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Skills Ontario looked to kickstart inspiring conversations among young women about career opportunities in the skilled trades with the return of its’ Celebration for International Women’s Day at Linamar. On March 6th , Grade 11 and 12 students visited Linamar and metwith skilled trade employers to learn about the various training and employment opportunities within Guelph, Wellington County, and the surrounding areas. Students also heard from keynote speaker, Dee Durant, a 309A construction & electrical maintenance apprentice, and a panel of skilled tradeswomen, including: Mandy Bujold, former Olympic boxer and manager of industry and community partnerships at the Grand Valley Construction Association Nate Reinert, HVAC technician with Reliance Home & Comfort and recipient of the 2023 President’s Award Elizabeth (Betty) Lofthouse, senior health & safety consultant at Work Safety Prevention Services (WSPS) Hayley MacKay, Trades & Tech Truck program manager at Skills Ontario “This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is accelerate action, and we hope today’s conversations with skilled tradeswomen, and hands-on activities, propel students to pursue these rewarding careers themselves,” said Lindsay Chester, program manager of the Skills Ontario Young Women’s Initiatives. Throughout the day, participants joined in various workshops designed to highlight the day-to-day tasks involved in a skilled trade or technology career. The Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Truck was also on site with hands-on activities where students can try welding, heavy machinery, electrical circuits, and more. In the evening, everyone attended the International Women’s Day Celebration Event at Linamar. This free event was an opportunity for women, those who identify as women, and allies to network and celebrate tradeswomen and featured a variety of exhibitors. A keynote presentation came from Brandi Ferenc, a Red Seal 313A refrigeration mechanic/gas 1 fitter journeyperson and founder of Fair Trades Toolbox. Along with the in-person events, Skills Ontario is offering online programming for International Women’s Day from March 3rd – March 7th. This programming includes a virtual series called, “A Sit Down With…” which viewers will learn about the experiences of different women working in the skilled trades and technologies. Skills Ontario recognizes and thanks the Young Women’s Initiatives Program Sponsors:?The?Government of Ontario, Apprenticesearch.com, CN Rail, Magna International, and the Workplace Safety and Prevention Services. We also thank Linamar Corporation for being our host sponsor and Women Building Futures as a meal sponsor. |
