The Nuclear Innovation Institute is hoping to ignite a passion for the trades among young women from across Grey and Bruce.
More than 300 students connected to the world of skilled trades during the "Built to Lead" gathering at Grey County Sydenham Campus in Owen Sound.
Students in Grades 7 through 12 tried wiring electrical outlets, mastered virtual boilermaking techniques, and operated advanced CNC routers.
Participants also explored the cutting-edge realm of 3D printing and sharpened their simulated welding skills through a variety of hands-on challenges.
The April 29 gathering featured 25 dedicated local unions, employers, and community training organizations that provided students with a unique platform to test their skills and engage with successful women already thriving in the industry. Beyond the interactive stations, the event served as a vital bridge for students to learn about the specific pathways leading to rewarding apprenticeship programs.
The initiative was a collaboration among the NII, the Bluewater District School Board, and the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board, along with Georgian College, the Grey County Sydenham Campus, and Grey Bruce Makers.
The day brought students on organized field trips from schools across the region to begin their exploration. As the sun set, the event opened its doors to an evening open house that welcomed young women and their families, so parents and students alike could speak directly with industry representatives and see the potential of these careers firsthand.
“This event is all about possibility,” said Jessica Linthorne, NII President and CEO. "Whether students have always been curious about the trades or they attended because a teacher or parent nudged them through the door, NII is pleased to help introduce them to careers that offer good pay, creative challenges and the pride of building something real."
The educational community expressed immense pride in the outcome of the day and the growth it fostered in the participants.
“We are grateful to NII for facilitating another incredible day for students to come out and deepen their awareness and understanding of skilled trades careers and apprenticeship pathways open to them beyond secondary school,” said Sheryl Elliott, Superintendent of Education for Bluewater District School Board. “Students were excited to test drive the virtual and hands-on activity stations while putting their networking skills into practice through face-to-face conversations and connections with industry partners.”
The sense of gratitude was echoed by regional education leaders who saw the immediate impact on their students' confidence and career clarity.
“The Built to Lead event offered an invaluable opportunity for our students to explore skilled trades, providing hands-on experiences and clear pathways to future careers,” said Alex Van Wieringen, Superintendent of Education for Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board. "We extend our sincere gratitude to NII for organizing this inspiring event and thank all our partners for the successful collaboration in making this possible for our young students."
The success of this event was made possible by a long list of organizations that generously contributed their time, expertise, and resources to support the next generation of builders. These partners included the Bluewater District School Board, Boilermakers Local 128, Bruce County Early Learning, Bruce Power, and the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board. Further support came from the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers, Candu Energy, The Dirty Seahorse, E.S. Fox, Fanshawe College, and Georgian College. The event also thrived thanks to Grey Bruce Makers, Hair Connection, LiUNA 1059, Millwrights Local 1592, NAYGN, OK Tire, the Owen Sound Girls' Welding Club, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, Saugeen Sparks Training Centre, Sheet Metal Workers Local 473, Shouldice Stone, UBC Local 2222, and Women in Nuclear.
