Build Her Up:Skilled Trades Conference

Build Her Up: Skilled Trades Conference

Date: March 6, 2025

Location: NAIT Productivity and Innovation Centre

10210 Princess Elizabeth Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5G 2J3

Build Her Up is a free, transformative conference that will create an inclusive space for discussion, learning, and policy development for women and other underrepresented groups, employers, and industry leaders in the skilled trades.  

Build Her Up is focused on the issues and challenges that impact women and underrepresented groups, but attendance is open to anyone in the skilled trades, including Journeypeople, apprentices, or those aspiring to enter the industry. As well, as industry leaders and employers who want to learn and take action in addressing the challenges and opportunities for inclusivity in the skilled trades.  

Join us for a full day of networking, workshops, and panel discussions celebrating people of all backgrounds in the skilled trades, and creating a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the industry.  

Community Connection. Let’s Build it Together. 

Register today! Build your conference schedule and secure your spot at Build Her Up

Register to Build Her Up

Purchase tickets to  the post-conference Ernest's Networking Reception

What to expect

Insulator

Sessions

Hands-on sessions that focus on leadership development, career progression, mentorship, and overcoming barriers in male-dominated industries. 

Importance of Soft Skills in the Trades

Breaking barriers in the skilled trades takes more than technical expertise—it requires the power of connection, communication, and confidence. Join us for an engaging session tailored specifically for women in the skilled trades, focusing on the often-overlooked yet vital role of soft skills.

Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to elevate your career, this session will provide practical insights and real-world strategies to help you take charge and shape your future in the skilled trades.

Let’s break the mould together, one conversation at a time. Join us to discover how sharpening your soft skills can unlock new opportunities and redefine success in your career.

This session is offered at 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm for 45 minutes. 

Presented by:

Colleen Baird, Journeyperson Millwright and Steamfitter, and NAIT instructor

Colleen Baird began her career in the skilled trades as an Apprentice Millwright in 1990, working on a Canadian Military Base in Germany. Over the years, she has expanded her expertise, earning a Steamfitter Journeyperson Certification in 2013. 

With a career spanning over three decades, Colleen has worked in diverse industries across Canada, including Oil and Gas refineries, Pulp and Kraft paper, Lumber, Manufacturing, Plastics, open-pit mining, and underground mining. Her extensive experience reflects her adaptability and deep understanding of the trades. 

In addition to her professional achievements, Colleen has raised four children and is a proud grandmother of nine and great-grandmother of two. Today, she shares her wealth of knowledge and experience with the next generation of tradespeople as an instructor in the Millwright program at NAIT. 

Colleen’s inspiring journey highlights the resilience, adaptability, and dedication required to thrive in the skilled trades, and she is passionate about supporting and mentoring others in the industry. 

Colleen Baird headshot

Building a Sisterhood: The Power of Community in Blue-Collar Trades

Building a sisterhood in the skilled trades is more than camaraderie—it’s a lifeline. This session is dedicated to fostering solidarity among women in blue-collar industries, where challenges like isolation, discrimination, and underrepresentation are all too common.

Whether you’re looking to connect, learn, or lead, this session offers valuable insights and actionable steps to strengthen the bond among women in the trades. Together, we’ll redefine what it means to thrive in these industries. Let’s build each other up and pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive future.

This session is offered at 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm for 45 minutes. 

Presented By:

Morgan Bosch, RSE Crane Operator

Morgan Bosch, a 28-year-old crane operator from Sherwood park who built a 10 year career at Mammoet while breaking barriers for women in the trades. Starting at a labourer in 2015, Graduated from NAIT in 2018 with multiple scholarships to receive a Red Seal Journeyman crane operator. Morgan is founder of the YEG Blue Collar Women meet up group, a growing community empowering woman in blue-collar industries.  

