On March 4, over 200 female students in grades 9 to 12 from Niagara will explore careers in STEM, the skilled trades and technology, meeting accomplished women who are making their marks in a range of traditionally male-dominated industries.
The Young Women’s Career Exploration Conference is part of a decade-long effort by Niagara College, Skills Ontario and the Niagara Catholic District School Board (NCDSB) to expand the mindset of female students and expose them to the many dynamic and lucrative career opportunities in STEM, trades and technology. Students will participate in hands-on, interactive sessions offered by the College and industry experts, have the opportunity to interact with female industry influencers and explore career pathways. Their stories, experiences, and advice will showcase diverse career paths in today’s most dynamic industries.
“Niagara College is pleased to host Young Women’s Career Exploration Conference with our partners Skills Ontario and the Niagara Catholic District School Board,” said Vincent Shaikh, dean, Media, Trades & Technology. “This event highlights the growing demand for young women in STEM, the skilled trades and technology, the many career pathways, and the mentorship and support by women for women in the industry.”
The conference takes place concurrently with the 17th annual Niagara Catholic District School Board Technological Skills Competition in which over 200 secondary school and 100 elementary school students will compete in several categories, including architectural design, aesthetics and hairstyling, auto service, carpentry, electrical installation, horticulture and landscaping, website development and more. The competition will see local field professionals and experts as judges who will advance the winners to the Ontario Skills Competition in May 2020.
“The Young Women’s Career Exploration conference brings awareness to our female students of the many career opportunities in the skilled trades and technology field,” said Ivana Galante, consultant, K-12: Business-Technology/Specialist High Skills Major/COOP/OYAP, NCDSB. “The girls will also have the opportunity to learn and experience the keys to successful networking as well as participate in exciting hands-on challenges arranged by Niagara College. Organizing Niagara Catholic’s Skills Competition and Young Women’s Conference at this large scale would not be as successful without the strong partnership that has been built with Niagara College.”
“Women are at the forefront of a changing labour market, and that includes the skilled trades,” said Jane McKenna, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, who will speak at Wednesday’s event. “Only 13 per cent of apprentices working in the skilled trades in Canada are women, and we need to change that. Women have the attention to detail, the passion, and the talent to succeed in the skilled trades. If you want a career that is hands-on, lucrative, rewarding, and uses the latest technology, look no further than the skilled trades.”
