Build Her Up:Skilled Trades Conference

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.

Session 1

12:00-12:45 pm Room 315

Session 3

3:00-3:45 pm Room 234

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. 

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.

Session 1

12:00-12:45pm Room 233

Session 3

3:00-3:45pm Room 233

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.  

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. 

*Presenter update notice: this session will now be presented by Tara Hoffmeier and Andrea Taylor*

Canada’s construction and manufacturing industries are at a turning point, facing a growing shortage of skilled trades workers that impacts both economic growth and industry sustainability. To bridge this workforce gap, employers need to rethink traditional recruitment strategies and actively and meaningfully seek talent from a broader more diverse talent pool, particularly from groups historically underrepresented in the trades.

This engaging 45-minute session will explore:

• The current state of the labour shortage and its long-term implications
• The benefits of diversifying the workforce, from increased innovation to enhanced problem solving
• Strategies for creating truly inclusive workplaces where all skilled tradespeople can thrive

Whether you are considering a career in the trades or you are an employer looking to support a more inclusive industry, this session will provide valuable insights into how expanding our understanding on diversity is key to building a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future.

Session 2

2:00-2:45pm Room 233

Session 3

3:00-3:45 pm Room 315

Presented by:

Tara Hoffmeier, BA, Workforce Inclusion Manager, Women Building Futures

Tara has strong background in policy and program design with a focus on gender and intersectional analysis as the Workforce Inclusion Manager at WBF and in her previous work as a public servant for the Government of Alberta.

As a facilitator, advisor and advocate, Tara believes in lifelong learning and is always happy to share her leadership experience to help others advance in their careers.

Tara continuously strives to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the trades and transportation industries as she leads the Employer of Choice membership program and Work Proud Inclusivity Training for WBF.

Learn More about Women Building Futures

Andrea Taylor, BA, Owner Training By Taylor

Andrea is a people-focused professional dedicated to fostering safe and inclusive environments. With over a decade of experience facilitating Mental Health First Aid, she is passionate about educating the public on the importance of creating safe spaces, reducing stigma, and challenging negative perceptions of mental health. As an advocate and ally, she collaborates with marginalized communities to promote workforce diversity and equity.

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.

Session 2

2:00-2:45 pm Room 230

Session 3

3:00-3:45 pm Room 230

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. 

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

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.

Session 1

12:00-12:45 pm Room 232

Session 2

2:00-2:245 pm Room 315

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. 

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

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.

Session 1

12:00-12:45 pm Room 234

Session 2

2:00-2:45 pm Room 234

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.