The Jill of All Trades (JOAT) event at the Conestoga Skilled Trades Campus recently brought together hundreds of young women to experience firsthand the exciting opportunities available in skilled trades. Approximately 300 high school girls from Grades 9 to 12, representing 11 school boards across southwestern Ontario, participated in this inspiring day-long event held in Cambridge, Ontario.
To understand the significance and impact of this event, we spoke with Rosie Hessian, Chair of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies at Conestoga College and Director of Jill of All Trades.
Background and History of Jill of All Trades
Rosie Hessian shared that the Jill of All Trades event was created in response to local school boards requesting a dedicated day for young women to engage in hands-on skilled trade experiences at Conestoga College. The program began in 2014 with 125 young women from eight local school boards. Recognizing the growing interest from other communities, Conestoga College collaborated with other institutions to replicate the event on their campuses.
“Our vision is to empower young women to make informed career choices through hands-on experiences in skilled trades, supported by a network of community partners,” Hessian explained. The program has expanded significantly since its inception, with six events across Canada in 2022 and now 17 events across Canada and the US, engaging over 4,000 young women in skilled trades.
Addressing Barriers and Stereotypes
When asked about the most significant barriers women face in entering the trades, Hessian highlighted the pervasive gender stereotypes that can deter women from considering careers in skilled trades. “These careers are sometimes incorrectly perceived as too physically demanding for women or not welcoming to them, both by young women and their families,” she noted.
Jill of All Trades addresses these stereotypes by providing young women in Grades 9-12 with opportunities to explore career options through interactions with guest speakers and mentors, hands-on workshops in various trade sectors, and direct learning experiences with local employers. Participants not only gain practical skills but also create projects to take home, sparking conversations with their families about their experiences and aspirations.
Skill Sets and Strengths of Participants
The young women selected to participate in the JOAT event are chosen based on their demonstrated interest in the trades. According to Hessian, “The message shared with youth from participating mentors and employers is that women tend to have a high degree of skill in areas valuable to trades, such as attention to detail, patience, and manual dexterity.” Each student is encouraged to consider how their unique abilities can lead to a prosperous career in skilled trades.
Success Stories and Impact
The impact of the Jill of All Trades program is evident in its impressive outcomes. Over 93% of participants express interest in pursuing a career in trades after attending the event. Hessian shared several success stories, including young women who have enrolled in trades programs at colleges as a direct result of their participation in JOAT.
One participant reflected, “I will forever remember the Jill of All Trades event as the first place I changed a tire and the first place someone encouraged me to do so. That, for me, sums up the whole atmosphere of the event.” Another participant from a recent event said, “I realized the true power of women in trades, how many fields intersect with the trades, and that I really enjoy doing hands-on work. Thank you for putting on an amazing and inspiring event.”
Advice for Aspiring Women in Trades
For women interested in pursuing a career in trades but uncertain where to start, Hessian offered practical advice: “Take a tech class in high school and talk to your tech teachers about their path. Consider taking a co-op placement in a skilled trade through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program in Grade 11 or 12. Attend an open house event at your local college and ask your guidance counsellor about attending a Jill of All Trades event.”
To learn more about the Jill of All Trades program and upcoming events, visit their website.
Conclusion
The Jill of All Trades event at Conestoga College continues to break down barriers and inspire a new generation of women to pursue fulfilling careers in skilled trades. Through hands-on experiences, mentorship, and community support, young women are discovering their potential and redefining the landscape of skilled trades for the better.