An opportunity for female youth in Windsor-Essex to get a look at potential careers.
Build a Dream is hosting an educational and interactive Career Discovery Expo on Wednesday, for students and parents/guardians from the Greater Essex County District School Board, Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board and Csc Providence School Board.
Attendees can explore careers and meet with prospective employers, listen to panel discussions from successful women across many fields, and take part in hands-on activities.
Speaking on AM800's The Shift, Marketing Manager Joseph Khera says events like these are important because a more diverse workforce in any sector is beneficial.
"You get a bigger talent pool, then for the women themselves they have an opportunity to explore an opportunity something they've not had the opportunity to before. For example females aren't exactly pushed towards the trades, but not every person is the same. There's lots of money in it, maybe they enjoy the adventure of being outside all the time, or maybe they just like the physical labour," he said.
Khera says while the pandemic had a negative impact overall in terms of women in the trades specifically, they're seeing positive movement again as 2021 was the largest amount of women in the trades in 10 years.
"We're seeing more movement online with Instagram influencers, women who are now speaking up, women who are in the trades who are posting about their everyday situation instead of shying away. Before they used to keep their heads down and just get on with the jobs. Overall the community is getting bigger and a lot more people are sharing their experiences."
He says the biggest need in terms of jobs that women could fill in the trades are millwrights.
"It's a position we know women that do that, who have spoken to Build A Dream, they really enjoy it. It's really physical, you need to have a lot of intelligence, every single part needs to be really precise. Perfectionists, or people with a bit of OCD, can really get some enjoyment out of that job," Khera said.
The event runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts on Riverside Drive W.
Students in grades 7 to 12 can register for free online to attend the event.
- with files from AM800's The Shift with Patty Handysides