Heather Latter
About 100 girls had the opportunity last week to learn about careers in the skilled trades and technologies as Skills Canada–Ontario presented its “Skills Work for Women Career Exploration” event at La Place Rendez-Vous here.
The purpose of the event was to demonstrate that skilled trades and technologies are accessible, interesting, and fun for young women, and to encourage them to explore all their career options and pursue their passions.
“I think it went extremely well,” enthused Char Bliss, secondary curriculum co-ordinator for the Rainy River District School Board, noting the feedback from the Grade 7-12 students was that they enjoyed the day.
“They took away lots of different information and things to think about,” she remarked.
“Just having that opportunity to talk with successful community partners, and see women represented in all different trades and different fields that traditionally we don’t necessarily see women in, they really enjoyed that,” Bliss said.
“And I think it opened their eyes to possibilities, especially for those younger students that haven’t yet put a whole lot of thought into what might be out there or different pathways that they might choose,” she added.
“I think it was great for them.”
The event included opening remarks, an introduction to networking, a marshmallow catapult-building challenge, and a buffet lunch.
Then the girls were divided into four groups, after which they rotated around the room to visit with the 14 mentors on hand.
Bliss said the mentors included a chef, someone in the agricultural field, a Hydro One worker, someone from the concrete service industry, a hairstylist, a welder, a business investment office, and developmental service workers.
“There was lots of variation in the roles that were presented to them,” Bliss noted.
Liana Frenette, chief executive officer from TBT Engineering (one of the sponsors of the event), offered some inspiration to the girls.
“You are at a unique time in your life,” she said. “The decisions you make over the next few years will influence the rest of your life.
“What’s most important is that you find something that you are truly passionate about,” Frenette stressed, noting women often are encouraged to do traditional women’s work.
She said it’s not that people don’t have respect for those women in those traditional jobs, but sometimes it’s important to do what’s not expected of you.
“So if you feel like you want to do something that is not expected of you, step outside those barriers and don’t let it hold you back,” Frenette urged.
She noted she’s been involved in the construction and engineering industry—very much a male-dominated industry—for the past 20 years.
“And I love it,” she remarked.
“It’s not what was expected of me,” Frenette acknowledged. “Maybe a nurse or teacher, following in my parents’ footsteps.
“They are great professions but I just couldn’t do it,” she admitted.
“I had to find my own passion and I had to find what I love to do.”
Frenette said there is a shortage of skilled trades workers in Canada.
“And as a result, a great deal of opportunities are now available—job security, good salaries are to be had,” she noted.
“The good news is more and more women are entering the trades and more often than not, you’re not alone.”
Frenette encouraged the girls to meet with remarkable women—and men—who made a career choice in the skilled trades and are willing to share their experiences with them.
“Keep an open mind, ask lots of questions, and enjoy,” Frenette said.
“Maybe after today, you won’t find what interests you,” she conceded. “But remember, there are a lot more skilled trades than what is represented here today.”
Bliss noted the “Skills Work!” events are held throughout the province, and often rotate in Northwestern Ontario between Kenora, Dryden, and Fort Frances.
“Usually, it’s been an evening networking dinner,” she explained.
“[But] I don’t know if they were getting the success that they wanted.”
Bliss added the event used to be for high school students only, but last year was changed to include those is Grades 7-8.
“We probably could have had 200 girls attend but because of the venue, we had to be watchful of our numbers,” she noted.
She added Dryden and Kenora weren’t able to send anyone this time around so the RRDSB filled all the seats.
But due to the large group, Bliss said more time should have been allotted for the event.
“The girls were engaged and with the amount of questions they were asking, it would have been nice to have some more time,” she admitted.
She said the previous evening events typically saw about 40 girls attend, instead of 100.
“There’s usually lots of time for questions because there are only about 10 girls [in each group],” Bliss said.
“But this time, we had roughly 25 girls in each group.
“So when it was time to rotate, we had 10 girls still sitting there with their hands up.
“I think if we were to host it again, with the numbers that we had this year, that we would try to build in some more time for questions,” Bliss added.
“But other than that, it was a great success and I think the teachers thought it was very worthwhile for the girls to attend.”
