Polytech. camp has girls racing to try a trade

She said they want to get them really thinking about a trade as part of their future.

“The goal is to get them interested and involved, and to give them hands on experience at a young age to show them that yes, I can do it,” said Mitchell. “Even though I’m a girl … I can use a power tool.”

More and more women are getting into trades, according to Mitchell, which she attributes to an increase in high school shop classes and technical programs for girls. She also said times seem to be changing, getting away from the idea that women are most suited to hairdressing and cooking.

“I think it is getting better but we still need to push, and provide girls the opportunity to get into trades and try different technology programs that they maybe wouldn’t otherwise think they could do,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell herself worked in the oilfields doing consulting work, having three technological qualifications including a degree in environmental management.

“I was usually the only woman on site, ever. I know what it feels like to be the only woman out there, surrounded by 20 guys that think, ‘Oh, what is she doing here?’” said Mitchell. “But you know what, I’m here to say that women can do this, as long as they’re confident and feel capable, they can do it.”

Mitchell said they host similar camps at every Sask. Polytechnic campus, but this was the first one in Prince Albert in two years. From now on, they plan on having one every summer.

Emily Zbaraschuk, 12, won best overall scooter, after a week of planning and constructing one herself.

The last day of camp, each girl got to take their scooter out on a timed course to see whose were up to speed.

“It’s been really fun. I’ve liked the different trades that we’ve learnt about like welding, architecture, electrical assembly and then construction—that was really fun—building the scooter,” said Zbaraschuk.

“You knew that you did it, and it was kind of cool to see how it turned out in the end, when it was just a few pieces of wood in the beginning.”

The group toured different technology and trade businesses in the city. Zbaraschuk said when they went on a tour of an architectural firm, she began thinking she might be interested in being an architect.

“I think it’d be fine if I did it. It seems like there’s no limitations nowadays,” she said.

As far as the camp goes, Zbaraschuk said she’d definitely recommend it to other girls her age.

asoloducha@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alex_soloducha

by Alex Soloducha

Polytech. camp has girls racing to try a trade

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