Opening doors

They are underrepresented in both skilled trades and the technology sector but there are efforts being made to turn those numbers around for women in these fields.

Screwdrivers, animation and overseas travel were all included in a Skilled Futures for Women program in Truro.

Female students from the Chignecto-central and Strait regions were at Nova Scotia Community College to take part in workshops presented through Skills CanadaNova Scotia.

“This was fun,” Maia ZannRoland, a Grade 8 student at Truro Junior High, said after trying some virtual reality travel. “I visited Paris because I thought it would be cool to look at the Ei el Tower up close. It was sort of like being there.”

She said she once took part in a virtual reality roller coaster ride, that felt very real.

Students tried 2D and 3D animation, tested their essential skills, checked into a variety of technology, and even took a computer tower apart and put it back together.

“ e main purpose of this is to have students discover and explore career options they may not have known about, or explored,” said Shannon Campbell, marketing and communications manager with Skills Canada-nova Scotia. “It also helps them rule out what they don’t like. ey get to meet people working in these areas, and ask them questions.

“Women are underrepresented in both skilled trades and technology, and we’d like to see that change.”

LYNN CURWIN/TRURO DAILY NEWS East Antigonish Education Centre students, from left, Sierra Julian, Marlee Webb, Reagan Degruchy, Taylor Myette and Meg Wood took part in an essential skills workshop during the Skilled Futures for Women program.

Maia Zann-roland, from Truro Junior High, enjoyed a virtual trip to Paris.