Courtesy: Bob Schneider

By Darren Rathwell

Program aims to get more Medicine Hat girls work in trades

Apr 21, 2022 | 5:28 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Skilled trades, such as building a house or fixing a car, have more than their share of men at work as tradespeople. But a new program in Medicine Hat is aimed at increasing the number of women working in the trades as well.

A group of local high school students were taking part this week in a two-day trades camp, which came to its conclusion Thursday.

While at Medicine Hat College, the students were given a brief about architecture, and how technology is helping with interior design.

But the camp also offered other opportunities, including a tour of a farm and restaurant, and the chance for participants to try their hand at a variety of skilled trades and technologies.

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“We’re just kind of trying to show these female students that they can do everything in the trades, ” Kristi Liboiron, CAREERS camp organizer said, “There’s a lot of… “Oh do I have to lift 100 pounds.” But you don’t anymore right. There’s lots of safety mechanisms and ways around that.”

Liboiron says girls can look at careers in trades or technology, and also examine how technology enhances trades, which can make them more suitable as a career choice for women.

One student CHAT News spoke with says she received a wider understanding of career options available to her.

“You see a little bit at school. Like, we have automotives and welding and construction. But we don’t have electrical or plumbing or the heavy duty tech. So it gives you the opportunity to experience those,” said Kalli Reid, a grade 12 student at Medicine Hat High School.

Liboiron says CAREER hopes to match students with various industries.

CAREER says an estimated 45,000 skilled tradespeople will be needed over the next decade.