Young Women Explore Trades at NAIT’s Jill of All Trades Event

NAIT hosted its fourth annual Jill of All Trades event on March 14, 2024, providing approximately 200 students from grades 9 to 12 an opportunity to explore careers in skilled trades. The event aimed to inspire young women to consider careers in industries traditionally dominated by men, such as welding and electrical work.

Fifteen-year-old Tessa Nendsa from École St. Patrick High School in Yellowknife participated in the hands-on activities, including using a welding torch to create a cat-shaped metal cutout. “I like working with metal and hands-on jobs,” she expressed, noting that this was her first experience with such tools.

Encouraging Women in Trades

The initiative, led by Laurel Tokuda, associate dean of NAIT’s School of Construction and Building Sciences, seeks to address the underrepresentation of women in skilled trades programs, where they currently make up about 10 percent of the student body. Tokuda highlighted a significant shift, reporting a 70 percent increase in female enrollment in the past five years.

“This event shows women some opportunities,” Tokuda remarked, emphasizing the importance of providing practical experiences to encourage interest in various trades. She recalled her own experiences as a Red Seal electrician, frequently being the only woman on job sites.

The demand for skilled trades workers is growing. According to the Business Council of Alberta, job postings in skilled trades have increased by 85 percent from 2018 to 2023. In light of this trend, the council has recommended enhanced efforts to attract women to these professions to help alleviate workforce shortages.

A Community Approach to Skill Development

In the North, Cindy Kimove, assistant principal at École St. Patrick, noted that the skilled trades shortage presents a unique opportunity for young women and Indigenous students. She founded a club called Skill Sisters, aimed at encouraging girls to engage in pre-trades programming in a supportive environment.

Kimove expressed her commitment to creating more pathways for girls in her community, stating, “I know we have a massive trade shortage in Canada, so we need trades workers to have a viable future in a lot of different industries, specifically in the North.” She acknowledged the existing barriers for women in trades and emphasized the importance of continued dialogue to dismantle these obstacles.

The Jill of All Trades event not only provided hands-on experiences but also showcased the potential for a more inclusive future in skilled trades. By fostering interest among young women, NAIT and its partners are taking important steps toward addressing workforce shortages while empowering the next generation of tradespeople.