Young Women in Science, Technology, and Trades

Photo: In the carpentry shop students learn how to measure and frame a wall.

Grade 7 and 8 girls expand possibilities for the future at trades conference

Photo: Students program instructions into the iPal Robot.

On October 23rd, female students in Grades 7 and 8 in the Durham District School Board (DDSB) went to Durham College in Whitby to expand their knowledge about careers in science, technology, and the skilled trades.

“They need to be able to connect and see other women in these roles to expand the possibilities,” says Denise Stirton, Program Facilitator for Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and Cooperative Education at the DDSB.

Girls spent the day rotating through different workshops, and listened as keynote speaker Jo Alcorn addressed the importance of acknowledging one’s accomplishments. Alcorn advised, “There will always be certain limitations, but you need to give yourself credit. The journey is the fun part.”

Photo: (L-R) Denise Stirton with keynote speaker Jo Alcorn.

Alcorn is a celebrity interior and home product designer, appearing on HGTV shows like Critical Listing and Home to Win. She also owns and operates an interior decorating business, Alcorn Home.

The students attended various workshops while at the event. All workshops were under the umbrella of either science, technology, or the skilled trades. In one of the science workshops, students conducted a chlorine test to simulate how water plant operators test chlorine levels in our drinking water. In one of the technology workshops, students learned how to program instructions into an iPal Robot (an educational robot with tablet-based controls). In one of the trades workshops students were introduced to carpentry, and framed a wall which was lifted to start construction of a small-scale house.

Stirton explains, “We’re hoping this is the start of many conversations. We want to start the conversation early, continue that conversation, and then prepare them.”

She adds, “I want them to think outside the box in terms of post-secondary education. That’s all we’re trying to do, is show kids that there’s another way.”

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