REGINA — Girls across Saskatchewan are discovering their inner tradesperson through a unique summer experience that blends creativity, confidence and career exploration.
SaskPower Girls Exploring Trades and Technology (GETT) camps, organized and hosted by Saskatchewan Polytechnic, offer girls in Grades 6 to 8 a hands-on introduction to careers in trades and technology. The week-long camps are designed to break down gender stereotypes and build skills in a supportive, mostly female environment and are offered at Moose Jaw, Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert campuses.
“GETT girls are encouraged to be inventive, creative and to problem solve,” says Allison Zerr, program head for Women in Trades and Technology (WITT) powered by Orano. “They have the opportunity to work in various shops at Sask Polytech and learn from female mentors and role models.”
GETT camps are held throughout the summer across the province, offering girls a chance to explore trades and technology through hands-on projects and real-world experiences. In Moose Jaw, campers try their hand at welding by crafting a set of metal dice. In Regina, they head to the machining shop to make their own hammer. Meanwhile, campers in Saskatoon and Prince Albert build wooden chests in the carpentry shop. All the campers learn how to safely use tools and equipment along the way.
The camps also feature behind-the-scenes tours of facilities such as EPCOR, the City of Regina’s water treatment plant and SaskPower—GETT camp’s title sponsor—offering girls a broader understanding of the infrastructure that supports communities and the diverse careers available within these industries. During the SaskPower visit, participants explored the power line trade and learned about pole climbing. Meanwhile, students in Moose Jaw also toured CAE Military Aviation, where they were introduced to synthetic training for remotely piloted aircraft aircrews.
Campers develop greater self-awareness, build confidence and explore a wide range of career possibilities. They’re inspired to embrace diverse paths and recognize their strengths and talents, seeing themselves as capable and skilled individuals.
“Girls learn through doing that they have strength, agility and stamina, all traits needed in physical occupations,” says Zerr.
GETT camps are organized by Sask Polytech’s WITT program, which has been supporting women in trades and technology for more than 30 years. The program traces its roots to the 1970s, when Saskatchewan tradeswomen helped launch a national movement to remove barriers for women in male-dominated fields.
Today, WITT continues that legacy by connecting girls with female role models and mentors who share their experiences and promote career awareness through interactive activities.
By the end of the week, campers leave with more than just a set of dice, hammer or chest—they leave empowered, inspired and ready to imagine themselves in careers they may never have considered before.
The GETT camp title sponsor is SaskPower and the Moose Jaw campus transportation sponsor is CAE Military Aviation Inc. Learn more about WITT powered by Orano at saskpolytech.ca/witt.
— Submitted by Sask Polytech Media Relations
