On Tuesday, November 25, 2014, the Career and Technology Studies Coordinators in Prairie Rose School Division hosted a Young Women in the Trades – Apprenticeship Expo that highlighted several trade opportunities found in our local community. All Grade 10 girls from Prairie Rose School Division were informed about the benefits of apprenticeship and the opportunities that exist while still a high school student, and in the future. Some presentation highlights of the morning sessions were by Ms. Bloodsworth, an instructor of welding at RRC, who shared some of her “dirty”, but rewarding experiences of being a woman welder on a pipeline crew. Her hard work, long hours, and well-paying positions have allowed her financial security, and opportunities to move up in the field, and become an educator. Ms. Phaneuf-Ahi of Apprenticeship Manitoba told the girls how one career leads to another when you are determined, dedicated to life-long learning, and love what you do. A Ford employee, Darielle, shared how sometimes a female face, who is very knowledgeable, and empathetic to your situation is sometimes exactly what is needed in a business. All the employers encouraged young women to take trade positions because they are more precise, intelligent, and quality-oriented.
In the afternoon of the event, all the girls chose various trades to explore by visiting local business owners in the area to gain hands-on insight into trades including a wide variety of non-traditional female careers ranging from: Crane Equipment Operation, Electrical and Hydro careers, Agricultural and Automotive occupations and so much more.
We would like to thank our hosts for helping us out: Sperling Industries, Vanderveen Greenhouses, Carman Golf Club, Carman Ford, Diane’s Hairstyling, Carman Collision Centre, Walinga Inc., Greenland Equipment Ltd., Campfire Union, MB Infrastructure and Transportation, and MB Hydro. Young Women in the Trades is definitely an option for the next generation of graduates!
