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

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) recently hosted its fourth annual Jill of All Trades event, aimed at introducing young women to various skilled trades. Approximately 200 students from grades 9-12 participated, engaging in hands-on workshops and learning about career opportunities in fields such as welding.

Among the attendees was Tessa Nendsa, a 15-year-old student from École St. Patrick High School in Yellowknife. In a welding shop, she used a welding torch for the first time to create a metal cat. “I like working with metal and hands-on jobs,” she expressed, emphasizing the pride she felt in crafting something tangible.

The event highlighted the need for increased female representation in trades, where women currently make up about 10 percent of students in skilled trades and apprenticeship programs at NAIT. According to Laurel Tokuda, associate dean for NAIT’s school of construction and building sciences, there has been a significant increase of 70 percent in female students in these programs over the last five years. Tokuda, a Red Seal electrician, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in creating opportunities for young women.

“Our goal with this event is to showcase the various possibilities available in the trades,” Tokuda stated. “Many girls may have never had the chance to handle tools or explore these professions.”

The push for greater diversity in trades is particularly timely given a notable shortage of skilled workers in Canada. The Business Council of Alberta reported an 85 percent increase in job postings for skilled trades between 2018 and 2023. A recent council report urged the government to enhance efforts in attracting women to these fields to help address the gaps.

In the North, Cindy Kimove, assistant principal at École St. Patrick, has taken proactive steps to encourage girls in trades. She established a club called Skill Sisters to provide a judgment-free space for students, particularly girls and Indigenous students, to explore new skills. Kimove believes the current job market presents a significant opportunity for her community.

“I know we have a massive trade shortage in Canada, so we need trades workers to have a viable future in many industries, especially in the North,” Kimove explained. She acknowledged that barriers still exist for women in trades and expressed a commitment to continue breaking them down. “The more we talk about it, the more those barriers will disappear, which is a good thing.”

The Jill of All Trades event not only serves to inspire the next generation of women in trades but also aligns with broader efforts to build a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the future. As initiatives like this gain traction, they promise to reshape the landscape of skilled trades in Canada and beyond.