First Nations Voice

JANUARY 2015 • PAGE 3 It wasn't all that long ago you would and could hear phrases like "women belong at home" or "women belong in the kitchen". It sure isn't the case anymore. University College of the North (UCN) is seeing more and more women enroll within its Faculty of Trades and Technology. And for good reason—the opportunity to make good money. Canada's National Job Bank estimates that between now and 2019 more than 320,000 tradesrelated jobs will be created across the country in the construction industry alone. The Northern Manitoba Sector Council believes thousands of those jobs will be in Northern Manitoba, mostly related to the explosion of the mining industry as well as current and future hydro-electric projects. Make no mistake—these jobs aren't reserved for just men. Women are starting to take a front row seat. In 99% of the opportunities for these jobs, a highly-trained skill set is required and that's where UCN fits into the picture. Barriers that made it difficult for women to enter the trades arena are virtually non-existent now. Melody Meredith, is a Heavy Duty Mechanics student at UCN and says it was a friend of hers that provided the courage to enroll. Her friend was an automotive mechanic and believes because she was a woman, it prevented her from getting a job. In fact, so bad, at one point, her friend needed to leave the province in order to ave a job in her chosen career. Not so much anymore, says Melody. She says that just wouldn't happen today. Those barriers are gone. M a r s h i n a Monias agrees. Marshina is also enrolled in UCN's Heavy Duty Mechanics program. She says before, girls would be scared, or worried they wouldn't fit in. "That's not the case now. Now we are completely integrated. Our gender doesn't matter. We're all here for the same reason. To learn as much as we can so we can make a good living." Melody and Marshina came from completely d i f f e r e n t b a c k g r o u n d s . Melody spent last summer volunteering at a remote ranch where the only way to get things done was to learn on your own. It wasn't too long into the summer that she was driving skidders and tractors and doing her best to fix them if they stopped. As Melody puts it.."I'm in my element." Marshina says she was born to be a mechanic and has a full understanding that the only way that can happen is with a proper trades- related education. Roland Misling is UCN's Dean of Trades and Technology. He says "I see Trades as being a skill based profession not gender based. Over the past 10 years UCN has seen more and more women registering in the Trades programs. There should be no barriers for anyone wishing to enter into the trades. As a Red Seal J o u r n e y p e r s o n , an individual has opportunities across the nation and the Red Seal Qualification is not gender based, it is based on the skills one has learned and brings with them. Lauren McKay, involved in her first minute of her first-ever welding class, says this isn't just a fad either. "We're creating a level playing field. I think you'll see more women than ever before achieving in the trades," Lauren said. Lauren is taking the Automotive Technician program and says there are two reasons why. "#1, I like cars and want to learn more, and #2—if it's broken I just need to fix it. Really, I'm creating my own career." Like the others we spoke with, money plays a big role. Lauren says she loves to travel and knows with the proper education and drive, within 5 years she'll be a Journeyperson and in possession of the knowledge and credentials to work anywhere in Canada she wants. Shauna Dubreil agrees. As a Red Seal Millwright, she says she'll never be without work. Already at Level 2 in Millwright, Shauna also has her full Red Seal in Hairdressing. She calls it her one-two punch. Shauna admits the Millwright program is a very physical program, but as she says, " just because I'm a woman, don't assume anything. I don't need anybody holding the door open for me." All four women we interviewed agree on the future of women in the trades—The doors are wide open and the sky is the limit. Regardless of your gender, the baby boom generation of skilled workers is reaching retirement age. It means a major lack of certified trades workers. Demand is already high for carpenters, electricians, automotive technicians, welders and other trades.. It will only increase. These careers are already big earners. So, train for a career in a trade. All of UCN's instructors have Red Seal certification in their professional areas. Let them share their knowledge with you. For more information on what programs may interest you and how to enroll, please visit our website at www.ucn.ca You can also call us toll-free at the campus in The Pas (866) 627-8500 or our campus in Thompson (866) 677-6450 University College of the North (UCN) UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF THE NORTH Celebrates Women Enrolled In The Trades Melody Meredith, Heavy Duty Mechanics, UCN Marshina Monias, Heavy Duty Mechanics, UCN Shauna Dubreil, Level 2 Millwright, UCN HARd WORk NEVER GOES OuT OF STYlE

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