Jennifer Green discusses her journey in skilled trades: mentorship at Conestoga College, winning competitions, and promoting diversity. She highlights the need for early career exploration, successful initiatives like Skills Ontario, and changing stigmas about trades, emphasizing the lucrative potential.

We'll explore the growing interest in entrepreneurship among students, the importance of early exposure to skilled trades, and the transformation of stigmas surrounding these crucial careers. Jennifer emphasizes the need to introduce young children to skilled trades early to foster awareness and break down misconceptions.

Andrew and Jennifer also discuss the current shortages of key trades like welders, electricians, and plumbers, and how these gaps impact the future workforce. They delve into extensive initiatives by Skills Ontario aimed at promoting diversity, inclusion, and hands-on learning, from summer camps to a traveling classroom.

Find out more about Jennifer Green

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-green-27211896/
• Instagram: jennifer_Green433a
• Website: https://www.skillsontario.com/

Jennifer Green is a dynamic individual who thrives on thinking outside the box and embracing unique ideas. As an industrial millwright by trade, Jennifer, along with her husband, a general machinist, actively engages in numerous home projects, often involving their two children, aged ten and twelve. Their twelve-year-old son humorously refers to his preferred activities as "the quiet trades," enjoying drywall and plastering, while their ten-year-old daughter exhibits a keen enthusiasm for power tools. Jennifer's passion for creativity and hands-on work extends into her family life, instilling these values in her children and making every project a collaborative family affair.

00:00 Jennifer Green promotes skilled trades, empowers women.

04:51 Book promotion leads to widespread school distribution.

06:43 Working with father in garage sparked interest.

11:25 High school hours counted toward apprenticeship.

13:53 Government supports skilled trades, promotes accessibility, evolution.

16:17 Skilled trades are vital but often overlooked.

20:53 From volunteer to successful woman in trades.

24:07 Limited mentorship options, male mentor provides support.

26:37 Provinces compete at nationals, then internationally.

29:10 Excited for Skills USA competition in Georgia.

32:18 Record high of registered apprentices, especially females.

37:54 Promotion of trades to students and parents.

38:53 Breaking stigma around valuable career options for youth.

44:40 Trade success requires delayed gratification and patience.

46:53 Parental toughness led to a drive for success.

51:26 Transitioning to entrepreneurship requires a new skillset.

54:23 Skills Ontario hits the road to educate.

56:23 Honor blue collar workers, follow Andrew Brown.

**1. Jennifer Green's Personal Journey in Skilled Trades**

- Mentorship and Competition

- Mentorship from Conestoga College faculty

- Male mentor named John

- Mentorship leading to confidence and preparation for competitions

- Achievements in Competitions

- Winning gold at provincials

- Becoming part of Team Ontario

- Winning a silver medal at national competition

- Similarity to SkillsUSA in the US

- Comparison of Canadian competitions to SkillsUSA

- World skills competition involving 87 member countries

- Mental Health Training and Preparation

- Focus on mental health along with technical...