A group of Grade 8 girls from across the Interlake School Division (ISD) had the chance to gain hands-on experience at a new conference geared just for them.
Grade 8 students test their hammering skills
On Tuesday, May 5, the Young Women’s Conference took place at the Heritage Arts Centre in Stonewall through a joint effort between ISD and Skills Manitoba, a charitable organization that works to raise awareness about careers in skilled trades and technologies.
Offered for the first time in the Interlake School Division, the one-day event aimed to spark young women’s interest in trades and technology while also sharing information about related careers available in today’s job market.
Maria Pacella, executive director of Skills Manitoba, explained that the Young Women’s Conferences are designed to introduce young women in Grades 6 to 12 to a variety of careers in the skilled trades and technology sectors through hands-on activities that showcase opportunities in the trades.
The program also aims to build awareness and partnerships within industry, education and the community at large. The goal is to introduce and increase employment opportunities for young women in skilled trades and technology careers.
“As women remain significantly underrepresented in the skilled trades in Canada — approximately 10 per cent of apprentices and likewise 10 per cent of certified workers — it is important now, more than ever, to introduce young women to the well-paying careers of skilled trades,” Pacella said.
In total, 45 female students from across the ISD, along with their teachers, took part in hands-on learning experiences with representatives from multiple organizations. These organizations included Manitoba Aviation and Aerospace, Piping Industry Technical College/UA Local 254, Manitoba Trucking, Supply Chain Management and UBC Built Local 343, which represents carpenters. The Mechanical Contractors Association of Manitoba and Electrical Contractors Association of Manitoba also engaged students in interactive activities.
Participants learned about different vocations in trades and technology while also having the chance to meet female mentors working in these fields.
Steve Proskurnik, career development and high school apprenticeship program support teacher, shared some of the benefits of the initiative.
“This was an opportunity to expose female students to the career possibilities in several of the skilled trade areas,” he said.
“Students had fun building sprinklers out of PEX piping, testing their aerodynamic airplane-building skills, learning about supply chain logistics, wiring a switch and light bulb, and testing their hammering skills. The hope is to make it a yearly event.”