Morgan Bosch headshot

Kimberly McLean, RSE Welder

Kimberly McLean is a 20-year Redseal Journeyperson welder and a dedicated advocate for women in the trades. Currently serving as Chair of Build Together Alberta, an executive board member of Local 720, and admin of YEG Blue Collar Women, Kimberly has spent much of her career working to improve the trades community. A proud 16-year alumni of NAIT, she is passionate about mentorship and empowering the next generation of skilled tradespeople. With extensive experience in both hands-on welding and union leadership, Kimberly is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the trades industry. 

Kimberly McLean headshot

Building Diversity in Trades: There are no Downsides

Canada's construction and manufacturing industries are facing a critical shortage of skilled trades workers, a challenge that threatens the growth and sustainability of these vital sectors. Employers need to rethink and expand their recruitment strategies to address this workforce gap effectively. By actively seeking to include a more diverse range of applicants, particularly from groups historically underrepresented in the trades, the industry can unlock untapped potential.

Diversifying the workforce not only helps to fill roles but also brings fresh perspectives and innovation to the table. Creating an inclusive environment where everyone has an opportunity to succeed is key to addressing labour shortages while building a stronger, more resilient industry for the future.

This session is offered at 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm for 45 minutes. 

Presented by:

Jenny Bourne (sher/her/they), CCIP, M.A., B.Ed., BA, NAIT EDI Specialist 

Jenny Bourne was raised in the traditional territories of the Wendat, the Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe peoples and came to Treaty 6 lands by way of Asia, Europe, and the unceded and treaty lands of many Indigenous nations across Turtle Island. Jenny is the EDI-Specialist for the Women Building and Leading Canada’s Future (WBLCF) – Women in Skilled Trades project. Jenny’s current focus is supporting the WBLCF project in its goals to ensure that NAIT’s pre/apprenticeship programs are inclusive to a diverse range of apprentices, specifically those who identify as women.

Jenny Bourne headshot

Learn more about Women Leading and Building Canada's Future

Supporting Working Parents

Childcare challenges pose a significant barrier for tradespeople, often limiting access to training, job opportunities, and career advancement. This info session will explore the critical role accessible, affordable childcare plays in supporting skilled trades professionals, especially for parents balancing demanding schedules.

Join us to learn how addressing this barrier can empower tradespeople, foster a more inclusive workforce, and drive long-term success in the industry.

This session is offered at 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm for 45 minutes.

Presented by:

Alanna Marklund, Special Representative for Youth, Diversity and Indigenous Relations United Association Canada

Since Nov 2017, Alanna Marklund has worked with the UA Canadian National office in Ottawa, ON as the representative for Youth, Diversity and Indigenous Relations. Her role works to expand opportunities in the UA for underrepresented groups entering the trades. She collaborates with the UA Canada training department to develop curriculum designed to improve awareness and educate on the needs of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Additionally, she works with various programs to encourage the retention of skilled trades workers and underrepresented groups, as well as initiatives that encourage youth of all backgrounds to enter the piping trades.

Alanna is also involved with UA Canada’s National Wellness Program, which provides benefits for maternity, parental, pregnancy and mental health programs for UA members and their families. Alanna is a Red-Seal endorsed Welder with Grade-B Pressure Welding certification. She spent her early career in pipe fabrication.

In 2015, Alanna started her career at Alberta Pipe Trades College as welding instructor where she delivered various welding curricula to apprenticeship students. During her apprenticeship, Alanna competed in the UA International Apprenticeship Competition in Ann Arbor, MI, in the category of welding. She was the first woman to compete at the competition in its 50- plus year history, and she was awarded the Allyn Parmenter and George Bliss UA Directors of Training Award. This award recognizes an apprentice who demonstrates exceptional leadership and honors the ideals set forth by the UA Standard for Excellence. She began her career with the United Association in 2012 with Local 488 in Edmonton AB. 
Alanna Marklund headshot

Build Together - Women of the Building Trades of Alberta

Build Together, Women of the Building Trades of Alberta’s mission is to attract and retain more women, youth, Indigenous, new Canadians and other underrepresented groups to the unionized skilled trades in Alberta.

Build Together AB will achieve this through its ongoing commitment to increasing diversity, understanding and community within Alberta’s organized construction trades using mentorship, promotion, advocacy, education and more.

