Transformational donation to support skilled trades program for women
Sept. 15, 2025 — North Vancouver, B.C. — The Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation, in conjunction with North Vancouver-based Seaspan, are providing a major boost to YWCA Metro Vancouver’s Higher Ground program thanks to a record-breaking $5.56 million donation — the largest gift in YWCA Metro Vancouver’s history.
The donation will fuel the Higher Ground program’s mission to give women hands-on experience across the trades, connect them with industry leaders, and provide one-to-one career coaching. Women participating in the program will also receive wraparound supports including childcare, transportation, education assistance and accessibility accommodations — removing barriers that have traditionally sidelined women from fully pursuing their careers.
Canada is facing a shortfall of 700,000 skilled trade workers by 2028 due to retirement. Despite the rewarding and long-term career opportunities in skilled trades, women make up only about 5% of the construction trades workforce, according to the BC Construction Association. Bridging that gap and sustaining Canada’s economy and workforce in the coming decades requires a bold investment in inclusive opportunities.
The Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation and Seaspan are proud to support the Higher Ground program with this transformational gift — helping women enter the trades, build meaningful and long-lasting careers, achieve economic independence, and strengthen Canada’s essential workforce.
QUOTES
“Building the next generation of tradespeople is crucial to the success of Canada’s growing shipbuilding industry on the West Coast, and to many other, integral industries across the country. Seaspan is pleased to be supporting the YWCA Higher Ground program and helping to provide a safe, encouraging platform for women to join the trades and build a purposeful, successful career path.”
— John McCarthy, CEO, Seaspan Shipyards
“The Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation could not be more pleased and honoured to help fund this critically important avenue supporting women in trades. The work of Higher Ground will ensure more women have an opportunity to explore robust, stable careers while being supported and uplifted economically and socially.”
— Jon Bennion, Executive Director, the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation
“For women entering the skilled trades, gender stereotypes can lead to stigma, inadequate safety and a lack of opportunities. By providing wraparound support, Higher Ground will empower women to confidently break these barriers, achieve economic independence and build sustainable careers.”
— Tina Hurd, Higher Ground Program Manager, YWCA Metro Vancouver
“Women may not have seen themselves as electricians, welders or carpenters because these are traditionally male-dominated professions. Supporting women in the skilled trades isn’t just about creating a more equitable future, it’s about unlocking the full potential of our workforce. When we invest in women’s access to training, mentorship and leadership opportunities in these fields, we strengthen industries, drive innovation and build more inclusive communities.”
— Erin Seeley, CEO, YWCA Metro Vancouver
ABOUT THE DENNIS & PHYLLIS WASHINGTON FOUNDATION
The Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation is the major philanthropic organization for The Washington Companies and the Washington Family. The Foundation strives to better the human condition by supporting programs and services that give people the tools to enhance the quality of their lives and benefit society as a whole. Funding for the Foundation comes from personal contributions from the Washington Family and annual contributions from The Washington Companies.
ABOUT SEASPAN
Seaspan is a leader in Canada’s ship design, engineering, building and ship repair industry. With modern facilities and a dedicated workforce of about 4,300 in North Vancouver and Victoria, the company is a trusted and strategic partner on a range of complex projects for both government and the private sector.
ABOUT YWCA HIGHER GROUND
YWCA Higher Ground is a pre-foundations program providing access and exposure to a range of career paths in skilled trades. The program offers clear pathways to apprenticeships via accredited courses and certifications from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).
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