Walking by the wood trades labs at SAIT, you'll spot female instructors teaching apprenticeship students how to use a table saw. Head up to the welding labs and you might find grade-school girls learning how to fuse metal together while it may not be immediately apparent thanks to personal protective equipment.
Creating spaces for women in skilled trades starts in the classroom at SAIT.
From promoting equity and belonging to working collaboratively with industry, SAIT takes a multi-faceted approach to advancing women in skilled trades.
Get them hooked early
Like any passion, piquing interest in skilled trades early plants a seed the SAIT Youth Initiatives team is ready to help nurture. Our summer camps are designed to spark curiosity and build confidence as youth learn new skills. The non-traditional program offerings encourage camp goers in Grades 1 - 12 to discover interests and envision future career opportunities.
Exploring Skilled Trades for Girls is an annual event held at SAIT to introduce female-identifying students in junior high to the skilled trades. The day is filled with hands-on activities led by instructors and mentors, giving students an opportunity to discover new interests and explore the world of apprenticeship education.
Students can dabble in activities ranging from bricklaying and autobody to motorcycle mechanics, refrigeration, roofing, welding and woodworking. Hosted in collaboration with industry partners, the event allows participants to see themselves in a post-secondary apprenticeship and envision a future career in skilled trades.