Learn more about Build Together AB

Apprenticeship Pathways

Are you curious about starting a career in the skilled trades? This session dives into the diverse pathways available to begin your apprenticeship training at NAIT. Discover pathways such as being an NAIT-sponsored apprentice, NAIT's many diploma and certificate programs, and more. Whether you’re fresh out of school, changing careers, or re-entering the workforce, this session will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to take your first steps into a rewarding and dynamic career in the trades.

This session is offered at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm for 45 minutes. 

Presented by:

Roxanna Sidorchuk, NAIT Apprenticeship Coordinator

Roxanna Sidorchuk has worked at NAIT for over 12 years and is currently an Apprenticeship Coordinator with the NAIT Office of Apprenticeship. She is an advocate for women entering the skilled trades and for removing barriers to help them succeed. Playing a critical role in assisting new apprentices, she helps new apprentices to navigate their education pathway into a trades career, and provides supports along the way, so they can make informed decisions for what is best for their apprenticeship journey. 

Roxanna Sidorchuk headshot

NAIT's Office of Apprenticeship

NAIT has been a leader in skilled trades and apprenticeship education since 1963, becoming one of the largest apprenticeship trainers in Canada offering 29 registered trade programs. NAIT's Office of Apprenticeship supports future and current apprentices with training pathways, sponsor and career guidance, and more. 

Learn more about the Office of Apprenticeship

Neurodiversity: Be. You.

What does it mean to embrace your authentic self in an industry shaped by traditions and expectations? This session invites tradeswomxn to explore the strength in individuality and authenticity. Through the lens of an ADHD and autistic carpenter, we’ll discuss the challenges and triumphs of breaking molds, defying stereotypes, and redefining success.

Whether you’re seeking insight, solidarity, or inspiration, this is a chance to connect, learn, and find affirmation in your journey to thrive in a field where being yourself is often the boldest move.

This session is offered at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm for 45 minutes.

Presented by:

Crystal Bowen, Delta Learning Solutions

As a retired ADHD and Autistic carpenter with over 15 years advocating for diversity, equity, inclusion and psychological safety, 10 years of inclusive design experience and a lifetime of lived experience, Crystal brings a unique perspective on how neuroinclusion impacts opportunities to thrive in workplaces, learning environments and society.  

She is a seasoned TedX public speaker currently leading a team of experts in the fields of psychological health and safety, intersectional diversity inclusion, neurodiversity, and earning design through The HoD Learning Academy and Consulting Collective to establish neuroinclusion standards, practices and competency development by design.  

She believes in a society where all individuals have an equitable opportunity to actualize their potential when we empower people by design with innovative and inclusive human solutions together.  

Their team contributes to a wide range of impactful collaborative intersectional neurodiversity inclusion and safety projects, ranging from the suicide prevention of neurodivergent individuals in the Canadian construction industry, public policy and program auditing, workplace fairness assessment and restoration, and regulated neurodiversity safety hazard recognition and control projects. 

Education beyond your Journeyperson - A panel

Education Beyond Your Journeyperson is a panel discussion focusing on the opportunities for education and career growth that springboard off your Journeyperson training and experience. Hear from professionals who have turned their skilled trades training and experiences into exciting new careers and the opportunities at NAIT that can get you there.

This session is offered at 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm for 45 minutes. 

Moderator

Tina Warbis, Acadmemic Liasion - NAIT JR Shaw School of Business

Tina Warbis is an accomplished education professional with over 15 years of experience in higher education. As the Academic Liaison at NAIT’s JR Shaw School of Business, she leads the Trades to Degree and Business for Journeyperson pathways, creating accessible opportunities for skilled trades professionals to advance their education. Tina is passionate about bridging the gap between education and industry, supporting student engagement initiatives, experiential learning opportunities, and academic support services. Committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive learning environment, Tina empowers students to achieve their professional goals while building meaningful connections across the business community. 

