By Kellah Lavoie

GETTing girls into trades

Jul 17, 2011 | 8:33 AM

It was a week of teaching girls they can do anything.

Last week was the Girls Exploring Trades and Technologies (GETT) Camp at SIAST. Ten girls in Grades 7 and 8 took part, learning a variety of new skills.

“They learned how to use jigsaws and drills and a variety of tools, they learned how to use them safely and how to use their strength,” said Crystal Stadnyk, women in trades and technology facilitator for SIAST, explaining their main project was a building a go-kart.

“Even though some of the girls are very tiny, they get the chance to pick up a great, big piece of plywood, so they can learn women can do these things, they just have to use their bodies a little differently than a guy would who might muscle through it.”

The group of girls got the opportunity to hear from some women trade and technology “role models,” such as a welder and plumber.

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“These types of things are very important for girls to be able to come and learn that they have the capability to do these trades,” she said.

“It opens up a world of opportunities for them later. Once they are in high school they can use this experience to shape the classes they might take in high school and the path they might take after that – they know they could pick a trade if they want to.”

It is a message 13-year-old Christa Keenatch is leaving with. She said she had lots of fun and trades are something she is interested in for the future.

She said her favourite part was putting the go-kart together.

“We had to make the base first, and then we had to make the sides and then frame and paint it,” Keenatch said.

Other projects the girls worked on included building a solar charged nightlight.

Sharla Duh, 14, said the main project was a lot of work, but well worth it.

“It was a good experience and it was really fun,” she said. Her favourite part was painting the go-kart.

The week wrapped up on Friday, as all five teams of girls raced their go-karts.

See related: GETTing ready for the race

klavoie@panow.com