusive workplaces.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Journey to Trades A 12-17 week introductory construction trades pre-apprenticeship program that provides hands-on training in multiple trades (welding, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, millwright, steamfitter/pipefitter), industry safety certifications, and career preparation for women seeking entry-level positions in the construction trades.
- Professional Class 3 Driver A 6-week free training program (3 weeks in-class plus 3 weeks of part-time vehicle training) that prepares women for a Class 3 commercial driver's licence and careers in construction, energy, and freight transportation industries.
- Pre-Apprenticeship Heavy Equipment Technician A 4-week pre-apprenticeship program delivered in Calgary that provides industry safety certifications and hands-on skills training to prepare women for entry-level heavy equipment technician roles.
- Power Engineer Career Accelerator A 2-week virtual introductory program that covers workplace readiness and basic safety certifications, preparing students for subsequent power engineering programs at partner post-secondary institutions.
- Suncor Haul Truck Program A 2-week training program followed by up to 6 months of paid co-op placement at Suncor locations in Fort McMurray, Alberta, preparing graduates for haul truck operator careers in the energy sector.
- Women Ready to Work in Automotive A 16-week pre-apprenticeship program delivered in Sarnia, Ontario covering automotive service technician and heavy-duty equipment technician trades, consisting of 8 weeks of in-class training followed by 8 weeks of work placement. WBF's first Ontario graduates completed this program in 2025.
- Work Proud Inclusivity Training Fee-for-service diversity, equity, and inclusion workshops offered to organizations, including the Building Workplace Success full-day leadership workshop ($450 per individual) and Best Practices for Success half-day worker workshop ($250 per individual), designed to create inclusive workplace cultures.
- Employer of Choice Program An annual membership program that provides employers with access to WBF graduates, an exclusive job board, DEI resources, training discounts, and networking opportunities in exchange for a commitment to inclusive workplace practices. Membership tiers scale from $750 to $3,500 CAD annually based on company size.
- Success Coaching Coaching services for prospective students to explore career interests, build action plans, and determine which WBF training program may be the best fit for their individual needs.
- Affordable Housing 42 safe, secure, and affordable housing suites in downtown Edmonton managed in partnership with Civida, available to WBF students during their training programs.
- Financial Aid Financial support services including emergency funding, scholarships, and bursaries for students, delivered in partnership with Alberta Works for foundational learner assistance.
- Indigenous Services Specialized support and coaching for Indigenous women including cultural learning opportunities, career exploration, and tailored support for success in WBF programs.
- Alumni Support Post-graduation services including career coaching, resume preparation, employment referrals, and access to the WBF Alumni Career Advancement Scholarship for WBF graduates.
Quantifiable outcome
- 90% of trained women connected to rewarding employment (strategic goal)
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Women Building Futures
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Women Building Futures technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Women Building Futures partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
27 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- City of Edmonton Family and Community Support ServicescoreLegacy partner contributing for 10+ years to sustainable growth of the organization
- CLACcoreLegacy partner contributing for 10+ years to sustainable growth of the organization
- Government of AlbertacoreLegacy partner providing significant funding and support for WBF programs and operations
- Government of CanadacoreLegacy partner providing significant funding and support through various programs including Pilot Fund for Gender Equality
- SuncorcoreLegacy partner and sponsor of Suncor Haul Truck Program providing training and paid co-op opportunities
- Surehire Occupational TestingmajorCornerstone partner with cumulative giving over $1 million; supports major projects and program expansion
- PembinamajorGrowth partner with annual investment of $50,000+; supports training programs and PECA program scholarships
- Inter PipelinemajorGrowth partner with annual investment of $50,000+; co-develops training programs and provides employment opportunities
- Cenovus EnergymajorGrowth partner with annual investment of $50,000+
- ChevronmajorGrowth partner with annual investment of $50,000+
- EnbridgemajorGrowth partner with annual investment of $50,000+
- Imperial Oil LimitedmajorGrowth partner with annual investment of $50,000+
- Shell CanadamajorGrowth partner with annual investment of $50,000+
- TC Energy CorporationmajorGrowth partner with annual investment of $50,000+
- AECONmajorGrowth partner with annual investment of $50,000+
- ConocoPhillipsmajorGrowth partner with annual investment of $50,000+
- Bison TransportminorProgram partner providing employment opportunities for WBF graduates
- Caron Transportation SystemsminorProgram partner providing employment opportunities for WBF graduates
- FinningminorProgram partner providing employment opportunities and experiential learning for students
- KAG CanadaminorProgram partner providing employment opportunities for WBF graduates
- PCL ConstructionminorAwareness partner and Employer of Choice member supporting diversity in the workforce
- Vestas North AmericaminorProgram partner sponsoring the Vestas Wind Turbine Readiness program and employing graduates
- WorleyminorProgram partner providing employment opportunities for WBF graduates
- LedcorminorProgram partner providing employment opportunities and experiential learning for students
- CividaminorPartnership to manage 42 affordable housing units at WBF Edmonton facility
- Alberta Council of Women's SheltersminorTraining partner offering Domestic Violence & Your Workplace training at preferred pricing for EOC members
- Beyond Diversity Inc.minorTraining partner offering diversity and inclusion workshops at preferred pricing for EOC members
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Women Building Futures competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- JobTrain: California-based workforce development non-profit providing free vocational training and job placement for low-income individuals. Comparable as a free, employer-partnered vocational training model serving underserved populations.
