Time flies too fast! On June 2, 2026, we reported the launch of this year’s Husky Energy Tailoring Skills Program for Women. In mid-July, we reported on the skills assessment and identified areas for improvement. As the program concluded on September 12, we are excited to share with you how the three months of training went.

30 women not only learned practical skills, but they also learned about self-confidence and experienced personal growth. When they joined, many of them had no prior experience in sewing, making them feel a little insecure about starting. They compared their beginners’ work to that of those who already had the prior fundamentals. But because the course was designed for absolute beginners, each session guided them—thread by thread. 

For 90 days, the training started and ended at the same time. It consisted of a mix of theory and practical application. Each participant also received one-on-one guidance. The instructor started with the fundamentals: how to use a sewing machine, how to measure and draft patterns, how to identify fabrics—before teaching them the complete garment-making process: cutting, sewing, overlocking, and finishing. 

 

Smiling women pose outdoors with a “Thank You” banner and red plaques, celebrating a tailoring skills program for women in rural China.
The 29 women who completed the 2026 Husky Energy Tailoring Skills Program celebrate their achievement after 90 days of training.

 

Continuous practice, close guidance, and patience from both the instructor and the students strengthened the women’s skills and eventually helped them master the complete garment-making process. Each time a participant encountered obstacles, they pushed through and came out of it with newfound confidence. It was truly priceless to see the look in their eyes when they figured it out every step of the way. 

Their skills development was not the only challenge these past three months. Since the program took place in Rural China, many of the participants had to travel long distances to attend the sessions. On days of heavy downpour or when urgent family matters arose, some may have to miss some sessions, but they made sure to catch up when they returned. 

During the course, one participant had to drop out due to personal reasons, leaving the class with 29 participants. All of them completed the program, passed comprehensive assessments, and received certificates of completion. They were assessed based on their daily learning attitudes, practical skills, and the quality of their output. 

 

Six Chinese women in colorful traditional clothing pose behind sewing machines in a wood-paneled workshop, beside a bouquet of flowers, creating a warm, celebratory mood.
The five First Prize recipients received professional sewing machines in recognition of their outstanding performance.

 

An award system was also set in place to reward the top participants. It was divided into three tiers:

First Prize – 5 recipients of a professional sewing machine

Second Prize – 4 recipients of a professional overlock machine

Third Prize – 5 recipients of an electric iron

The participants were thankful for the training. We are excited to share more stories of changed lives next year!

 

Five smiling adults in rural China pose in a wood-paneled room, wearing colorful ceremonial scarves in orange, yellow, and white; the group portrait feels warm and welcoming.
The village Party branch secretary, members of the village committee, and the former director of the village Women’s Federation attended the ceremony.

 

Five Chinese women in colorful traditional dress pose behind a red, gold-fringed banner with ornate script in a wood-paneled room, conveying pride and celebration.
The four Second Prize recipients received professional overlock machines for their strong performance throughout the program.

 

Five women in blue and orange traditional clothing pose behind an ornate red-and-gold Tibetan-style ceremonial banner in a warm wooden room, smiling proudly.
Four of the five Third Prize recipients received electric irons in recognition of their hard work and progress.

 

 

This program is fully funded by Husky Energy

Husky Energy Logo Cenovus Group of Companies

 

China Husky Energy Tailoring Skills Program for Women