Skills Ontario is looking to kickstart inspiring conversations among young women about career opportunities in the skilled trades with the return of its’ Celebration for International Women’s Day at Linamar.

On March 6th , Grade 11 and 12 students will visit Linamar and meet with skilled trade employers to learn about the various training and employment opportunities within Guelph, Wellington County, and the surrounding areas. 

Students will also hear from keynote speaker, Dee Durant, a 309A construction & electrical maintenance apprentice, and a panel of skilled tradeswomen, including the following:

-    Mandy Bujold, former Olympic boxer and manager of industry and community partnerships at the Grand Valley Construction Association

-    Nate Reinert, HVAC technician with Reliance Home & Comfort and recipient of the 2023 President’s Award

-    Elizabeth (Betty) Lofthouse, senior health & safety consultant at Work Safety Prevention Services (WSPS)

-    Hayley MacKay, Trades & Tech Truck program manager at Skills Ontario

“This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is accelerate action, and we hope today’s conversations with skilled tradeswomen, and hands-on activities, propel students to pursue these rewarding careers themselves,” said Lindsay Chester, program manager of the Skills Ontario Young Women’s Initiatives. 

Throughout the day, participants will join in various workshops designed to highlight the day-to-day tasks involved in a skilled trade or technology career. The Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Truck will also be on site with hands-on activities where students can try welding, heavy machinery, electrical circuits, and more.

In the evening, Skills Ontario invites everyone to attend the International Women’s Day Celebration Event at Linamar. This free event is an opportunity for women, those who identify as women, and allies to network and celebrate tradeswomen by featuring a variety of exhibitors. A keynote presentation will come from Brandi Ferenc, a Red Seal 313A refrigeration mechanic/gas 1 fitter journeyperson and founder of Fair Trades Toolbox.

Along with the in-person events, Skills Ontario is offering online programming for International Women’s Day from March 3rd - March 7th. This programming includes a virtual series called, “A Sit Down With…” which viewers will learn about the experiences of different women working in the skilled trades and technologies. Information about all the events for International Women’s Day can be found at https://www.skillsontario.com/iwd.

Skills Ontario recognizes and thanks its Young Women’s Initiatives Program Sponsors: The Government of Ontario, Apprenticesearch.com, CN Rail, Magna International, and the Workplace Safety and Prevention Services. Skills Ontario also thanks Linamar Corporation for being host sponsor and Women Building Futures meal sponsor.