Young women in Windsor-Essex have been given a glimpse into a possible career in skilled trades.
The second "Build A Dream" camp wrapped up today at St. Clair College where 19 girls, aged 14-17, took part in hands-on workshops in carpentry, electrical, machining and welding.
To wrap up the event, the participants heard from Unifor National Skilled Trades Co-ordinator Terry Weymouth who became an electrician in the late 80s.
"I was one of a few women," she says. "You have to be confident in yourself and in your capabilities."
She hopes to see the day when male dominated roles in skilled trades no longer exist.
"When you think of a doctor, you don't think of a man right away."
She says girls need to focus on the maths and sciences because they offer maximum options when it comes to finding a career.
"Keep their options open. When you are in high school, you are making critical choices to keep your options open, make sure you keep those math grades up and if you are having struggles,find some help, don't give up on yourself."
Weymouth says the greatest mentors for these girls are mom and dad.
"Parents have been statistically proven to be great influencers so today they should be applauded that these parents showed up because that has been a real key ingredient to changing these attitudes quickly."
She says women make up only 13% of the workforce in skilled trades.
The girls were picked for the camp with the help of the local school boards.
Students take part in the camp at no cost due to a sponsorship from Union Gas.