Workshop aims to spark interest in trades for females

By Alexandra Noad - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on February 4, 2025.

Women only make up 7 per cent of workers in trades, but the Coaldale Home Hardware is hoping to entice more people who identify as female to a free hands-on workshop on Wednesday.

Mark Heinen, owner of the Coaldale Home Hardware, says the Spark Your Skills event open to females in Grades 10-12 will be an opportunity to learn how to install a sink and electrical wiring from certified plumbers and electricians.

“We’ll have a certified plumber and electrician coming in from Hot & Cold Plumbing and Done Right Electric that are going to give them hands-on experience installing a sink and doing electrical wiring.”

Heinen sees the need for more young people to go into the trades, as it is an aging workforce and sees the potential young women could offer in the field.

“Encouraging young people to pursue a career in the trades, is extremely valuable, in particularly for you women (where) it hasn’t traditionally been an option.”

He adds that he hopes opportunities such as the one this week, will help encourage them to explore those options.

The Spark Your Skills event which is hosted in partnership with CAREERS; The Next Generation will take place on Wednesday beginning at 6:30 at the Home Hardware in Coaldale.

Heinen believes these skills are great for teens to learn for future homeownership as well.

“There’s skills that go beyond just a career.”

He hopes this is one of many events in the future.

More information on how to register can be found on the Coaldale Home Hardware Building Centre’s events page on Facebook.