Female students from 13 local high schools visited Niagara College’s Welland Campus on December 7 to
learn about careers in the skilled trades from faculty and industry professionals.
Held in partnership with the District School Board of Niagara and the Niagara Catholic District School Board, the Women in Trades event was attended by 80 students who participated in hands-on opportunities while exploring the labs within NC’s School of Trades.
Faculty from NC’s Motive Power Technician, Mechanical Techniques (General Machinist), Electrical Techniques and Carpentry and Renovation Technician programs supported the event, leading the students through the demonstrations.
“Students really enjoyed being able to experience the trades through a hands-on activity. They enjoyed getting to see our lab spaces and hearing from our knowledgeable faculty,” said Kendra Neaves, Manager, Recruitment Engagement, Welland Campus.
Students who visited the Carpentry lab learned how to complete a California drywall patch, while in the Electrical lab, students completed a circuit using custom designed electrical boards. In Machining, students programmed CNC machines to complete an engraved business card and in transportation, they learned about green energy and the circuits within a car.
Following the activities and trade lab tours, the students met up in The Core where they heard from Susan Dunprey, General Trades Supervisor from Ontario Power Generation. “She shared with them her experience as a woman in trades and gave them insights into the industry,” said Neaves.
Wayne Toth, Motive Power Coordinator, leads students through an activity in the automotive lab.
Tim Bunz, Electrical Techniques Coordinator, shows students how to complete a circuit using custom designed electrical boards.
Marco Giorgi from the Carpentry and Renovations Technician program, demonstrates a California drywall patch for students.