Tina Warbis headshot

Panelists

Amreen Kanji, Program Chair for Architectural Technology and Interior Design Technology at NAIT, M.Ed, B.Ed

Amreen is in her fourth year as Chair of Architectural Technology and Interior Design Technology at NAIT. With 15 years of teaching experience at NAIT and industry experience in a hospitality design firm, Amreen is passionate about education and student success. Amreen holds a Bachelor of Education, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, and a diploma in Interior Design Technology from NAIT. Amreen is actively involved in focus groups and teams dedicated to improving curriculum quality and instructor education. She strongly advocates for lifelong learning and the importance of further education in fostering personal and professional growth.

Amreen Kanji headshot

Carrie Williams, Program Chair for Occupational Health and Saftey at NAIT

Carrie Williams is the Program Chair of the Occupational Health and Safety Diploma program at NAIT. With extensive experience across multiple industries, she has demonstrated her expertise and versatility. Her career began in non-destructive testing on pipelines, followed by roles as an investigator with the College and Association of Nurses of Alberta and a safety manager with Pipeline and Condition Analysis (PICA). Carrie has significantly contributed to the Oil and Gas, Water and Wastewater, Health, and Education sectors, making her a valuable asset to NAIT's OHS Program and the broader community.

Carrie Williams headshot

Jessica Sprowl, RSE Electrician

Jessica began her electrical journey at NAIT in 2016, she completed her Red Seal Electrician Ticket in 2020, and has since completed the following education:

  • National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO) at the ACSA
  • Blue Seal Certification at NAIT
  • Industrial Construction Crew Supervisor (ICCS) at NAIT/AIT
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)training at NAIT

Her next educational/professional goal is to attain an Electrical Masters Certificate, and Gold Seal Certification.

Jessica has worked in the following roles:

  • Journeyman Electrician (Commercial and Industrial)
  • Commercial Electrical Foreman
  • Project Coordinator
  • Electrical Estimator

Jessica is a strong advocate for lifelong learning and supporting women in trades.

Jessica Sprowl headshot

 

instrumentation

Panel Discussions 

Trades experts discuss topics such as gender equality in trades, navigating career pathways, and breaking down industry barriers. 

Opening panel: Why diversity in the trades is important

Why diversity in the trades is important. A panel showcasing the lived experience of 3 amazing tradeswomen from Apprentice to Journeyperson to Leadership in the Skilled Trades

Moderator

Nicole Mahoney, Associate Dean of Manufacturing Sciences at NAIT, RSE Ironworker

Nicole Mahoney is an advocate for women in skilled trades, she has over a decade of experience bridging industry expertise and academic leadership and over two decades in the Skilled Trades in Alberta. She is currently the Associate Dean of Manufacturing Sciences at NAIT where she combines her trade background and operational acumen to drive innovation and empower the next generation of skilled trades professionals.  

A Red Seal Journey person Ironworker and former Academic Chair of the Ironworker Apprenticeship Program, Nicole has firsthand experience navigating and thriving in male-dominated industries. Her passion for fostering opportunity for under-represented groups in the Skilled Trades has fueled initiatives such as the development of leadership programs for tradeswomen, the creation of community-driven networking events to support women in and entering the Skilled Trades.  

In Addition to her professional achievements, Nicole is a conference organizer, and mentor to inspire women to break barriers and embrace leadership opportunities in the Skilled Trades and beyond. Her commitment to cultivating inclusive, supportive environment ensures that tradeswomen not only enter but thrive in the skilled trades.

Nicole Mahoney headshot

Panelists 

Laurel Tokuda, Associate Dean Electrical, Safety, and Systems at NAIT, RSE and Master Electrician

Laurel Tokuda is a Red Seal journeyperson and master electrician who started at NAIT as an electrical instructor more than 11 years ago. She went on to become the first woman associate chair in the Electrician program, the first Jill of All Trades coordinator, the first woman department head in NAIT’s School of Skilled Trades and is now Associate Dean - Electrical, Safety, and Systems in the School of Construction and Building Sciences. 

Several years after obtaining a university degree and pursuing a career in the arts, Laurel began her career as an electrician. She worked on numerous commercial and industrial construction projects in Alberta and BC and taught electrical basics to pre-apprenticeship students at Women Building Futures. 

