Uplift Program

Launch your career in the green economy! Industry-aligned training in Electrification Technologies and Project Management, delivered by McMaster University’s MMRI experts.

YWCA Hamilton has partnered with the McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) Industrial Training Program to offer comprehensive training in Electrification Technologies and Project Management for the automotive, aerospace, and infrastructure sectors.

Program Structure & Overview 

This program covers: 

•  The latest advancements in electrified transportation 
•  Opportunities and technological challenges in electrification 
•  Societal, environmental, and ethical considerations 
•  Project management frameworks for green technology initiatives 

Electrification Technologies (April – June | 6 weeks) 

• Automotive: EV powertrains, battery systems, and industry trends 
• Aerospace: Hybrid-electric flight, urban air mobility, and sustainability 
• Global impact: Smart cities, policy, and ethical considerations 

Project Management for Green Tech & Manufacturing (June – August | 7 weeks)  

• Implement work breakdown structures (WBS)  
• Practical training:  
  • Critical path method for production timelines  
  • Task accountability frameworks  

Through hands-on activities and live demonstrations, you’ll apply these skills to real manufacturing challenges.

Key Benefits 

• Gain both technical knowledge and project leadership skills 
• Learn through case studies and practical applications 
• Earn recognition from McMaster’s MMRI Industrial Training Program 
• YWCA wraparound supports including: 
  • One-on-one career coaching 
  • Industry networking opportunities 
  • Peer mentorship groups (bi-weekly forums) 

Eligibility Requirements 

• Women (cisgender or transgender) or non-binary 
• Bachelor’s degree, diploma and some relevant skills and/or experience 
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident 
• Canadian Language Benchmark levels 7-8 

Steps to enrolment 

• Complete online application form 
• Attend an Information session/Intake Interview 
• Provide proof of eligibility 
• Receive offer of acceptance, complete Participant Agreement containing code of conduct, expectations, consent to release information and confidentiality agreement. 
• Enrolment with training partner is completed by the Program Coordinator 

 

Funder: FedDev 

Partner: McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute Industrial Training Program (MMRI)

Applications are Now Closed

Our Data Science Program offers comprehensive certification training in Data Science. Participants in this stream will gain expertise in various areas, such as data analysis, developing algorithms, and solving complex business challenges.

The Data Science stream is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of data science and the pivotal role data scientists play in today’s technology-driven world. Through an engaging and hands-on approach, this stream equips participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the vast realm of data analysis, interpretation, and prediction.

We are proud to offer this program in partnership with the University of Guelph’s Open Learning and Educational Support program led by experienced and professional data science instructors. More information can be found here. Coupled with the support from the YWCA, participants will have access to industry connections and career development, ensuring they have the necessary tools for future success.

• Discovery Data Science (4 weeks)
• Introduction to Data Science (8 weeks)
• Data Mining and Machine Learning (8 weeks)
• Big Data Analytics (8 weeks)

• Apply appropriate data analytic methods to inform organizational decision-making.
• Develop skills in data acquisition, processing, and cleaning.
• Apply statistical methods and predictive modeling to solve real-world problems.
• Analyze big data using tools like Hadoop, Hive, and Spark.
• Create compelling data visualizations and communicate findings effectively

• Data Architect
• Data Scientist
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Machine Learning Specialist
• Quantitative Analyst

High annual salary $110-116k annually
Median wage $70-80k /annually
Source: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/227147/ON

• Women (cisgender or transgender) or non-binary
• Bachelor’s degree, diploma or relevant experience
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Ontario resident
• Canadian Language Benchmark levels 7-8

To be successful in this program, it is recommended that you have a recent statistics course and basic experience or understanding of ’R’ programming language.

• Complete online application form
• Attend an Information session/Intake Interview
• Provide proof of eligibility
• Receive offer of acceptance and complete Participant Agreement containing code of conduct, expectations, consent to release information and confidentiality agreement
• Enrolment with training partner is completed by Program Coordinator

Take a step forward in your career! YWCA Hamilton has partnered with the McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) Industrial Training Program to offer comprehensive training in Data Analytics and Project Management for Manufacturing. 

Program Structure & Overview 

This program provides: 

• Foundational skills in industrial data management 
• Condition-based monitoring techniques 
• Machine learning applications for manufacturing 
• Project management frameworks for data initiatives 

 

Data Management in Manufacturing (April – June | 6 weeks) 

Core Topics: 

• •  Fundamentals of Data Management: SCADA, PLCs, IoT systems 
  •  Condition-Based Monitoring: Sensor technologies, fault detection 
  •  Machine Learning: Predictive maintenance, quality optimization 

 

Project Management for Manufacturing (June – August | 7 weeks) 

Key Focus Areas: 

• •  Work breakdown structures for analytics projects 
  •  Critical path methods for implementation 
  • Task accountability frameworks 

Through hands-on activities and live demonstrations, you’ll apply these skills to real manufacturing challenges. 

 

Key Benefits 

• Hands-on experience with manufacturing data systems 
• Learn to lead data-driven projects 
• Earn recognition from McMaster’s MMRI program  

• YWCA wraparound supports including: 
  • One-on-one career coaching 
  • Industry networking opportunities 
  • Peer mentorship groups (bi-weekly forums) 

 

Eligibility Requirements  

• Women (cisgender or transgender) or non-binary 
• Bachelor’s degree, diploma and some relevant skills and/or experience 
• Canadian citizen or permanent resident 
• Canadian Language Benchmark levels 7-8 

 

Steps to enrolment 

• Complete online application form 
• Attend an Information session/Intake Interview 
• Provide proof of eligibility 
• Receive offer of acceptance, complete Participant Agreement containing code of conduct, expectations, consent to release information and confidentiality agreement 
• Enrolment with training partner is completed by Program Coordinator 

 

Funder: FedDev Ontario
Partner: McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) 

The YWCA Hamilton Uplift takes pride in its comprehensive career support program, which goes above and beyond to assist our participants in their professional journeys. We have forged strong alliances with industry partners and employers who play a pivotal role in enhancing the program’s effectiveness. These invaluable employer relationships enable us to provide participants with firsthand knowledge of the current job market, industry trends, and skills in high demand. Through their collaboration, we are able to offer a diverse range of resources and real-world insights that significantly enrich participants’ career perspectives and broaden their horizons regarding future possibilities.

Interested industry professionals will join our list of employers to be contacted as needed to virtually present various themed sessions to our participants ranging from a career journey conversation to a subject-specific workshop. Time commitment will vary but will be no more than 2 hours per month. It is important to emphasize that all contributions of time from partners are entirely voluntary. We deeply appreciate the willingness of industry partners and employers to share their expertise and resources with our program participants. Your valuable input and engagement play a vital role in shaping the future of aspiring professionals and promoting inclusive practices within the workforce.

• Consider identifying women in your organization who could benefit from reskilling in one of our certification cohorts.
• Connecting us with potential guest speakers from your organization to take part in our career support program.
• Opportunities for your organization to recruit Uplift Program participants to fill positions in your organization upon graduation.