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Techsploration launches 2006 initiatives to promote trades, science careers to young women in grades 9-12
December 2, 2005 - Media Release
In Nova Scotia, young women can aspire to become welders, research scientists, crane operators, offshore technologists...or anything they want, thanks to Techsploration, which launched its eighth year of programming earlier today at CFB Halifax.
Unique in Canada, Techsploration is a joint initiative of Nova Scotia Community College, WITT (Women in Trades and Technology) NS, and the Department of Education. The purpose of the program is to give young women in grades 9-12, the opportunity to explore careers and meet mentors who work in science, trades, technical and technology-related occupations.
"From my own experience, I know that women today can work and succeed in any field they choose," said Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, who spoke at the event on behalf of the Province of Nova Scotia. "We need to make sure young women know this and provide them with every opportunity to explore a wide variety career options. Techsploration is one initiative that should help boost the numbers of women working in technology, trades and science - areas of our economy where workers are currently in demand."
In recent years, there have been efforts to expand Techsploration so young women in more regions of Nova Scotia have the opportunity to personally experience new career possibilities. Earlier this fall, the Department of Energy contributed $60,000 toward the program. "My Department is proud to be a major supporter of Techsploration," said Energy Minister Cecil Clarke. "I believe that our energy sector can offer excellent career choices for young people in Nova Scotia. Our investment in the program will help ensure that our young women are well positioned to take advantage of those opportunities."
NSCC has supported the program since its inception. "Techsploration makes participants, sponsors, parents, and teachers think broadly about careers, and the many educational and life learning paths one can take to achieve goals," said Joan McArthur-Blair, President, NSCC. "Through Techsploration, NSCC is seen with eyes of excitement about what a college education can do for young women, and anyone for that matter interested in pursuing a career in challenging and rewarding trades and technology occupations."
"There are more jobs emerging in the trades and technology as professionals in these areas move toward retirement," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "Nova Scotia's apprenticeship and college systems, along with initiatives like Techsploration, make it possible for young women to begin planning and training for these jobs while they're still in high school, which will put them ahead of the game when it comes to starting their career."
Techsploration 2006 will involve participation from young women in grades 9 - 12 in 16 schools in Nova Scotia, support from their teachers and parents, and industry role models. The program includes mentoring, meeting face-to-face with role models, career research, participating in work site tours, and two Techsplorers Conferences for program participants in April and May 2006.
The program continues to grow in corporate recognition with 20 industry and government sponsors. The program supporters who are actively involved in the program are ExxonMobil Canada, Canadian Forces, Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline, Black & McDonald Limited, Nova Scotia Department of Energy, Anadarko Canada Corporation, EnCana, Chevron, ACCENT Engineering Consultants Incorporated, El Paso, Dexter Construction Company Limited, Coastal Oceans Associates Incorporated, Jacques Whitford, Halifax International Airport Authority, Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia (APENS), Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women (NSACSW), and the Offshore/Onshore Technologies Association of Nova Scotia (OTANS).
For more information:
Tricia Robertson
Techsploration
p: (902) 454-2427
c: (902) 233-2867
