Paris District High School is taking an active role in encouraging young women to explore careers in skilled trades.
On January 29, the school hosted the Women in Trades Workshop, inviting Grade 7 and 8 students and their families to learn about opportunities in industries such as construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and horticulture.
The event, held at Paris District High School on Grand River Street North, introduced students to hands-on experiences and provided resources for parents looking to support their children in pursuing skilled trades.
Attendees participated in interactive activities, spoke with professionals in the field, and explored high school programs designed to support young women interested in skilled trades.
Principal Kristy Johnson highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting that women are underrepresented in skilled trades, making up about five percent of the workforce in these fields.
“The goal tonight is to give young women the opportunity to see what pathways are available and provide them with a chance to try something new,” Johnson said.
“There may be students here who had never considered a career in the trades before this evening, and hopefully, this event sparks an interest in them.”
In addition to hands-on workshops, the event included a parent lounge where representatives from Conestoga College, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, and the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program provided information about apprenticeship opportunities and career pathways.
The school offers three SHSM programs in construction, environmental studies, and information and communication technology.
Johnson noted that all high school students in Ontario are required to complete at least one technology credit before graduating.
Paris District High School, which serves approximately 950 students, continues to focus on expanding educational and career opportunities. Students participating in co-op placements shared their experiences.
Hannah Spence, a student who completed a co-op in hairdressing, spoke about challenges she faced during her placement.
“There were a lot of older people at my co-op, probably in their 30s, so being around people much older than me was an adjustment for both them and me,” Spence said.
“I was definitely nervous at first, but after a while, I got more comfortable and really enjoyed it.” She encouraged students to not be afraid of new opportunities.
“I was nervous going into it, but after a while, that went away,” she said.
Mykaela Cutting, a student who participated in an electrical co-op, described the work involved in his placement.
“My co-op was in an industrial setting where we worked a lot with machines, hooked up wires, and installed lights,” Cutting said.
She noted that entering the co-op without prior knowledge was challenging.
“Not knowing a lot when I started was scary, especially since there were a lot of older workers there,” Cutting said.
“But once I got past that fear, it became a lot less intimidating and more enjoyable.”
When asked what advice they would give to students considering skilled trades, both emphasized persistence.
“If you’re a young woman interested in skilled trades, just go for it,” Cutting said.
“It can be intimidating at first, and there will be challenges, but if it’s something you want to do, do it.”
The Women in Trades Workshop provided students with an opportunity to explore career options and engage with professionals in skilled trades.
