Sparking curiosity in skilled trades
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Casandra Turnbull
Managing Editor
Young women from Grades 7 and 8 rolled up their sleeves and picked up tools at Paris District High School on Wednesday evening, as the school hosted its second annual Women in Trades workshop.
Originally scheduled for Jan. 28 but postponed due to inclement weather, the event was held Feb. 25 from 6 to 9 p.m., welcoming students and their families to explore careers in the skilled trades through hands-on workshops and conversations with educators and industry professionals.
The goal of the evening was to encourage young women to consider pathways in the skilled trades at a pivotal stage in their education. In Grades 7 and 8, students begin thinking about course selections and potential career directions in secondary school. Organizers say providing early exposure allows students to test their interests before committing to a full-semester course.
Participants were able to register for workshops in manufacturing, construction, cosmetology, green industries, and hospitality and tourism, all offered within PDHS’s specialized technology classrooms.
Women remain underrepresented in many skilled trades sectors. Paris District High School (PDHS) Principal Kristy Johnson said introducing students to these pathways before they enter high school helps spark curiosity and challenge assumptions about what careers might be possible.
Last year marked the first time PDHS hosted the workshop, and the response was strong.
“The response from our school community was overwhelmingly positive from both the students and their parents,” said Johnson. “This year, we have expanded our workshop options to cover most of the technology classes that we offer here at PDHS.”
Johnson noted technology programming at the school continues to grow.
“We have a growing demand for technology classes in our school and have added a Hospitality program and a Cosmetology program, both with newly renovated spaces, this year to bring our technology program offerings up to 8 different sectors.”
Throughout the evening, students rotated through interactive sessions, trying out equipment and learning directly from teachers and senior students enrolled in technology programs. Families also had opportunities to connect with community partners, local college and union representatives, and Grand Erie District School Board staff supporting initiatives such as the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and Specialist High Skills Major.
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program is a cooperative education opportunity that allows students to explore a trade while earning high school credits, combining approximately 90 per cent on-the-job training with 10 per cent classroom instruction. School board officials say events like this can have a lasting impact.
“We hope that the students leave the event with a new or growing curiosity in pursuing some form of technology education as either a career path or a special interest,” says Johnson.
“The idea would be that these students have a chance to engage in a two hour workshop now, in Grade 7 or 8, but then opt to further their experiences by choosing some electives in the technology department that complement the other classes they take in secondary school,” said Johnson.
In the manufacturing workshop, Grade 8 student Clara Gray returned for a second year. Last year she explored construction.
“It was really good. We got to use different tools and paints,” she explained.
Gray said she has long been interested in construction and plans to enrol in construction and manufacturing courses when she reaches high school.
In the cosmetology classroom, a brand-new addition to PDHS now in its fourth week, students and senior mentors worked side by side. The program was introduced in the second semester following high demand, with Johnson advocating for its addition.
“So many kids were going to Brantford just to take this class,” said teacher Karen Haggarty, who recently moved to PDHS after leading the program at Tollgate. A lifelong hairstylist, Haggarty said teaching is a natural extension of her career.
Grade 12 student Tempy Ellis previously took cosmetology in Brantford under Haggarty and was excited to see the course come to Paris.
“It gives our school a new opportunity and we don’t have to travel everyday to Brantford. It’s been a really good addition to our school,” said Ellis.
During the workshop, Ellis styled the hair of Grade 8 student Mackinley Graham, who said she plans to take the course when she enters high school.
“I kind of know how to do everything already,” said Graham, noting she grew up around the industry because of her mother, a home-based hairstylist.
Across the room, Grade 11 student Khloe Keogh worked on Grade 7 student Areya Herbison’s nails. Herbison said the class appealed to her because of her interest in hairstyling and will help her determine whether the field is a viable career option.
Keogh, who also travelled to Brantford last year to take cosmetology before it was available locally, said bringing the program to PDHS is a positive step for students pursuing hands-on careers. She added that skilled trades courses give students the opportunity to move beyond traditional classroom learning and engage in practical, experiential education.
According to the Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen (OBCT), women account for just five per cent of on-site construction trades roles in Ontario, with approximately 14,200 working directly in the field. The low representation comes at a time when the province is grappling with a growing shortage of skilled trades workers. As many experienced tradespeople near retirement, Ontario faces a widening labour gap that must be filled by the next generation. In response, industry and education leaders are increasing efforts to attract a more diverse workforce, including more women, to help address the shortfall.
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