Championing Women in Trades: Jennifer Green’s Advocacy and Achievements
Jennifer Green discusses her journey in skilled trades: mentorship at Conestoga College, winning competitions, and promoting diversity. She highlights the need for early career exploration, successful initiatives like Skills Ontario, and changing stigmas about trades, emphasizing the lucrative potential.
We'll explore the growing interest in entrepreneurship among students, the importance of early exposure to skilled trades, and the transformation of stigmas surrounding these crucial careers. Jennifer emphasizes the need to introduce young children to skilled trades early to foster awareness and break down misconceptions.
Andrew and Jennifer also discuss the current shortages of key trades like welders, electricians, and plumbers, and how these gaps impact the future workforce. They delve into extensive initiatives by Skills Ontario aimed at promoting diversity, inclusion, and hands-on learning, from summer camps to a traveling classroom.
Find out more about Jennifer Green
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-green-27211896/
- Instagram: jennifer_Green433a
- Website: https://www.skillsontario.com/
Jennifer Green is a dynamic individual who thrives on thinking outside the box and embracing unique ideas. As an industrial millwright by trade, Jennifer, along with her husband, a general machinist, actively engages in numerous home projects, often involving their two children, aged ten and twelve. Their twelve-year-old son humorously refers to his preferred activities as "the quiet trades," enjoying drywall and plastering, while their ten-year-old daughter exhibits a keen enthusiasm for power tools. Jennifer's passion for creativity and hands-on work extends into her family life, instilling these values in her children and making every project a collaborative family affair.
00:00 Jennifer Green promotes skilled trades, empowers women.
04:51 Book promotion leads to widespread school distribution.
06:43 Working with father in garage sparked interest.
11:25 High school hours counted toward apprenticeship.
13:53 Government supports skilled trades, promotes accessibility, evolution.
16:17 Skilled trades are vital but often overlooked.
20:53 From volunteer to successful woman in trades.
24:07 Limited mentorship options, male mentor provides support.
26:37 Provinces compete at nationals, then internationally.
29:10 Excited for Skills USA competition in Georgia.
32:18 Record high of registered apprentices, especially females.
37:54 Promotion of trades to students and parents.
38:53 Breaking stigma around valuable career options for youth.
44:40 Trade success requires delayed gratification and patience.
46:53 Parental toughness led to a drive for success.
51:26 Transitioning to entrepreneurship requires a new skillset.
54:23 Skills Ontario hits the road to educate.
56:23 Honor blue collar workers, follow Andrew Brown.
**1. Jennifer Green's Personal Journey in Skilled Trades**
- Mentorship and Competition
- Mentorship from Conestoga College faculty
- Male mentor named John
- Mentorship leading to confidence and preparation for competitions
- Achievements in Competitions
- Winning gold at provincials
- Becoming part of Team Ontario
- Winning a silver medal at national competition
- Similarity to SkillsUSA in the US
- Comparison of Canadian competitions to SkillsUSA
- World skills competition involving 87 member countries
- Mental Health Training and Preparation
- Focus on mental health along with technical skills
**2. Industry Demands and Opportunities**
- Shortages in Skilled Trades
- Shortages of welders, electricians, and plumbers in the US
- Getting Kids into Trades
- Changing stigma surrounding trades
- High earning potential and advancement in millwright careers
- Success Stories
- Mentoring a woman who became a licensed industrial mechanic and mentor
**3. Early Introduction to Skilled Trades**
- Ideal Age for Career Discussions
- Importance of conversations starting as early as grade four
- Grade seven or eight as critical periods for career decisions
- Creating Awareness among Children
- Skilled trades alphabet book
- Hands-on activities
**4. Entrepreneurship in Skilled Trades**
- Growing Interest Among Students
- Programs focusing on skilled trades entrepreneurship
- Events showcasing skilled trades opportunities for secondary students
- Support for Young Entrepreneurs
- Challenges faced by tradespeople in entrepreneurship
- Personal anecdotes illustrating these challenges
**5. Programs and Initiatives Promoting Skilled Trades**
- Skills Ontario Programs
- Summer camps, women in trades program, diversity, and inclusion initiatives
- Traveling classroom to promote skilled trades and technology education
- Tuition-Free Programs
- Teaching trades and soft skills with graduates receiving multiple job offers
- Developing an entrepreneurial mindset among graduates
**6. Addressing Misconceptions and Stereotypes**
- Stigma and Stereotypes
- Combating misconceptions about skilled trades
- Jennifer’s use of metaphors to explain millwright roles
- Gender and Inclusivity
- Facing harassment and difficulties as a female millwright
- Importance of policies promoting diversity and inclusion
- Increase in the percentage of women in trades
**7. Benefits of Trades Education**
- Career Paths and Opportunities
- Career exploration and need for public education about the trades
- Programs offering high school credits and apprenticeship hours
- Secure jobs and early licensing
**8. Government and Curriculum Support**
- Government Initiatives
- Record high number of registered apprentices
- Introduction of new initiatives like mandatory Pa day for guidance educators
- Educational Curriculum
- Reintroduction of skilled trades and tech in elementary grades
- Launch of junk draw races program
- Provincial competitions in engineering and robotics
**9. Changing Public Perceptions**
- Efforts in the US
- Acknowledgement of the importance of skilled trades
- Career exploration options in schools
- Parental Concerns
- Addressing concerns and misconceptions about the viability of trades
- Events for parents and guardians to educate about opportunities in trades
**10. Importance and Appreciation of Skilled Trades**
- Contribution to Everyday Life
- Significance in supporting activities like power supply and internet connection
- Encouragement for Blue-Collar Workers
- Andrew Brown’s emphasis on community appreciation
- Return and Continuity of the Podcast
- Promises of future episodes and continued discussion on trades education
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