Build a Dream’s career discovery expo aimed at encouraging young women to pursue careers where females are underrepresented comes to Bruce-Grey County for the first time this fall, but the idea of connecting women with careers in skilled trades is nothing new for one local company.
A balanced and diverse workforce has been part of the make-up at Larsen and Shaw Limited since the company was founded in 1919. The Walkerton-based manufacturer of hinges, architectural products, hardware and metal stampings is the largest in Canada. They have recently expanded into Georgia with plans for a presence in Mexico as well.
“We’ve always been well ahead of the curve in terms of a diverse workforce,” explains President and CEO Mary Jane Bushell. “It’s the way we operate and part of our values. Other companies may be scrambling to adopt this philosophy but an inclusive workforce has always been in our culture.”
Women make up approximately 20 percent of Larsen and Shaw Limited’s 100-person workforce, while on average, only 5.6 percent of employed women in Canada have a job in manufacturing. Bushell admits it can be a challenge recruiting and attracting talent to her community and skilled trade workers are often drawn to opportunities in larger cities. The company relies on outreach and engagement with high schools, colleges and universities to showcase to women career opportunities in robotics, automation and electronics. Larsen and Shaw Limited offers job shadowing, formal co-op placements, pre-apprenticeship programs and is always willing to connect women interested in a career in precision metal stamping with experienced workers.
Larsen and Shaw Limited will share this career path information with students as part of Build a Dream’s career discovery expo on November 19th from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at the Unifor Family Education Centre in Port Elgin. The event is free for young women in grades 9-12 as well as their parents/guardians.
Approximately 30 exhibitors will be on-site including employers, educators and guest speakers who will provide information and advice on careers in skilled trades, engineering, sciences, technology, engineering, math, emergency services and entrepreneurship. There will also be hands-on activities, workshops, a photo booth and scholarship opportunities. Approximately 500 people are expected to attend. Space is limited and pre-registration is required at www.webuildadream.com.
“Always go see and discover what it’s all about,” Bushell advises young women exploring new opportunities. “There has never been a better time for women to expand into this space to enjoy challenging and rewarding careers.”
About Build a Dream
Founded in 2014, Build a Dream provides programming across Ontario and encourages young women in grades 9-12 to learn, question, explore and experience different career paths. Build a Dream continues to empower young women to make informed career choices, and utilizes surveys, feedback, and success stories to track the positive impacts that programming has made in Canadian communities. The non-profit is 100% funded through partners who believe in promoting diversity and inclusion to strengthen the workforce. Over 10,000 people have attended Build a Dream events since 2014.
source: media release
