December 23, 2011 – Young women from across Yukon got a hands-on introduction to the electrical industry at last month’s trades and technology career fair at Yukon College in Whitehorse.

The 11th annual Young Women Exploring Trades Career Fair saw about 85 grade 8 students from Mayo, Carmacks, Haines Junction and Whitehorse complete projects in seven different fields: electrical, plumbing, carpentry, auto maintenance, multimedia, blueprint reading, and culinary arts.

“We want to encourage women to enter the trades and technology sector,” said Scott Kent, education minister. “I hope these young women embrace this experience and consider the possibilities that apprenticeship and trades training can offer upon completion of high school.”

The fair was organized by Yukon Women in Trades and Technology (YWITT), an organization that instructs and promotes the trades to women of all ages, in partnership with the Department of Education, Women’s Directorate, Yukon Mine Training Association, Yukon Energy Corporation, the Yukon Employees’ Union and Yukon College.

“The Young Women Exploring Trades Career Fair is for many young women their first opportunity to experience what a career in the trades might look like,” said Kim Solonick, executive director of YWITT. “The hands-on nature of these workshops creates a positive message about their options for a future in the trades and inspires young women to learn that they too can do these great jobs.”

CLICK HERE for more information about apprenticeship and trades programming for Yukon women.