Saskatchewan Polytechnic hosts Jill of All Trades™ event
Nearly 150 young women took part in a hands-on introduction to the skilled trades offered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The Jill of All Trades™ event was hosted by Women in Trades and Technology (WITT), powered by Orano.
Through a series of interactive workshops covering 12 trades—including welding, millwright, carpentry, and electrical— female high school students gained hands-on experience and valuable insight into a wide range of career opportunities. The event highlighted the importance of representation and mentorship in encouraging more women to pursue rewarding careers in the trades sector.
Sask Polytech faculty, students, alumni and industry professionals, served as mentors and role models for participants exploring careers in the skilled trades.
“Jill of All Trades encourages young women to consider the opportunities of a future in the skilled trades,” says Allison Zerr, WITT program head. “These events provide a safe, engaging, hands-on learning environment. It’s often the first time the young women may have the opportunity to use power tools.”
WITT hopes the event inspires more young women to pursue education and careers in the trades, helping to address the skilled labour shortage.
Thank you to our event sponsors: BHP, CMAW Local 99, Construction Opportunities Development Council, Grace & Grit Construction, IBEW 529, Ledcor Construction, Nutrien, Orano, PCL Construction Management Inc., Pembina Pipeline, Saskatchewan Apprenticeship & Trade Certification Commission, Saskatchewan Mining Association, Saskatoon Tribal Council Industrial Group, SaskPower, UA Local 179, Westridge Construction, Women in Mining & Women in Nuclear Saskatchewan, Wright Construction and Yara Belle Plaine Inc.
Curious how Sask Polytech is opening doors for women in the trades? Explore programs, support and success stories at saskpolytech.ca/witt.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic is signatory to the SDG Accord. Sustainable Development Goal alignment is one of the ways Sask Polytech is leading the rise of polytechnic education.
