NII’s Built to Lead event invites young women to explore careers in local skilled trades
- NII
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Students in grades 7–12 to try demos, explore career pathways, meet local tradeswomen
The path to the skilled trades often begins with a single moment of discovery—picking up a new tool, asking a question, trying a hands-on demo. This spring, young women from Bruce, Grey and Huron counties have that moment.
The Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) is proud to announce its second Built to Lead event—free to attend and aimed at introducing young women in grades 7-12 to career pathways in the skilled trades. This year’s public event will take place the evening of Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Grey County Sydenham Campus in Owen Sound.
Last fall’s successful Built to Lead welcomed more than 350 students to try their hands at cutting sheet metal, changing tires, and styling hair—all while meeting potential mentors and exploring the rewarding world of the skilled trades.
Hosted by NII in partnership with Bluewater District School Board and the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board, the event will feature 25 exhibitors showcasing careers in welding, pipefitting, carpentry, electric and more.
The evening will be filled with hands-on demonstrations, meeting one-on-one with local tradeswomen, and local training and apprenticeship opportunities for young women to explore. Grey-Bruce Makers will be providing students with an opportunity to use their facility and make custom crafts, and Georgian College will be offering tours of their campus and information about how they support students looking for a career in the trades.
“Built to Lead is a successful Bruce, Grey and Huron county event introducing young women to the fulfilling world of skilled trades. It is a fantastic opportunity for local students and we’re pleased to host another year along with our dedicated partners,” said Jessica Linthorne, NII President and CEO.
A big thank you to this year’s event exhibitors: Bluewater District School Board, Boilermakers Local 128, Bruce County Early Learning, Bruce Power, Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board, BWXT, Canadian Union of Skilled Workers, Candu Energy, E.S. Fox, Fanshawe College, Georgian College, Grey Bruce Makers, Hair Connection, LiUNA 1059, Millwrights Local 1592, NAYGN, OK Tire, Owen Sound Girls' Welding Club, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, Saugeen Sparks Training Centre, Sheet Metal Workers Local 473, Shouldice Stone, UBC Local 2222 and Women in Nuclear.
Event details:
Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Grey County Sydenham Campus, 1130 8th St. E, Owen Sound (beside Georgian College; free parking available in the college’s lot)
Open house from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., refreshments provided
Don’t miss out—register today at nii-built-to-lead-april29.eventbrite.com! And learn more about all of NII’s work at nii.ca.
