The Chateauguay Valley Career Education Centre hosted an innovative event on December 4 for its female students who are currently studying in male-dominated trades.
Around 15 students taking courses in construction at the CVCEC, as well as auto mechanics at the NOVA Career Centre in Chateauguay and bricklaying at the Riverside School Board took part in the activity.
The afternoon began with a workshop led by CVCEC construction graduate Yvette Rambour, followed by a hands-on activity in the shop. The women then shared a meal and roundtable discussion to cap off the day.
Rambour spoke candidly about dealing with her own anxiety on the worksite, as well as other challenges she has experienced. She said she was particularly happy to return to the school to help motivate and empower students. “We are all trailblazers, whether you think of it that way, or if you just fell into it!” she exclaimed, likening the experience on a job site to learning to tango, noting there were grey zones and red zones, and that each woman in the room would learn in their own way to navigate the job site.
Jayme McClintock, a development officer with the continuing education team, said that during their studies students feel very welcomed and included. “It is when they leave and get into the industry that there are challenges,” she explained.
She confirms the CVCEC hopes to continue hosting events that lift and inspire its tradeswomen. (SR)