A strong advocate for diversity in the trades, Laurel has been involved with the Women Leading and Building Canada’s Future project since the proposal stage and frequently looks for opportunities to mentor, support, and recruit diverse tradespeople. 

Laurel Tokuda headshot

Morgan Bosch, RSE Crane Operator

Morgan Bosch, a 28-year-old crane operator from Sherwood park who built a 10 year career at Mammoet while breaking barriers for women in the trades. Starting at a labourer in 2015, Graduated from NAIT in 2018 with multiple scholarships to receive a Red Seal Journeyman crane operator. Morgan is founder of the YEG blue collar women meet up group, a growing community empowering woman in blue-collar industries. 

Morgan Bosch headshot

Chloe Sperling, Apprentice Cabinetmaker

Chloe Sperling, cabinet maker apprentice, graduated with Honours with Distinction from high school in 2021 and has been on the Dean’s Honour Roll at NAIT for both the 2022/23 and 2023/24 academic years. Her love for carpentry was sparked by an opportunity to explore woodworking on weekends through NAIT. Through this sparked interest, she began the Millwork and Carpentry program at NAIT and is currently in her second year, apprenticing at McMurray Interiors. 

Chloe has been involved in the Skills Alberta competition, competing in 2023 and 2024 and was awarded a bronze medal as a first-year apprentice. She has also been awarded both the Dorothy O’Neill Skills Canada Entrance Award and Dr Preitz award for Outstanding Excellence in Millwork and Carpentry. 

Chloe enjoys creative pursuits, challenging herself with exciting new projects, travelling abroad, music festivals and photography. She is passionate about higher learning, appreciates her dedicated instructors at NAIT and has a strong belief in promoting women in trades. 

Chloe Sperling headshot

Closing panel: Allyship in the trades

This panel explores the vital role of allyship in creating inclusive workplaces and advancing women in skilled trades. Learn how to champion equity, break down barriers, and foster environments where everyone can thrive.

Moderator

Laurel Tokuda, Associate Dean Electrical, Safety, and Systems at NAIT, RSE and Master Electrician

Laurel Tokuda is a Red Seal journeyperson and master electrician who started at NAIT as an electrical instructor more than 11 years ago. She went on to become the first woman associate chair in the Electrician program, the first Jill of All Trades coordinator, the first woman department head in NAIT’s School of Skilled Trades and is now Associate Dean - Electrical, Safety, and Systems in the School of Construction and Building Sciences. 

Several years after obtaining a university degree and pursuing a career in the arts, Laurel began her career as an electrician. She worked on numerous commercial and industrial construction projects in Alberta and BC and taught electrical basics to pre-apprenticeship students at Women Building Futures. 

A strong advocate for diversity in the trades, Laurel has been involved with the Women Leading and Building Canada’s Future project since the proposal stage and frequently looks for opportunities to mentor, support, and recruit diverse tradespeople. 

Laurel Tokuda headshot

Panelists

Matthew Lindberg, Dean School of Construction and Building Sciences at NAIT, RSE Plumber

Matthew Lindberg is the Dean for the School of Construction and Building Sciences at NAIT and has been with the post-secondary for over 19 years.  Matt started his journey at NAIT as an instructor within the plumbing and gas-fitting apprenticeship programs and has held various leadership positions including program chair, department head, and associate dean academic.  

As a journeyperson and educator, Matt is passionate about apprenticeship and skilled trades programs, the opportunities that education provides for students and graduates and advancing the skilled trades.  Matt is proud to be a member of the Alberta Board of Skilled Trades, sits on the board for Skills Canada Alberta, and has previously been an educational board member for the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum.   

Matt is the Chair for the Alberta Deans of Apprenticeship and Trades and is also heavily involved with National Council of Deans of Apprenticeship, Trades and Technology which is the advocacy, and reference group on national issues affecting trades, apprenticeship, and technology education and training in Canada.   

Having grown up in rural Alberta, Matt, and his partner Jason, are proud fathers of three teenaged children and live in Edmonton, Alberta. 

