Confederation College welcomed 110 female secondary school students to its Thunder Bay campus on Wednesday for the annual Jill of All Trades event, an initiative designed to introduce young women in Grades 9 through 12 to rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
Hosted in the College's Tec Hub, the event provided participants with immersive, hands-on workshops in motive power, industrial, and construction trades. Students explored career pathways while learning directly from Confederation College faculty, alumni, and industry professionals working across Northwestern Ontario.
As Ontario continues to invest in housing, infrastructure, clean energy, and critical mineral development, demand for skilled trades professionals remains strong across the North. Events like Jill of All Trades play a vital role in expanding participation in these high-demand sectors and strengthening the region's future workforce.
"The skilled trades are foundational to Northern Ontario's economic growth, infrastructure development, and energy future," said Aaron Skillen, Vice President, Academic, Confederation College. "Jill of All Trades provides young women with the opportunity to see themselves in these careers, to build confidence, develop practical skills, and understand the impact they can have in their communities."
Founded by Conestoga College, Jill of All Trades was created to address the gender imbalance in the skilled trades by encouraging young women to consider non-traditional career pathways. The initiative has since expanded across Canada and North America through partnerships with postsecondary institutions, including Confederation College.
Throughout the day, students participated in interactive sessions that highlighted the hands-on, applied nature of trades training. Industry representatives were also in attendance, sharing their experiences and outlining career opportunities available within the region. One participating student reflected, "I didn't realize how many different options there were in the trades. Being able to try the equipment and talk to women working in these careers made it feel possible."
Confederation College works closely with regional school boards and Indigenous communities to ensure equitable access to education and career exploration opportunities across Northwestern Ontario. By hosting Jill of All Trades, the College continues to advance access, equity, and workforce readiness, ensuring that young women across the region are empowered to pursue in-demand careers that support community resilience and long-term economic prosperity.
As Northern Ontario experiences continued growth in infrastructure, mining, transportation, and clean energy development, Confederation College remains committed to expanding pathways into the skilled trades and preparing graduates who will live, work, and contribute to the vitality of their communities.
For more information
1450 Nakina Drive
Thunder Bay Ontario
Canada P7C 4W1
www.confederationcollege.ca/
