Two students participating in the YWITT program at the Lethbridge Airport Maintenance Garage on April 12, 2023. (Photo: LNN)

By Sarah Jones

Spring camp empowering young women to join skilled trades in southern Alberta

Apr 15, 2023 | 10:00 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Careers: The Next Generation has welcomed nine teens from southern Alberta to join the Young Women in Trades and Technologies (YWITT) spring camp.

Girls in grades 10-12 are using their spring break to get hands-on experience in a variety of trades in Lethbridge over the course of four days.

From April 11 to 14, 2023, seven local organizations, all supportive of young women in the trades, welcomed the teens to get an inside look at careers in skilled trades.

Students participating in the YWITT program at the Lethbridge Airport Maintenance Garage on April 12, 2023. (Photo: LNN)

According to Careers Regional Manager, Saroeun Keuth-Ray, Alberta is facing a skilled labour shortage. Over the next two years, at least 10,000 new apprentices will be needed to keep pace with the province.

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In turn, the organization is looking to break down barriers for young women who are interested in joining a male-dominated industry by hosting YWITT.

“Less than five percent of Alberta’s labour market are women in skilled trades, so we certainly want to see that grow as they’re still an underrepresented group,” said Keuth-Ray. “There are a lot of challenges, but as you can see here, there are a lot of males that are allies and supportive of having women in the trades and our goal is to keep breaking those stereotypes.”

She went on, “You know, it’s not all about strength. If you’re not a hands-on learner and you like math and science you can do this trade too, there’s a lot of support and technology that is incorporated into it where it’s not just physical.”

Two students participating in the YWITT program at the Lethbridge Airport Maintenance Garage on April 12, 2023. (Photo: LNN)

Industry experts will teach girls everything from carpentry, welding, and auto body mechanics, culinary arts and occupations in information communications technology.

On Wednesday, April 12, the girls were welcomed to the Lethbridge Airport Maintenance Garage to get a closer look at the behind-the-scenes mechanics.

Lethbridge Airport Manager, Cameron Prince, said they’re happy to be part of the second-ever YQL YWITT camp.

Prince explained, “As we know, trades is something we need a lot more people to be involved in and it’s just good to see young women, that are underrepresented at the moment, get involved.”

Cailey Lewis, a grade 12 student at Kate Andrews High School, indicated she has always wanted to work with her hands, and this was a great opportunity to learn what careers are available.

Cailey Lewis, a grade 12 student from Kate Andrews High School, getting a closer look at the plane at the Lethbridge Airport Maintenance Garage on April 12, 2023. (Photo: LNN)

“I feel like a lot of girls are probably scared to go in the trades because there’s mostly men in the trades,” said Lewis. “So, I feel like it’s probably more intimidating for young women, so I feel like [YWITT] is a really good opportunity.”

Careers: The Next Generation also helps connect students with employers for paid internships, as they can gain hands-on work experience while collecting high-school credits.

To learn more Young Women in Trades and Technologies initiative go to the Careers: The Next Generation website.

Read more at LethbridgeNewsNow.com