More than 350 students explore skilled trades careers at NII's Built to Lead event

More than 350 students in Grades 7-12, cut sheet metal, changed tires, styled hair, used a CNC router, tested their virtual welding skills and much more, at the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII)’s Built to Lead event hosted Nov. 5 at the NII Advance Technology Campus, inspiring young women’s future careers in the skilled trades.

Sponsored by the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers (CUSW) and organized in partnership with more than 30 local unions, employers and community training organizations, the event offered students the chance to explore hands-on activities, meet women working in the trades, and learn about pathways into apprenticeship programs.

In the afternoon, students attended as part of field trips arranged by local schools in the Bluewater District School Board and Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board, while the evening open house welcomed young women and their families to explore interactive demonstrations and speak with industry representatives.

“Events like this show young women that there’s a place for them in the trades — rewarding, high-demand careers available right here in our region,” said Jessica Linthorne, NII president and chief executive officer. “It was incredible to see the energy and confidence in the room as students tried new skills and connected directly with mentors.”



Jessica Linthorne (left), president and CEO of the Nuclear Innovation Institute, welcomes young women to the Built to Lead event at the NII Advance Technology Campus, Nov. 5

“We are proud of the many young women who took part in Built to Lead to learn about, and experience a first-hand taste of, rewarding careers in the skilled trades,” said Sheryl Elliott, superintendent of education at the Bluewater District School Board. “Experiences like this open doors to exciting pathways and demonstrate to students the many exciting and innovative trades-related opportunities that are available. Hearing from inspiring industry leaders also helps students see what is possible for their own futures. We are grateful to the Nuclear Innovation Institute and all the partners who worked together to make this event a success.”



Exploring local careers in agriculture with Snobelen Farms representatives

“Events like Built to Lead demonstrate experiential learning in action,” said Alicia Tilker, experiential learning consultant at the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board. “When students are given opportunities to engage directly in hands-on activities and connect with mentors in the skilled trades, they gain real insight into their strengths and are better able to envision future pathways. We are appreciative of our partnership with the Nuclear Innovation Institute and express thanks to all the community partners who contributed to the event.”



Students try out new skills in hairstyling with guidance from Hair Connection

“When young women see their skills respected and their voices heard, they don’t just join the trades, they transform them,” said Jason MacDonald, political action and external engagement at the CUSW. “Built To Lead turns curiosity into mentorships, apprenticeships, and family supporting careers right here at home. The CUSW was honoured to sponsor such a tremendous event.”



Students test their HVAC skills, cutting sheet metal for ductwork with Herzing Heating

Thank you to the organizations that donated their time and talents to make this event possible: A Girl and Her Hammer, Boilermakers Local 128, Bruce County ECE, Bruce Power, BWXT, Canadian Union of Skilled Workers, Candu Energy, E.S. Fox, Fanshawe College, Georgian College, Hair Connection, Herzing Heating, Ironworkers Local 736, LiUNA 1059, Millwrights Local 1592, NAYGN, Nuclear Promise X (NPX), OK Tire, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, Owen Sound Girls’ Welding Club, Provincial Building and Construction, Trades Council of Ontario, Sheet Metal Workers Local 473, Shouldice Stone, Snobelen Farms, Saugeen Sparks Training Centre, Troy Life and Fire Safety, UBC Local 2222, West Coast Catering and Women in Nuclear.

Learn more about all of NII’s work at nii.ca.



Caitlin (right), an apprentice with the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers, speaks about her journey as a construction and maintenance electrician