Young Women Encouraged To Explore Skilled Trades At Upcoming “Built To Lead” Event
Young women from Bruce, Grey and Huron counties can explore hands-on trades careers at NII’s Built to Lead event in Tiverton on Nov. 5.
Young women from across Bruce, Grey and Huron counties will have the chance to get their hands on real tools and explore local trades careers next month at the Built to Lead event hosted by the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII).
The free open house takes place on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the NII Advance Technology Campus near Tiverton. Aimed at students in Grades 7 through 12, the event invites participants to try hands-on demonstrations, connect with trades professionals, and learn about apprenticeship and training options available close to home.
More than 25 exhibitors will be on site, representing industries from construction and agriculture to culinary arts. The evening also includes a panel discussion featuring local tradeswomen sharing their own career paths and experiences in male-dominated fields.
The event is being organized in partnership with the Bluewater District School Board, the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board, and the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers (CUSW).
Jessica Linthorne, President and CEO of the Nuclear Innovation Institute, said the event is about helping young women picture themselves in trades roles and gain confidence through direct experience.
Representatives from both local school boards also highlighted the importance of hands-on learning opportunities like Built to Lead in encouraging students to explore skilled trades as viable, rewarding career options.
Participating exhibitors include Bruce Power, Fanshawe College, Georgian College, E.S. Fox, Ironworkers Local 736, LiUNA 1059, Snobelen Farms, and several others from across the region’s trades and training sectors.
The open house runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with the panel discussion scheduled from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. Refreshments will be available, and students who complete a “Built to Lead passport” will be eligible for prizes.
Registration is open at nii-built-to-lead.eventbrite.com, and more information about NII’s initiatives can be found at nii.ca.