Jill Of All Trades inspires high school women to explore careers in trades
MOUNT FOREST – Nine students from Wellington Heights Secondary School, along with WHSS cosmetology teacher Peggy Topham, attended the Jill Of All Trades (JOAT)event at Conestoga College on May 27.
Founded in 2014 by Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, JOAT is an initiative designed to inspire young women in Grades 9 through 12 to explore rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
With the support of Conestoga College and a growing network of partner institutions and industry sponsors, JOAT is on track to host 100 events across 35 locations throughout North America by the end of 2026 – expanding its global reach and empowering the next generation of women to pursue careers in the skilled trades.
“Conestoga College is a recognized leader in trades and apprenticeship training, supporting the evolving needs of industry in our growing communities,” officials state in a press release.
“Through inclusive programming and hands-on mentoring, the college supports and encourages young women to pursue opportunities in underrepresented and non-traditional fields.”
WHSS students had the opportunity to learn about a variety of different trades at the event and got to try out some equipment, machines and tools that are used by women in many different skilled trades jobs each day.
