Over 350 students, mostly girls, explored skilled trades careers at a hands-on event backed by unions and employers.

Over 350 local students, mostly young women, attended the Nuclear Innovation Institute’s Built to Lead event on November 5, exploring careers in skilled trades through hands-on activities like welding, sheet metal cutting, and using CNC routers. Sponsored by the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers and supported by 30+ unions and employers, the event included field trips from regional school boards and an evening open house for families. Participants learned about apprenticeships, met women in trades, and engaged with industry professionals, with organizers highlighting mentorship and experiential learning as key to expanding diversity in high-demand careers.