SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
Girls explore mining careers through hands-on learning at Sask Polytech

Girls in Trades and Technology (GITT) reached a new milestone this year, expanding to Moose Jaw for the first time. The pilot event, held during Saskatchewan Mining Week, drew 109 participants at Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Moose Jaw campus. At the same time, 76 girls took part in the established Saskatoon event, which has been running for more than five years and continues to grow in demand.

Together, the events introduced nearly 200 girls from across the province to hands-on mining and nuclear career opportunities in trades and technology. Delivered by Sask Polytech in partnership with Women in Trades and Technology (WITT), powered by Orano, and Women in Mining and Women in Nuclear Saskatchewan (WIM/WiN-SK), the initiative aims to spark early interest in mining and related fields, helping young women explore career paths that can shape their future education and career opportunities.

"The idea was to showcase these mining opportunities to girls at a younger age, so when it comes time to pick high school courses, they will consider math, science and physics," says Danielle Faris, academic chair for the Faculty of Technology and Skilled Trades. "We want girls to have a moment where they can see themselves in these mining careers and start planning for their futures."

The initiative also reflects a broader effort to highlight the range of roles available in the industry.

"We want to show the diversity of careers within mining in our province," says Jennifer Scott, chair of the WIMNspiration committee and a longtime GITT volunteer. "Whether they prefer hands-on work, problem-solving or math and science, there is a place for them."

The event aligns with WIM/WiN-SK's commitment to connecting and inspiring the next generation of women in mining. "By highlighting these opportunities through hands-on learning, the event aims to broaden perspectives and help participants see there is a future for them in mining," says Scott. 

Participants at Moose Jaw campus rotated through hands-on activities in several program areas, Including Civil Engineering Technologies, Environmental Technology, Welding and Electrical Engineering Technology. Each demonstration was designed to connect classroom learning with real-world applications in the mining sector.

In the Civil Engineering Technologies lab, students tested the strength of materials by breaking concrete cylinders. In the Energy and Resources Lab, they explored renewable power by assessing sunlight exposure for solar panels before switching on a simulated energy system. The Environmental Technology activity included an escape room-style exercise using instruments to measure radiation levels, highlighting the role of environmental monitoring in modern mining.

Faris says expanding the event to Moose Jaw reflected the importance of mining across the province, including in southern Saskatchewan.

"Mining happens across Saskatchewan and many programs in Moose Jaw support that work," she said. "Electrical engineering, for example, is critical to mine operations from infrastructure design to power delivery underground."

WIM/WiN-SK volunteers joined Sask Polytech faculty and WITT staff to support the event. Volunteers, primarily women working in mining, technology and the skilled trades, offered mentorship and served as visible role models in fields where women have been underrepresented. Their presence helps participants imagine themselves in similar careers and broaden their sense of future possibilities.

WITT builds curriculum for camps, workshops and mentorship programs that teach women valuable skills, encourage women to think about different career options and address barriers that may limit women pursuing careers in trades and technology. Learn more at saskpolytech.ca/witt