Young women from Bruce, Grey, and Huron counties will have the chance to roll up their sleeves and explore hands-on careers in the skilled trades at the Built to Lead event on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the NII Advance Technology Campus.
The free open house, designed for students in Grades 7 through 12, will feature more than 25 exhibitors representing industries from construction and agriculture to culinary arts. Attendees can try tools, meet trades professionals, and learn about local training and apprenticeship opportunities. A panel of local tradeswomen will share their success stories, inspiring students to see themselves in these careers. Participants can also complete a Built to Lead passport for prizes while enjoying refreshments.
“The skilled trades are full of opportunities for creativity, leadership, and success,” said Jessica Linthorne, NII President and CEO. “This event is about helping young women see themselves in those roles and giving them the confidence to take that first step.”
School board leaders highlighted the value of hands-on experiences.
“Promoting pathways in the skilled trades by providing students with engaging and relevant learning experiences continues to be a strong focus in our schools,” said Sheryl Elliott, Superintendent of Education for Bluewater District School Board. “We are incredibly thankful to NII for their partnership in offering such a meaningful opportunity for young women to consider their options in trades-related careers through a firsthand taste of the many diverse industries and exposure to inspiring stories from other women who have found success in the trades.”
“Through hands-on experiences like the Built to Lead event, we’re helping students to discover their strengths and exposing them to the many possibilities available to them, both locally and globally,” said Alicia Tilker, Experiential Learning Consultant, Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board. “When young women see themselves represented in the skilled trades, it sparks confidence and opens the door to exciting, meaningful career pathways. We're happy to partner with NII, CUSW and the many exhibitors showcasing their industries to be able to offer this invaluable learning experience to our students.”
Hosted by the Nuclear Innovation Institute in partnership with the Bluewater District School Board and Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board, and sponsored by the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers, the event will include exhibitors such as Bruce Power, BWXT, Candu Energy, Ironworkers Local 736, and many more.
The open house runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with the trades panel from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m., at 117 Farrell Drive, Tiverton, near the Bruce Power Visitors’ Centre. Students can register at nii-built-to-lead.eventbrite.com. For more information about NII, visit nii.ca.
