OCNews

In grade eight, Sophie Heuston walked into a hands-on skilled trades event and was introduced to the electrical trade for the first time. She didn’t know it then, but that day pointed her toward everything that came next. 

Today, Heuston is a Red Seal electrician and project manager with FortisBC in the Kootenay region. Her career path wasn’t linear — but her interest in the trades was sparked early, leading to electrical training and a great career.

On April 28, she brings her story to OC’s Kelowna campus as the keynote speaker for this year’s Jill of All Trades, an event that has proven to be successful in leading females into careers in the skilled trades. Twelve per cent of all Jill of All Trades participants have gone on to enrol in a skilled trades program at Okanagan College (OC). 

Add to that, those who have enroled in other OC programs in health care, business, science and more, and a clear picture emerges: a single day exposed to the skilled trades helps turn an unfamiliar industry into a tangible, reachable future for young women in the Okanagan.

This month, more than 150 students will share in that experience at Jill of All Trades, a national initiative connecting young women in Grades 9–12 with skilled trades mentors and hands-on learning opportunities.

Since OC began hosting Jill of All Trades in 2024, 242 young women have participated — with eight returning for a second time. Of those participants, 29 have gone on to enrol in OC skilled trades programs. Another 81 Jill of All Trades participants have enroled in other OC programs, from Associate of Arts and Early Childhood Education to Associate of Science and Business.

“This demonstrates that Jill of All Trades is not a one-time experience, but a meaningful entry point,” said OC’s Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship, Caitlin Hartigan. “Former participants have gone on to enrol in every skilled trade we offer at the entry level, from Collision Repair to Refrigeration to Aircraft Maintenance.”

“The event has not only broadened interest in trades where women were previously underrepresented but has also strengthened participation in programs with established female enrolment,” continued Hartigan. “In 2025, our Welder Foundation program reached 29 per cent female participation — the highest in its history — and that momentum is continuing into apprenticeship. These outcomes reflect real and sustained progress.” 

“Careers don’t have to be straight lines,” explained Heuston. “And your gender, your timing, or your uncertainty should never limit what you consider.”

Across OC's Trades Foundation programs in underrepresented skilled trades, female participation averaged 15 per cent in 2025. Auto Body and Collision led the way at 38 per cent female enrolment, while Welder Foundation was not far behind at 29 per cent. Women make up more than seven per cent of OC's apprentices, slightly above the provincial average, with growing participation rates in Electrician (nine per cent) and Welder (13 per cent) — but more tradespeople are needed to fill current skill gaps.

"Sophie's story captures exactly why Jill of All Trades matters," said Okanagan College Provost and VP Academic, Dr. Samantha Lenci. "There's no single road into a rewarding skilled trades career and students can start their path as early as grade 10 through our Trades Sampler elective program. With more than 700,000 trades workers expected to retire across Canada in the coming years and shortages across our region, we need to open up pathways for anyone with an interest."

In addition to hosting Jill of All Trades, and the youth and adult trades sampler programs, OC offers priority seats for female and Indigenous applicants in Trades Foundation and apprenticeship intakes. Female apprentices are also supported through the ACTION Project (Apprenticeship Completion, Training, Innovative Opportunities and Networking). OC also supports all trades students through the OC Trades Success Centre and all apprentices through the OC Trades Network. 

Learn more about Trades and Apprenticeship programs at Okanagan College at okanagan.bc.ca/trades.