WiNfluence is about women and their power to influence and there was more than ample evidence of women’s power to influence at the Skills Canada, Young Women’s Conference, I attended in Kitchener on May 5 and 6. Forty-five female mentors from five different sectors of the trades and technologies spoke to over 400 female students about a day-in-the-life in their chosen career. Some mentors held more traditional roles like hairstylist and aesthetics and many more held non-traditional roles such as automotive service technician, plumber, welder, machinist, ironworker and authorized nuclear operator.

Many of the mentors took an unpaid day from work to help inspire more young women to choose a trade as their career option. Their message was clear, “A very bright future awaits young women who choose a skilled trade as their career.”

The mentors all spoke with zeal and enthusiasm for their skilled trade. The young women in attendance were told independence, a ready job market, a wide variety of work tasks, great money, wonderful travel opportunities and very little debt coming out of their training, await those who choose the skilled trades and technologies.
 
The mentors all relayed inspiring stories about their career path journey. Many entered into the trades later in their career, when they realized they were unable to afford to raise a family in traditional female occupations. Most told of their ability to do the job just as well or, better than their male counterparts and told of unique opportunities they had received being a woman in a non-traditional role. The mentors brought along their tools or pictures of their workplace to help the girls connect with their trade.

These women truly inspired the young female students to consider a rewarding career in the skilled trades and technologies. It was one of those days that you walk away from and are so very pleased you had the opportunity to experience it. Thanks to the mentors who attended the conference and shared their stories. You are truly amazing and inspiring women.

Women account for only 9% of registered apprentices in Canada and 52% of skilled tradespeople are set to retire by 2015. These numbers emphasize the importance of Skills Canada events to help deliver the positive benefits of the skilled trades to our up-and-coming female workforce.