CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Young women get hands-on experience in the trades through dual-credit program

"These young women were both engaged, eager to learn, and were all very successful in this amazing program. Congratulations to all," said Rosie Hessian, chair in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies.

Dual-credit programs are under the umbrella of the provincially funded School College Work Initiative, started in 1997 to fund activities that support students in secondary school and help them transition successfully to post-secondary studies.

High school students can explore college life while earning credits, and Conestoga works with 12 school boards to offer a wide range of dual-credit programs on eight of its campuses as well as many off-site locations, enrolling close to 1,200 students annually.

Students from Huron and Perth counties benefited from both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in the electrical trade, learning about residential, industrial, commercial and institutional sectors with the aim of boosting the participation of women in the skilled trades.

Although women make up nearly half of Canada's workforce, they account for only a fraction of workers the skilled trades industry. The industry is experiencing a growing demand for workers, in particular in the construction sector, and that creates more opportunities for women to access well-paying, stable jobs.

After a seven-week session learning about the electrical trade, the young women moved onto trying their hands at plumbing. The plan is to run the program again next semester.

Jim Brintnell, a dual-credit teacher with the board, said he is "overwhelmed with pride given the talent and professionalism demonstrated by our young women students while learning the electrical skilled trade."

Brintnell sees the significant benefits of more women joining the skilled trades, from the individual having access to well-paying, in-demand jobs to the widespread advantages to the industry, communities and the broader economy.

"Research shows that teams with gender diversity tend to be more innovative and efficient, which can positively impact project outcomes in skilled trades like engineering, construction and manufacturing. Skilled trades offer various paths for career advancement and the flexibility to become entrepreneurs. Women in skilled trades challenge traditional stereotypes, serving as role models for younger generations. By seeing women succeed in these fields, more young women may be inspired to consider trades careers, diversifying the industry further," Brintnell said.

Students completed 95 per cent of the electrical assignments on time, and each participant achieved full success in the program. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with students expressing how much they appreciated the balance between theory and hands-on work. Earning both high school and college credits was greatly appreciated, and the students enjoyed making new connections while gaining valuable skills for the future.

One student said the course helped clarify her career path and gave her the chance to work on real-world projects; "It felt like a real college experience, and it will look great on my resume."

The young women felt empowered by the program, giving them a confidence boost to take the next steps on their journey into the workforce. A parent said he couldn't be prouder of his daughter taking part in the electrical dual-credit course.

"The program has provided her with not just technical knowledge, but also the dedication needed to succeed in the trades. She's excited about attending class and has gained the confidence to pursue further education, whether that means going to college or starting an apprenticeship to become licensed," he said.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for women to learn and engage in skilled trades, and I wholeheartedly support programs like this that empower young women to discover their potential and succeed in fields where they can truly shine."

The School of Interdisciplinary Studies prepares graduates for today's global economy. Courses and programs have been designed to build skills essential to the operations of effective workplaces through language, communication and liberal studies, and with practical experience through real-world, hands-on learning.