Record number of women enrolling in trade programs at Yorkton's Parkland College
Yorkton’s Parkland College has a record-breaking number of women enrolled in its’ skilled trade courses, with nine female students in welding, power engineering, and agricultural equipment programs.
Among those female students is Chantel Lindstrom, a 38-year-old single mom who has made a career change, after burn out from working as a COVID-19 screener during the pandemic.
“While it’s rewarding in itself, it wasn’t exactly a right fit for me, and I knew that. I just had to pull that trigger and nail down what trade I wanted to go into,” Lindstrom said.
The welding student plans to make art with her new skills.
“I chose welding because I get to be creative,” she said. “I’m hoping to produce some art, and its good money on the side.”
The Parkland College said it works with the Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatchewan Government and Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) to bring more women into the skilled trade sector.
“We certainly focus on creating a safe, inclusive learning environment for all of our students regardless of gender, age, background,” Alison Dubreuil, Interim President and CEO of Parkland College said.
Women make up 10 per cent of apprentices in Saskatchewan, and almost six per cent of female apprentices are in “non-traditional” careers, according to the SATCC.
“Currently the labour market is so tight, and really, women are part of a vast untapped workforce that can be better utilized in our province for greater success,” Chris Stubbs, Director of Innovation and Inclusion with SATCC said.
The female students at Parkland College account for 22 per cent of students in the skilled trade programs.
Women in trades is not a new concept, and Lindstrom is proud to follow in her family’s footsteps.
“My grandmother was actually a welder and a mechanic, fixing planes in the air force when all the men went off to war, so it’s not an unheard of thing, I’m just so happy women now are deciding to enter that field,” Lindstrom said.
The tradition continues for Lindstrom. She wants to be an example for her two children and show them they can pursue any career, regardless of their gender.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian police chiefs speak out on death of Black man beaten by U.S. officers
Canadian police chiefs condemned on Friday the death of a Black man who was savagely beaten by police during a traffic stop in the United States, saying the officers involved must be held accountable.

How to get over the 'mental hurdle' of being active in the winter
When the cold and snow have people hunkering down, these outdoor enthusiasts find motivation in braving the Canadian winter through community and sport.
Memphis police disband unit that beat Tyre Nichols
The Memphis police chief on Saturday disbanded the unit whose officers beat to death Tyre Nichols as the nation and the city struggled to come to grips with video showing police pummelling the Black motorist.
Listening to personal testimonies may deter students from vaping, study finds
According to a new study, showing university students the health risks of vaping through experts and personal testimonies can help deter them from using e-cigarettes.
Health Canada sticks with Evusheld despite U.S. FDA dropping the COVID drug
Health Canada says it will continue to recommend COVID-19 prevention drug, Evulsheld, despite U.S. FDA pulling back its emergency use authorization due to concerns around its efficacy against Omicron subvariant 'Kraken.'
Germany won't be a 'party to the war' amid tanks exports to Ukraine: Ambassador
The German ambassador to Canada says Germany will not become 'a party to the conflict' in Ukraine, despite it and several other countries announcing they'll answer President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's pleas for tanks, possibly increasing the risk of Russian escalation.
W5 EXCLUSIVE | Interviewing a narco hitman: my journey into Mexico's cartel heartland
W5 goes deep into the narco heartland to interview a commander with one of Mexico's most brutal cartels. W5's documentary 'Narco Avocados' airs Saturday at 7 pm on CTV.
OPINION | Selling a home? How to know if you qualify for a capital gains exemption
When selling a home, Canadians may be exempted from paying capital gains tax on a residential property -- if it's their principal residence. On CTVNews.ca, personal finance contributor Christopher Liew explains what's determined as a principal residence, and what properties are eligible for the exemption.
What we know -- and still don't know -- about what led to Tyre Nichols' death
Tyre Nichols was hospitalized after he was pulled over on January 7, police have said. Five Memphis Police Department officers, who also are Black, were fired after an internal investigation and are facing criminal charges, including second-degree murder.