Women in Skilled Trades build skills, community and lasting connections at Camp Ak-O-Mak

For the fourth consecutive year, Sheridan brought together women in the skilled trades for a unique hands-on experience at Camp Ak-O-Mak, a not-for-profit summer camp in Northen Ontario. Over two days, 65 participants tackled meaningful construction projects while building connections that will support them throughout their careers.

The retreat, which began as a collaborative effort among participating colleges, has grown into a powerful annual experience supported in recent years through funding from the Government of Canada's Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy and a generous contribution from the Canerector Foundation. These partnerships have helped expand opportunities for more than 200 women entering the skilled trades to gain practical experience, connect with mentors and build professional networks that extend far beyond the job site.

This year's retreat welcomed students, faculty and tradeswomen from Sheridan, Lambton, Durham, St. Clair and Fanshawe colleges. Joining them for the first time was a group of women representing Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Black & McDonald, and Aecon, bringing together participants at different stages of their careers to work, learn and mentor one another.

For many first-time attendees, the retreat offered a chance to apply classroom skills in a real-world environment while working on projects that will leave a lasting impact. The women worked side-by-side to complete projects that helped get the camp ready for summer, including welding new soccer goal posts, constructing a new cabin deck, building a dedicated safe area for archery activities and framing a new water treatment building to replace an aging shed that had fallen into disrepair.

Sheridan Welding and Fabrication Technician student Hailey Rideout attended the camp for the first time this year and says it was a rewarding experience to know she made a difference for this summer’s campers.

“One of the most meaningful parts was seeing something I had personally helped weld and build being set up for everyday use,” she says. “The experience strengthened my communication and problem-solving skills which I will carry forward into my career."

“One of the most meaningful parts was seeing something I had personally helped weld and build being set up for everyday use.”

– Sheridan Welding and Fabrication Technician student Hailey Rideout

This year, the participants were supported by students and faculty from Sheridan's Architectural Technology program. The Architectural Technology team helped prepare portions of the project builds before they were transported to the camp. By prefabricating project components in advance, they were able to reduce on-site construction time. Architectural Technology professor Shannon Pirie says the collaboration provided students with valuable applied learning opportunities while demonstrating the important connection between design, planning and construction.

"The small projects at Ak-O-Mak were the perfect size for us to tackle from both the design and build perspectives. It's so important for our learners to get tools and lumber in their hands so that they can understand the complexities of interpreting drawings,” she says. “This allows them to adjust to change and see the results of their drawings in 3D. Opportunities to prefab elements like we did with the Ak-O-Mak project makes our students better technologists."

Beyond the visible projects completed at camp, Kelsey Annan, Manager, Women in Red Seal Skilled Trades at Sheridan says the retreat also built something equally important: a strong network of women supporting one another in an industry where women remain underrepresented. Throughout the two-day experience, participants shared stories, exchanged advice, discussed career pathways and built relationships with fellow students, apprentices, journeywomen and industry leaders.

“We ask a lot of the women who attend this event. The timelines are tight, the resources are limited and the projects are challenging, but every year they come together, support one another and find a way to get the job done," she says. "I am so thankful for the women who volunteer their time and expertise to make this experience possible. Their mentorship, leadership and dedication are what make this community project such a success year after year.”

This year, several women who first attended as students returned in leadership roles, mentoring new participants and sharing the knowledge and experience they have gained since entering the workforce. And now, as the final retreat supported through the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy has ended, Annan says the real legacy will be measured not only by the structures built at the camp, but by the community it has helped create.

"Volunteering at Camp Ak-O-Mak has given me so much more than just unforgettable memories; it's given me lifelong friendships, career opportunities and a circle of incredible women who I know will continue to support, encourage and inspire me,” says Sarah Blackler, a level two carpenter apprentice and Fanshawe graduate. "I know without my experience at camp I would face more challenges in my day-to-day work and I wouldn't be where I am today. Along with the gratification of helping others, the camp is a beautiful place full of history and joy."