Assiniboine Community College hosted over 50 grade eight students from across the region this past Wednesday at the Young Women’s Conference in Brandon, partnering with Skills Manitoba.  The conference was aimed at empowering young women to explore diverse career opportunities available in the trades and technology field, and it serves as a platform for participants to gain insight from and connect with industry mentors.

“We are always pleased to partner with Skills Manitoba to host future leaders in the trades and technology field,” said Kevin Poirier, Dean of Trades and Technology at ACC.   “We’ve had a steady increase of women entering trades training at Assiniboine and want to continue to provide opportunities for young women to explore programs that align well with their interests and career aspirations.”

"The conference provides young women with activities and tours that allow them to explore various disciplines first-hand," explains Poirier. "It's built on a mixture of interactive workshops and practical experience, where students are given the opportunity to participate in a wide range of fields and explore occupations that they find interesting."

Interactive stations include careers in welding, automotive technician, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, civil tech, public safety, network administration technology, "And they also had a digital art workshop and a film & video workshop," he adds. "So, a wealth of things for them to put their hands on and just explore the different options for them."

The conference is held a number of times each year on a rotational basis and varies each time with the age range of participants.

“In today’s labour market it is important for young women to see all the careers available in the trades and technology field” said Jana Sproule, Chairperson, Media and Office Tech.  

“The Young Women’s Conference provides an immersive experience designed to inspire and educate attendees about the opportunities awaiting them in trades and technology,” she added.

To find out more about this event visit skillsmanitoba.ca/program/young-womens-conference.