SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
Saskatchewan Polytechnic helps women explore careers in the trades

Cheyanne Reimer looks forward to starting her career, one she didn't expect for herself.  She decided to take a leap and experience hands-on careers through an exploratory event organized by Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Women in Trades and Technology (WITT) powered by Orano.

"By participating in the WITT exploratory sessions and weekend workshops, I felt so confident going in and learning something I knew nothing about. The experience helped me realize I could be good at the trades. I felt supported enough to try something I didn't know I could accomplish," Reimer explains.

Notes WITT program head Allison Zerr, "Exploratory sessions offer participants the chance to learn about a few trades at once. Through WITT, participants try different options. To help us determine programs to showcase, we use feedback from the community on what they want to see, and we do the same with the industry to see what the needs are."

With several trades programs in mind, Reimer faced a tough decision about which one to choose to further her education. As she weighed her options, she reached out to Zerr for advice.

"Allison is my mentor. She's the reason I applied for the Welding certificate program. I look up to her greatly," Reimer confides. On track to complete the program in the spring, she said her next step will be apprenticeship before going for her Red Seal/journeyperson certification.

Zerr is thrilled to be part of students' learning journeys. "I'm extremely honoured by Cheyanne's comments. I think back to my mentors and how they've been impactful. It means a lot to me. That's why I do what I do, to help make a change, guide and impact students' lives."

Trades continue to be underrepresented careers for women, but Reimer is part of a growing number of women entering the industry. She thinks it's important to pave the way for others.

"I love working with my hands. Welding is very hands-on. I like to push boundaries. I want more women to join the trades and feel comfortable in the shop," she explains. "It has been really exciting to learn with other women. We're all friends. It's a nice support system. It's comforting to know you have people in the same boat as you even though your backgrounds may be different."

Zerr has witnessed a shift in the trades. She started at Sask Polytech as a helper for the Prince Albert summer camp in 2014. Since then, she has gone from being a casual instructor to a full-time instructor and transitioned to the role of WITT program head in 2018.

"We're offering way more programming. We've gotten to a point where there's more of a need. The WITT Powered by Orano Young Women's Conference used to have 20-30 participants. Now there are 100 in attendance. We're able to provide more opportunities," she explains. "With the industry pushing for equity and equality, there's increased support for what we're offering. Employers are seeing the advantage of diversifying."

Reimer looks forward to seeing other women in the shop and in the field. Eventually, she would like to make her way back to WITT and Sask Polytech as an instructor. Until then, she has advice for others thinking about joining the trades, "Do it even if it scares you. I was so nervous when I got in. There were so many unknowns. Everything in life is scary, but it's still worth doing, as intimidating as it is. Welding makes me feel empowered. It makes me feel strong."

WITT offers supports to women pursuing education in non-traditional careers. Learn more about program specific tutors, mentorship opportunities, drop-in consultations, networking opportunities, campus tours and career development at Women in Trades and Technology (WITT) powered by Orano.

This article was originally published in Building Saskatchewan Magazine and Potash Works Magazine, produced by Del Communications.