The Foundation for Education, Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) and the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board (HPCDSB) are joining forces with the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) to inspire young women in Huron and Perth counties to consider a career in the skilled trades.
To bring home the message that young women should consider a career in a non-traditional area, five-time Olympic medalist, Hayley Wickenheiser, keynote speaker, will share her story of success in hockey when it was primarily a male dominated sport. Hayley will be coming to the Arden Park Hotel, Stratford, Ontario on May 16, 2014 to address young women from our local secondary schools.
The Young Women In Skilled Trades event will foster a positive environment in which over 300 young women in grades 9 through 12 will have the opportunity to meet and network with tradeswomen from Huron and Perth counties.
According to a Skills Canada report in 2011, women represent less than three per cent of skilled trade jobs in Canada that year. “With forty per cent of skilled trade workers in Canada over the age of fifty and near retirement, it is going to lead to a significant amount of employers looking to fill positions. We hope to inform young women in our communities that skilled trades are a viable option that they should strongly consider,” said Wes MacVicar, Foundation for Education, Executive Director.
Jeff Piro, AMDSB Pathways Coordinator, explained, “It is important for young people to know that obtaining a trade certificate is not the end of the line for a career in the trades but just the beginning. It can be a firm base that can lead to greater opportunities. We would all love if the apprenticeship pathway is being discussed at every kitchen table.”
“We are extremely excited to have the support of our sponsors, the Four County Labour Board, Stratford Area Builders Association and the Technical Training Group, in assisting with bringing this event to the students of Huron and Perth counties.”
Tim Martens, HPCDSB OYAP Project Leader, stated, “We are receiving information that companies experiencing labour shortages are now thinking differently about who they can attract and retain. This change provides opportunities for women to consider a career in the skilled trades.”
Students attending will have opportunity to learn about each mentor’s career journey and experiences, find out what they need to begin doing now to pursue their future career goals and be motivated to blaze their own trail as a female in a non-traditional skilled trade.
There will be display area with partner colleges, career agencies and local partners along with a variety of guest speakers.
To register, students must contact their high school Guidance/Cooperative Education Departments. Seats are limited.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: April 22, 2014
Young Women In Skilled Trades is hosted by the Foundation for Education, Avon Maitland District School Board and the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board with support from the Four County Labour Market Planning Board, Stratford & Area Builders’ Association and the Technical Training Group.
For further information please contact:
Steve Howe, Manager of Communications, AMDSB (519) 527-0111 x132 (519) 851-6349; showe@fc.amdsb.ca
Jeff Piro, Pathways Coordinator, Avon Maitland District School Board, (519) 527-0111 x136; jeffpiro@fc.amdsb.ca.
Tim Martens, OYAP Project Leader, Huron Perth Catholic District School Board, (519) 345-2440 x328; tim_martens@hpcdsb.edu.on.ca.
