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Kootenay Women in Trades inspire and empower at Castlegar event

Info session for women in trades hosted in Castlegar

On Dec. 5, the Kootenay Women in Trades, BC Trades Equity Society, the Construction Foundation of BC, and Western JETS-WIRES and WATT BC hosted a vibrant and uplifting event at the Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce. With a packed house of people from all over the region, the event was buzzing with energy and excitement. 

The event was born from an idea sparked by three dedicated tradeswomen: Gabrielle Herle, a Red Seal Carpenter and Health and Safety Coordinator, as well as Director-at-Large for the BC Trades Equity Society (BCTES) and a ten-year pinholder for Construction Maintenance and Allied Workers Local 2300; Tatjana Martin, a Red Seal Electrician, IBEW LU1003 member since 1991, Regional Representative for Kootenay Women in the Trades through the BC Centre for Women in the Trades (BCCWITT), and member of the BCTES and Peace Region Women in the Trades; and Lisa Scott, a Red Seal Electrician, Catalyst for Apprenticeship Promotion and Progression with the Construction Foundation of BC, Director-at-Large for the BCTES, Regional Representative for the Cariboo with BCCWITT.

Together, the three of them believe it is crucial to address the barriers that prevent women and underrepresented members of society from succeeding in the trades, and are very proud to provide the community with this opportunity to connect. 

The evening kicked off with an engaging info session for those curious about trades careers. Participants eagerly gathered information and resources, setting the stage for an evening of learning and connection. One of the highlights of the night was a captivating Zoom book reading by Hilary Peach, author of Thick Skin, whose stories resonated deeply with the audience.

Attendees enjoyed appetizers as well as a door prize draw featuring signed copies of Thick Skin, while networking opportunities sparked new friendships and connections. The event emphasized the power of community and allyship support in overcoming barriers and left participants feeling empowered and inspired to pursue their careers in the trades.

The BC Trades Equity Society also announced plans to work closely with local organizations and businesses to bring another larger information session and another meetup to the area in the spring. The goal of the event would be to showcase the many opportunities found within the trades, in turn further strengthening the network of support and resources for tradespeople.

Kootenay Women in Trades offers special thanks to the BC Trades Equity Society, Construction Foundation of BC, Skilled Trades BC, Western JETS-WIRES and WATT BC, The Skills Centre, Selkirk College, Construction Maintenance and Allied Workers of Canada Local 2300, Teck Trail, Confluence Heating and Cooling, Infusion Electric, CanTac, Acuren, the BC Centre for Women in the Trades, Kalesnikoff and Hilary Peach for their support and contributions to making this event a success. 

In summary, the event was a fantastic showcase of the incredible work being done in the trades and a strong reminder of the importance of embracing equity, diversity and inclusion.

AJ Wearmouth, local Red Seal Electrician representing Selkirk College as an electrical instructor at the event, said, “I was so grateful to be part of this event; to see past, present and perhaps future students networking and making connections with all the women attending gave me a powerful sense of community. The stories that were shared from the impressive pioneers who paved the way before us were charismatic and inspirational. I left feeling re-energized and I cannot wait until the next one!”