Young women invited to explore local skilled trades careers at Built to Lead event

Students in grades 7–12 can take part in hands-on demos, build connections and hear from local tradeswomen

The future is built by those who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves—and this fall, young women from Bruce, Grey and Huron counties will get the chance to do just that.

The Built to Lead event will take place Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at the NII Advance Technology Campus. The open house is free to attend and designed to help young women in grades 7–12 explore exciting, hands-on career paths in the skilled trades.

Hosted by the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) in partnership with Bluewater District School Board and the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board—and proudly sponsored by the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers (CUSW)—the event will feature 25+ exhibitors showcasing careers in construction, agriculture, culinary and more.

Students can try out tools, talk with trades professionals, and discover local training and apprenticeship opportunities—all while enjoying refreshments and completing their Built to Lead passport, with great prizes up for grabs. A highlight of the evening will be a panel of local tradespeople, where students can hear inspiring stories from women building their careers—and their communities—right here in the region.

“The skilled trades are full of opportunities for creativity, leadership and success,” said Jessica Linthorne, NII President and CEO. “This event is about helping young women see themselves in those roles and giving them the confidence to take that first step.”

“Promoting pathways in the skilled trades by providing students with engaging and relevant learning experiences continues to be a strong focus in our schools,” said Sheryl Elliott, Superintendent of Education for Bluewater District School Board. “We are incredibly thankful to NII for their partnership in offering such a meaningful opportunity for young women to consider their options in trades-related careers through a firsthand taste of the many diverse industries and exposure to inspiring stories from other women who have found success in the trades.”

“Through hands-on experiences like the Built to Lead event, we’re helping students to discover their strengths and exposing them to the many possibilities available to them, both locally and globally,” said Alicia Tilker, Experiential Learning Consultant, Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board. “When young women see themselves represented in the skilled trades, it sparks confidence and opens the door to exciting, meaningful career pathways. We're happy to partner with NII, CUSW and the many exhibitors showcasing their industries to be able to offer this invaluable learning experience to our students.”

Thank you to sponsor CUSW and to event exhibitors: A Girl and Her Hammer, Boilermakers Local 128, Bruce Power, BWXT, Canadian Union of Skilled Workers, Candu Energy, E.S. Fox, Fanshawe College, Georgian College, Hair Connection, Herzing Heating, Intech International, Ironworkers Local 736, Kinectrics, LiUNA 1059, Millwrights Local 1592, NAYGN, Nuclear Innovation Institute, OK Tire, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, Painters Local 205/1590, Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, Sheet Metal Workers Local 473, Snobelen Farms, Saugeen Sparks Training Centre, UBC Local 2222 and West Coast Catering.

Event details:

• Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at the NII Advance Technology Campus, 117 Farrell Drive, Tiverton (near the Bruce Power Visitors’ Centre)

• Open house from 5:30–7:30 pm, refreshments provided

• Panel of local tradespeople from 6:15–6:45 pm

Register today at nii-built-to-lead.eventbrite.com!