Matthew Lindberg headshot

Craig Prodahl, Electrical Instructor at NAIT, Journeyperson Electrician 

Craig Prodahl is a journeyperson electrician who has been working in the electrical industry for more than 20 years. He has a wide variety of experience as a leader and mentor in commercial and industrial construction, in life safety systems installation and repair, and as an electrical instructor at NAIT. 

As a husband and the father of two daughters, Craig is a strong believer that women can do anything men can do and supports initiatives that help women achieve successful careers in the trades. 

Ryan Marshall, Academic Liasion - Apprenticeship Focus at NAIT, RSE BSE Parts Technician

Ryan Marshall is an Academic Liaison – Apprenticeship Focus at NAIT, specializing in apprenticeship programming and pathways into the trades. With a Red and Blue Seal as a Parts Technician and a background in apprenticeship legislation, Ryan is passionate about supporting learners and professionals at all stages of their careers. Currently pursuing a Business for Journeyperson Pathway to Management Diploma, Ryan advocates for inclusivity, equity, and allyship in skilled trades. Dedicated to providing a collaborative environment, Ryan believes in the transformative power of mentorship and representation to build a stronger, more diverse trades community. 

Ryan Marshall headshot

Trade Connections Networking

Networking and Exhibitor Booths

Connect with like-minded people and organizations during the conference networking lunch, or purchase tickets to the Ernest's Reception following the conference.

Build Her Up Networking Cocktail Reception: Thursday, March 6, 2025 | 6:00pm-8:00pm | Ernest’s Dining  

  • Tickets are sold additionally. Optional to attend. 

Purchase your tickets to the Ernest's Networking Cocktail Reception

Exhibitor Booths 

Industry leaders, educational supports, and organizations showcasing resources and opportunities available to women in trades.

Event Day

Build Her Up Main Conference: Thursday, March 6, 2025 | 9:30 am –5:00 pm 

NAIT Productivity and Innovation Centre , 10210 Princess Elizabeth Ave NW, Edmonton, AB 

  • 10:00am – Registration 
  • 10:45am – Welcome and opening panel 
  • 12:00 pm – Breakout session 1 
  • 12:45 pm – Networking lunch and industry showcase 
  • 2:00 pm – Breakout session 2 
  • 3:00 pm – Breakout session 3 
  • 4:00 pm – Closing panel 
  • 4:45pm – Closing remarks  

Followed by networking and an Industry showcase 

Register today!

Build Her Up Networking Cocktail Reception: Thursday, March 6, 2025 | 6:00pm-8:00pm  

Ernest’s Dining , 10701 118 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5G 2R1

Tickets are sold additionally. Optional to attend. 

Purchase your tickets to the Ernest's Networking Cocktail Reception

women in skilled trades

Thank you to our generous sponsors for their support:

 

Funded in part by the Government of Canada's Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy and the Labour Market Partnerships.

Canada and Alberta logo

Women Leading and Building Canada's Future

The skilled trades sector continues to face a notable imbalance in demographic representation.  Almost 93% of tradespeople in Canada identify as men, and over 700,000 tradespeople across the country are expected to retire by 2028. Now is the time to connect with women and underrepresented groups, find more ways to encourage them to join the trades so we can meet the current and growing needs of the industry. Thankfully, Alberta is home to a dynamic community of tradespeople with diverse backgrounds and experiences who are energized to build an inclusive community connection. 

In partnership with the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy – Women in Skilled Trades, NAIT aims to support more women-identifying individuals pursuing a career in the Red Seal skilled trades  before 2027 by: 

  • providing financial supports to reduce financial barriers
  • hosting networking and conference events aimed at facilitating learning opportunities for women in the trades

  • providing EDI training and curriculum review for skilled trades program instructors and staff at NAIT.

  • providing workplace EDI training to support employers with more diverse and inclusive workplaces

If you are a woman and aspiring or currently enrolled as a skilled trades apprentice, discover the supports and opportuntiies available to you at NAIT.

Learn more

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