In August 2022, the BC Tradeswomen Society facilitated two amazing Discovery Trades Camps for youth. Young women and indigenous youth gathered at the College Of New Caledonia in Quesnel, BC to experience the fun and excitement of interactive trades exploration. Each of the camps were one week long running 9am-3pm and participants were introduced to occupational health and safety principles, and had the opportunity to try their hands at several different trades, taking home all of their amazing projects.
The youth learned about carpentry, electrical, welding, masonry, painting, plumbing and sheet metal under the guidance of skilled tradespeople and mentors! There were tradespeople from across BC that came out to help teach, guide and inspire these youth.
The key organizations that helped or provided funding, facilitators, support or a venue were the following:
- BC Tradeswomen Society
- BC Centre for Women in the Trades (BCCWITT)
- Skilled Trades BC (formally ITA)
- Terus Construction
- The Construction Foundation of BC
- The College of New Caledonia
- CUPE BC – Skilled Trades Committee
Trades Discovery Camps were FREE to all participants and were supplied lunches, snacks and all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, hi-vis vests and gloves were also supplied.
At the end of each weeks’ camp, we had a celebration day inviting everyone’s families, people from industry and college staff to help celebrate the amazing accomplishments these youth had done over the week. Everyone was also presented with certificates congratulating everyone on their wonderful successes.
For more Information please don’t hesitate to contact us: info@bctradeswomensociety.ca