An innovative event in Edmonton is working to change the face of Canada's skilled trades workforce by introducing young women to potential career paths. The Jill of All Trades fair, held at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) on November 27, 2025, provided hands-on experience for female students considering non-traditional careers.
Hands-On Learning Experience
Among the participants was Christyn Doro, a Grade 11 student from École St. Patrick High School in Yellowknife, N.W.T., who gained practical experience by building an extension cord during the event. The fair offered numerous interactive stations where students could try various trades under the guidance of industry professionals and educators.
The timing of this initiative is particularly significant as Canada faces ongoing shortages in skilled trades positions. By introducing young women to these opportunities early in their educational journey, organizers hope to address both gender imbalance and workforce needs in these critical sectors.
Addressing Gender Imbalance in Trades
Events like Jill of All Trades play a crucial role in challenging stereotypes about who can succeed in trades careers. For decades, fields such as electrical work, plumbing, and construction have been predominantly male-dominated, but organizations across Canada are now actively working to change this dynamic.
The November 27th event at NAIT represents a growing movement to ensure young women have equal access to information about all career possibilities, including those in high-demand skilled trades that often offer competitive salaries and job security.
Building Future Career Pathways
By providing hands-on experience in a supportive environment, the Jill of All Trades fair helps students like Christyn make more informed decisions about their future education and career paths. Technical institutions like NAIT are increasingly partnering with school districts to create pipelines from classrooms to trades careers.
These initiatives are particularly important in Alberta, where the energy sector and related industries continue to drive demand for skilled workers. As the province moves forward with new energy agreements and infrastructure projects, developing a diverse and capable trades workforce becomes increasingly vital to economic success.
