Girls Explore Trades and Technology at Thompson Rivers University

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Story provided by Sheila Brown, District Coordinator of Trades and Transitions

On Thursday, November 13, 2025, over 40 Grade 6-9 students from North Shore and North Thompson schools participated in experiential learning at Girls Explore Trades and Technology to learn about various trades careers.  

Girls Explore Trades and Technology (GETT) supports the Kamloops-Thompson School District's commitment to Equity by helping remove barriers and create learning environments where all students can thrive. This biannual event, hosted in the fall and spring at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), brings together female students, mentors, and trades professionals to inspire the next generation of young women in skilled trades.

Women have historically been underrepresented in trades careers, often due to limited exposure, assumptions about gender roles, or a lack of visible role models. GETT intentionally addresses these barriers by providing hands-on experiences led by female instructors, presenters, and industry professionals.

Lesley, an instructor at TRU and the NorKam Sampler program, shared why exposure to trades opportunities is so important for young women: “When I went through high school, I didn't have any exposure like this—to go on a field trip and tour a trade school. This event opens their eyes and then hopefully they'll want to get into the trades.”

Throughout the day, students explored four trades—Plumbing, Horticulture, Electrical, and Automotive Service—rotating through immersive sessions that offered hands-on activities like “flush a duck” in Plumbing and car maintenance with Auto Service and Heavy Duty.

When asked why they wanted to participate in GETT, several students shared that they enjoy hands-on work, were interested in learning more about future career choices, and thought it would be fun. One student named Hennessey shared “I like building things a lot, so I was really excited to see if I could build something.”

For many participants, it was their first time using professional tools or working in a shop environment. Laughter, curiosity, and supportive encouragement filled each space as participants tried new skills and took pride in their accomplishments.

What made the event especially impactful was the mentorship model. Current female students already enrolled in trades programs, such as Youth Train in Trades Foundation Programs and Trades Samplers, returned as peer leaders, guiding participants through workshops and sharing their own experiences of stepping into spaces where women have not always been equally represented. Most of the female students registered in these programs attended a GETT event when they were younger, beginning their path with SD73 Career Programs. Their presence offered visible proof that young women are not just welcome in trades—they’re excelling.

When asked why this type of event is so important and impactful, mentor Nikayla Richter shared:

“Lots of girls don’t get to experience this or even know what trades really are, especially at this age… This is a great learning experience because not a lot of women know that it’s a possibility to even be in the trades. I know personal I didn’t know it was a possibility to be in a trade and to be this passionate as a woman about my trade. Doing the NorKam Sampler and mentoring here is amazing. I think it’s great that the school district does this kind of stuff, it pushes you in such a good direction, it gives you such a good idea of what you want to do. I would push anybody to do this, even if you’re unsure, do it any way.”

Another GETT mentor, Calli Hanemaayer, shared how these events create a positive community for girls to feel encouraged and inspired to try out a trade:

“Theres a real community to it – that’s why I love being able to see all the girls do this, especially as a girl in the trades that didn’t realize it would be possible until later. Being able to have this group of girls together to show they are not alone is important. Until you get them all together, you don’t’ realize how many women and young girls want to go into trades.” 

The GETT experience is about more than building or fixing—it is about identity, confidence, and imagining future possibilities. By seeing women lead, teach, and succeed in these fields, students gained a clearer sense of belonging and goals for their future.