Skills Council of Canada

Leading Ladies of the Trade

"Leading Ladies of the Trade" is a premier event dedicated to celebrating and empowering women in the skilled trades. Hosted by Skills Council of Canada, this gathering is designed to inspire women to break through barriers and ascend to leadership roles within the trades. Through motivational keynotes, educational workshops, and networking opportunities, "Leading Ladies of the Trade" aims to build a supportive community of women tradespeople, showcasing the myriad of opportunities for women to lead and innovate in the trades.

Inspirational Keynote Speeches: Hear from leading women in the trades who have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations. Their stories will inspire and motivate attendees to pursue their own paths to success.
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Skill-Building Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops led by female trades professionals. These sessions will cover a variety of trades and focus on skill development, innovation, and leadership within the trades.
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Career Development Panels: Engage with panels discussing critical topics such as navigating the trades as a woman, finding mentorship, advocating for oneself in the workplace, and strategies for career advancement.
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Networking Luncheon: Connect with fellow attendees, industry leaders, and potential mentors over lunch. This is a great opportunity to build your network, share experiences, and find support among women in the trades.
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Resource Expo: Explore a comprehensive expo featuring educational institutions, scholarship opportunities, women-focused trade organizations, and employers committed to supporting diversity and inclusion in the trades.

Event Agenda

8:30 - 9:20 AM - Arrival and Welcome

Participants arrive and register. A time for networking and settling in before the event officially begins.

9:30 - 10:30 AM - Session 1: HVAC

Introduction to HVAC as a skilled trade, safety procedures, and hands-on activity.

10:40-11:40AM - Session 2: Welding

Basics of welding as a skilled trade, safety practices, and a simple take-away activity.

11:50-12:20PM - Lunch

A 30-minute break for lunch.

12:30-1:30PM - Session 3: Automotive

Overview of automotive repair as a skilled trade, tools, and a hands-on activity.

1:40-2:40PM - Info Session and Panel Discussion

Panel discussion with successful people in the skilled trades, Q&A session, and information on apprenticeship opportunities. Closing remarks.

Event Date:

January 6, 2025

Event Summary

Leading Ladies of the Trade: Empowering Women in the Skilled Trades is designed to spotlight and support the achievements and aspirations of women in the skilled trades. This event aims to empower, connect, and inspire women to pursue and excel in trades careers, highlighting the pathways to leadership and success in these vital sectors.

Skilled Trades to Explore:

HVAC, Welding, Automotive

Panel discussions

The day will include a panel of industry experts that will share their experiences, stories and have interactive conversations with attendees

Partners Supporting the Event

Special thanks to all our great funding, facility, and management partners for all their support for this event. Your efforts, leadership and ongoing support to our participants is truly appreciated

Try Our Skilled Trades - FAQs

Everything you need to know about the program.

What is the 'Try Our Skilled Trades' Program?

The 'Try Our Skilled Trades' program is an initiative designed to introduce participants to the wide range of opportunities available in skilled trades. Focusing on practical, hands-on experiences, it aims to demystify trades careers and encourage more women to consider them as viable and fulfilling career options.

Who is eligible to participate in the 'Try Our Skilled Trades' Program?

Participants can explore a variety of trades, including but not limited to carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), welding, Auto Service and more. Each event may offer different trade options based on availability and participant interest. Please review each event to determine which trade you would be interested in exploring. Each event will typically focus on 3 trades.

Do participants need any prior experience in trades to join the program?

No, participants do not need any prior experience. The program is designed to be an introductory experience, offering a supportive environment to learn and explore different trades.

How long is the 'Try Our Skilled Trades' Program?

Program durations are typically structured as short, immersive experiences typically 1hr to 1.5hrs, allowing participants to get a tangible sense of each trade.

Is there a cost to participate in the program?

Most events under the 'Try Our Skilled Trades' Program are free to eligible participants. This initiative is part of Skills Council of Canada's commitment to making skills development accessible to all and funding is supported thanks to the Government of Ontario.

What will participants gain from attending the program?

Participants will gain hands-on experience, insights into various trades, and the opportunity to connect with professionals in the field. Additionally, the program aims to inspire confidence in pursuing trades as a career path.

Are there any support services available for participants after completing the program?

Yes, participants have access to career support mentors, further educational resources, and can be connected with employment opportunities through Skills Council of Canada's extensive network.

How can participants register for the 'Try Our Skilled Trades' Program?

Interested individuals can register through the Skills Council of Canada website or contact our program coordinators directly for more information on upcoming events and availability.

Where are 'Try Our Skilled Trades' events held?

Events are held in Brampton Ontario, utilizing our 17 trade facility at Judith Nyman Secondary School. Locations and dates are periodically updated on our website to reflect the latest schedule.