05/28/2026
Last week, eight students from WM E. Hay Stettler Secondary Campus and Wm E Hay Stettler Outreach Campus had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Young Women in Trades and Technology Workshop, proudly sponsored by Careers Next Gen and The County of Stettler. This marks the second consecutive year that CAREERS and the County have partnered to provide this hands-on learning experience for local students.
The purpose of the workshop was to expose young women to the wide variety of rewarding careers available in trades and technology throughout the County of Stettler. Students began their experience at the County Public Works shop, where they were introduced to workplace occupational health and safety standards. They were also generously provided with personal protective equipment and workshop gifts. To complete their PPE, each student selected a pair of steel-toed boots from Tom’s Boots, compliments of CAREERS Next Gen.
The learning continued at the Heartland Regional Fire Department, where students took part in exciting, hands-on firefighting activities. They learned how to operate various hoses and nozzles and gained insight into when and how each is used during emergencies. Students also explored vehicle extrication tools and had the chance to put their new skills into practice - even removing the roof from a truck by the end of the day!
Day two began bright and early back at the Public Works building. Students were divided into groups and paired with female mentors from the County of Stettler who guided and encouraged them throughout the day. Rotating through four interactive stations, students learned welding skills while creating impressive birdhouses, operated heavy equipment, including a skid steer, excavator, and the highly sought-after grader, and even had the opportunity to explore the County’s brand-new gravel truck while learning about its year-round functions.
Another station introduced students to the mechanic bay, where they learned practical skills such as changing tires, checking brakes, and understanding basic vehicle maintenance.
The students were incredibly grateful for this unforgettable opportunity and walked away with valuable hands-on experience, new confidence, and exposure to career paths they may not have previously considered. A huge thank you to CAREERS Next Gen, The County of Stettler, Heartland Regional Fire Department, Tom’s Boots, CNRL, and all the mentors and staff who helped make this inspiring experience possible!
