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Tapping into girl power for skilled trades

Event helps young women picture themselves in trades and tech

More than 250 female high school students from the Simcoe Muskoka and Simcoe Country District School Boards had the chance to learn about  skilled trades and technologies in their communities at a Career Exploration Event in Alliston.

Skills Ontario put on the large gathering Tuesday at the Nottawasaga Inn Resort and Conference Centre in a bid to change misconceptions about skilled trades being dirty, low-paying, and generally unsuitable to female workers.

It's one of 15 such events every year.

"There's over 150 different skilled trades in Ontario. We're trying to give students information about the whole range of trades that are out there. At this event they're hearing from ten different female tradeswomen and hearing their career story," said Scott Verhoeve, director of programs for Skills Ontario.

Under 14 percent of registered apprentices are female, according to a 2015 Statistics Canada survey and women comprise 22 percent of the total workforce in skilled trades. 

Hairstylist and Cook are at the top of the list for registered female apprentices.

Through education and mentorship, Tuesday's event helps make it easier for young women to see themselves in a rewarding career that they may not have previously considered. 

And there was a photo booth where the teens could literally picture themselves in a career by dressing up in a variety of uniforms and posing for the camera. 

Isabella Mcfarland, 16, of Jean Vanier Catholic High School in Colllingwood and schoolmate Rhyanne Laferriere both chose hard hats and safety vests.

"I think it's really interesting. Pretty cool. I didn't know much about the trades but coming here has helped me a little bit more. It's kind of cool to see aspects of the different types," said Mcfarland.  "I like the construction trade. My dad's in the construction trade. I kind of like that idea."

Laferriere was leaning towards being a mechanic.  "I think that's cool. We're learning about the trades. Its really interesting. They said it pays well and they're looking for a lot of girls."

"It's very well organized with lots of information to learn about how exactly I can join a trade," Abigail Brito, 15, a grade 10 student at Barrie's St. Joseph's High School.  "I came here to look for more opportunities and choices."  

"It's very very helpful because before I came here I didn't know what to do. There was a lot of options," said Sabrina Smutek, 15, also from St. Joseph's. 

Sponsored by the school boards, Magna International, Hydro One, and the Government of Ontario, young women from the region were able to connect with the mentors for networking, Q&A, and hands-on demo sessions to learn more about opportunities in the skilled trades and technologies.

"Obviously there's a huge demand for skilled trades professionals in Ontario - men or women but obviously for women there are going to be some increased barriers to accessing skilled trades. That might be because they're not aware of what they are.  They may not be aware that there are an increasing number of women working in these trades and there are many employers who are committed to be more inclusive in their hiring," said Verhoeve.

Over 93 percent of female students say they are more likely to investigate a career in the skilled trades and technologies after attending a Skills Ontario Exploration Event, according to the organization.

For more information visit Skills Ontario.

 

 

 


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Sue Sgambati

About the Author: Sue Sgambati

Sue has had a 30-year career in journalism working for print, radio and TV. She is a proud member of the Barrie community.
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