More than 350 students explore skilled trades careers at NII’s Built to Lead event

More than 350 students cut sheet metal, changed tires, styled hair, used a CNC router, tested their virtual welding skills and much more at the Nuclear Innovation Institute’s (NII) Built to Lead event hosted last week at the NII Advance Technology Campus to inspire young women’s future careers in the skilled trades.

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Sponsored by the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers (CUSW) and organized in partnership with more than 30 local unions, employers and community training organizations, the November 5th event offered students the chance to explore hands-on activities, meet women working in the trades, and learn about pathways into apprenticeship programs.

In the afternoon, students attended as part of field trips arranged by local schools in the Bluewater and Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Boards, while the evening open house welcomed young women and their families to explore interactive demonstrations and speak with industry representatives.

“Events like this show young women that there’s a place for them in the trades—rewarding, high-demand careers available right here in our region,” said Jessica Linthorne, NII President and CEO. “It was incredible to see the energy and confidence in the room as students tried new skills and connected directly with mentors.”

“We are proud of the many young women who took part in Built to Lead to learn about and experience a firsthand taste of rewarding careers in the skilled trades,” said Sheryl Elliott, BWDSB Superintendent of Education. “Experiences like this open doors to exciting pathways and demonstrate to students the many exciting and innovative trades related opportunities that are available. Hearing from inspiring industry leaders also helps students see what is possible for their own futures. We are grateful to the Nuclear Innovation Institute and all the partners who came together to make this event a success.”

“Events like Built to Lead demonstrate experiential learning in action. When students are given opportunities to engage directly in hands-on activities and connect with mentors in the skilled trades, they gain real insight into their strengths and are better able to envision future pathways,” said Alicia Tilker, Experiential Learning Consultant, Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board. “We are appreciative of our partnership with the Nuclear Innovation Institute and express thanks to all the community partners who contributed to the event.”

“When young women see their skills respected and their voices heard, they don’t just join the trades, they transform them,” said Jason MacDonald, Political Action & External Engagement at CUSW. “Built To Lead turns curiosity into mentorships, apprenticeships, and family supporting careers right here at home. The Canadian Union of Skilled Workers was honoured to sponsor such a tremendous event.”

Thank you to the organizations who donated their time and talents to make this event possible:

Learn more about all of NII’s work at nii.ca.

About the Nuclear Innovation Institute:  The Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) is a member-based not-for-profit organization with a vision of a Canadian landscape that celebrates an innovative nuclear industry as an integral part of the clean energy future. NII’s role driving an innovative nuclear voice, skill development and sector transformation supports members and encourages collaborative engagement with communities, industries and governments.

Learn more at nii.ca and join the conversation on LinkedIn (Nuclear Innovation Institute), Instagram (@niiatwork), and Facebook (@OntarioNII).