Ontario Construction News staff writer
Grade 7 and 8 students from across Durham Region explored future career paths in science, technology and the skilled trades during the Young Women in Science, Technology and Trades Conference held April 29 and 30 at Durham College.
The two-day event, hosted at both the Whitby and Oshawa campuses, offered participants hands-on workshops, demonstrations and keynote presentations aimed at introducing young women to opportunities in traditionally underrepresented fields.
Bird Infrastructure an event sponsors and was represented by Erin Terveld, NCSO, and Hannah Garcia, who staffed an interactive booth throughout the conference.
“We were thrilled to support the Young Women in Science, Technology, and Trades Conference at Durham College for our second year in a row,” the company stated on social media. “The annual conference gives students the opportunity to experiment with real-world tools and technologies while engaging directly with industry professionals, faculty and trades workers.”
Keynote speakers highlighted diverse career pathways in the trades and technology sectors.
On April 29 at the Whitby Campus, Dee Durant, an electrical apprentice and advocate for women in skilled trades, shared her journey from high school shop class to completing the Electrical Engineering Technician – Industrial (Co-op) program at Durham College with high distinction. Durant, currently pursuing her 309A Construction and Maintenance Electrician licence, has been active in mentorship and outreach through organizations including Skills Ontario and Skilled Trades Ontario.
On April 30 at the Oshawa Campus, Camila Kukulski, a Mission Designer at Hinterland Studio, spoke about her work in the video game industry. Kukulski, the first female winner of Ubisoft’s NEXT Level Design competition, discussed her path from photography studies to level design and game development roles in both indie and AAA studios.
Students rotated through a series of interactive workshops designed to introduce practical skills and industry applications. Activities included building birdhouses, a fastener challenge focused on screws, bolts and tools used in construction, and a hula hoop fabrication exercise using pex piping, brass couplings and copper crimp rings.
Other sessions included virtual welding and measuring exercises, allowing participants to gain experience with trade skills in a simulated environment.
Additional workshops were delivered in partnership with industry sponsors. Elexicon Energy led “Power Her Up: Exploring Trades in Energy & Utilities,” where participants heard from women working in the energy sector and engaged with hands-on simulations. Ontario Power Generation presented “She Powers On,” highlighting careers in maintenance, operations and radiation protection while featuring personal stories from women in the field.
Organizers say the event is designed to help students envision themselves in science, technology and trades careers at a time when demand for skilled workers continues to grow.