- Helmets to Hardhats: Non-profit that connects veterans to careers in the construction industry. Comparable as a construction-industry-focused training and placement program with employer partnerships, though targeting a different underrepresented population.
- Year Up: U.S. workforce development non-profit providing free training and corporate internships to young adults from underserved backgrounds. Comparable in being a tuition-free, employer-partnered training-to-employment model with wraparound support.
- Oregon Tradeswomen: Non-profit pre-apprenticeship trades training program for women in the Pacific Northwest. Directly comparable mission and operating model: free tuition, hands-on multi-trade training, wraparound support, and employer placement partnerships.
- Chicago Women in Trades: Chicago-based non-profit that prepares women for skilled trades careers through pre-apprenticeship training and supportive services. Closely mirrors WBF in target population, program structure, and employer engagement model.
- Per Scholas: Non-profit offering free technical training and career support to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Comparable as a tuition-free, outcomes-focused workforce training provider that combines skills instruction with employer-driven placement.
Broad incumbents
- BuildForce Canada: National industry-led organization providing construction labour market intelligence and workforce development support. Overlaps with WBF in construction trades workforce focus but operates as an industry research/policy body rather than a direct training provider.
- NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology): Major Alberta polytechnic offering technical and trade programs including many of the same occupations WBF trains for (welding, heavy equipment, power engineering). Comparable as a regional technical training institution but with degree/diploma programs rather than short pre-apprenticeship cohorts.
- YWCA: National women's services organization providing employment readiness, training, and wraparound support across Canada. Overlaps with WBF in serving women with employment and economic security needs, though broader in scope (housing, childcare, violence support) and not trades-specific.
- SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology): Calgary-based polytechnic delivering trade and technical programs across the same occupational areas as WBF. Comparable as an Alberta training institution serving the same labour market, though with a different participant model (tuition-paying students).
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Women Building Futures social profiles
Digital presenceWomen Building Futures financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Women Building Futures leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Women Building Futures funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Women Building Futures M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Women Building Futures
What does Women Building Futures do?
Women Building Futures provides free pre-apprenticeship skills training and wraparound support services for women and gender-diverse individuals seeking careers in skilled trades and transportation. Core training programs cover construction trades, commercial driving, heavy equipment operation and technician training, and power engineering, supplemented by housing, success coaching, financial aid, Indigenous services, and alumni support. The organization also operates the Employer of Choice membership program and Work Proud Inclusivity Training workshops for employers seeking to build inclusive workplaces.
Is Women Building Futures a public or private company?
Women Building Futures is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Women Building Futures founded?
Women Building Futures was founded in 1998. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Women Building Futures based?
Women Building Futures is headquartered in Edmonton, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Women Building Futures make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations and Charitable Contributions are the primary driver. The others are employer of Choice Membership Fees and work Proud Inclusivity Training.
Who are Women Building Futures's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are JobTrain, Helmets to Hardhats, Year Up, Oregon Tradeswomen, Chicago Women in Trades and Per Scholas. Broad incumbents are BuildForce Canada, NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology), YWCA and SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology).
Does Women Building Futures have an API?
No public API is recorded for Women Building Futures.
What industry is Women Building Futures in?
Women Building Futures's product category is Vocational Training and Workforce Development Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPACANAK, Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs, with a secondary code of BPAGAEAJ, Employment & Job Readiness Support Services. Its NAICS code is 611513 and its SIC code is 8200.