Schulich ExecEd and CAWIC Named Finalist for The Learning Awards 2026 in Public Sector People Development

Schulich ExecEd (Schulich Executive Education) Schulich School of Business, York University, in partnership with the Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC), is proud to announce that the CAWIC–Schulich Upskilling Certificate Program for Women in Construction has been shortlisted as a finalist for The Learning Awards 2026 in the “People Development Programme of the Year – Public Sector” category.

Organized by the Learning and Performance Institute (LPI), The Learning Awards celebrate organizations that demonstrate innovation, excellence, and measurable impact in learning and development. This international recognition highlights the strength of the CAWIC–Schulich partnership and the program’s role in supporting women’s career mobility in Ontario’s construction sector.

A First-of-its-kind Upskilling Pathway for Women in Construction

The CAWIC–Schulich Upskilling Certificate Program for Women in Construction was designed to support women professionals and jobseekers across Ontario who are interested in building sustainable careers in construction. This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

Delivered as a two‑month online certificate, the program features eight interactive modules delivered virtually to support access across the province, including rural communities, and scheduled in the evenings to better accommodate working professionals and jobseekers.

The curriculum is market-led and shaped by industry insights, combining CAWIC’s sector perspective with Schulich ExecEd’s expertise in project management and leadership development. Program topics include leadership, health and safety, lean six sigma, human resource management, communication, project management, disruptive technology & digital transformation, and strategic stakeholder management. These skills are directly relevant to construction workplaces and career advancement.

Addressing Industry Needs and Gender Equity

Ontario’s construction industry continues to face major workforce pressures alongside persistent gender equity gaps. The CAWIC–Schulich Upskilling Certificate Program responds to both realities by building practical, career-relevant capability for women in the sector, supporting individual confidence and employability while contributing to broader labour market objectives.

This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening Ontario’s workforce and expanding opportunity for women in construction.

“Congratulations to CAWIC and Schulich ExecEd on being named a finalist for The Learning Awards 2026,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Programs like this play a vital role in helping more women enter and advance in the skilled trades by giving them the practical training, confidence and support they need to succeed. Our government is proud to invest in initiatives that break down barriers and open doors for women pursuing rewarding careers in Ontario’s growing skilled trades sector.”

Strong Outcomes and Lasting Community Impact

The program’s outcomes indicated strong participant engagement, successfully graduating a total of 107 women jobseekers and professionals in the construction industry across two cohorts. . Beyond the classroom, the graduates have formed an ongoing professional network that supports peer mentorship, connection, and job mobility. Sustainment is further supported through continued engagement with CAWIC and their member community.

The Learning Awards 2026 Ceremony

Program alumna Manal Kazi, Construction Project Engineer at Canadian Turner Construction Company and a graduate of the inaugural cohort, represented the CAWIC–Schulich program at the Learning Awards ceremony in London, England, on February 12, 2026. Kazi has been selected as the program representative in recognition of her leadership, professionalism, and active support of the women-in-construction community.

“Being named a finalist for The Learning Awards 2026 is an incredible honour for CAWIC and our partners at Schulich ExecEd. This recognition reflects the strength of our shared commitment to supporting and helping women advance their careers in construction,” said Kristen Bauer, President, CAWIC. “The CAWIC–Schulich Upskilling Certificate Program was created to remove barriers, build confidence, and equip women with the skills needed to thrive in Ontario’s construction sector. We are especially proud of our graduates, whose ambition and professionalism continue to shape a stronger, more inclusive industry. This milestone affirms that when industry, education, and government collaborate with purpose, meaningful workforce change is possible.”

“Participating in the Schulich ExecEd & CAWIC Upskilling Certificate Program for Women in Construction has been a truly humbling and empowering experience,” said Manal Kazi, Project Engineer at Turner Construction. “The program goes beyond professional development – it creates space for women in our industry to grow in confidence, capability, and connection.

Being named a finalist at the 2026 Learning Awards in London is an honour I don’t take lightly. To be selected among nearly a thousand applicants and to represent this initiative on an international stage was incredibly meaningful. It wasn’t just recognition of a program – it felt like recognition of the collective progress women are making in construction. Having a seat at that table was something I’ll always be grateful for.”

“We are honoured to be shortlisted as a finalist for The Learning Awards and to be on an international stage as the only Canadian finalist in the Nonprofit/Public Sector category,” shares Rami Mayer, Executive Director of Schulich ExecEd. “This recognition reflects the strength of our partnership with CAWIC, the vision and support of the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development who funded this project, and our shared commitment to building skills and breaking barriers for women in construction at a time when Ontario urgently needs talent. Through this fully virtual program, we are helping remove geographic and systemic barriers, equipping women across the province with practical, industry-relevant capabilities and the confidence to thrive. It’s a powerful step toward more inclusive workplaces and a stronger construction workforce for Ontario.”

About Schulich ExecEd As an extension of the Schulich School of Business, York University, Schulich ExecEd offers skill-building programs for busy professionals, including Masters Certificates, 30+ short programs, and Canada’s leading Mini-MBAs. Custom programs provide rapid upskilling for employers and employees worldwide.

About CAWIC (Canadian Association of Women in Construction) The Canadian Association of Women in Construction (CAWIC) is the national not-for-profit organization committed to enhancing the success of women in the Canadian construction industry. As the leading voice for women in construction, CAWIC supports, connects, and unites women from across the construction industry. For more information, please visit www.cawic.ca.