The essential infrastructure and services that underpin daily life are produced by skilled professionals. From electricians to plumbers to carpenters, the hum of industry has historically carried the timbre of masculinity. Yet despite growing demand for skilled workers, women remain significantly underrepresented in those areas. Enter Jill of All Trades, an initiative proving that the skilled trades are as much a woman’s domain as they are a man’s.
Launched in 2014 by Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in Ontario, Canada, Jill of All Trades encourages girls in 9th-12th grade to explore careers in industries such as manufacturing, electrical, welding, machining, automotive technologies, and HVAC-R, among others. Field professionals, faculty, and postsecondary students guide young women through hands-on activities designed to build confidence, ignite interest, and cultivate a safe and supportive environment.
From its humble beginnings, Jill of All Trades has grown exponentially. Its second annual event in 2015 hosted nearly 200 students; by 2022, the program had expanded to include 17 partner colleges across Canada.
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with more than 90% of participants expressing interest in the skilled trades after attending their event. By 2026, Jill of All Trades plans to connect with 35 colleges across North America, deliver over 120 events, and inspire more than 10,000 participants annually.
In 2023, Owens Community College (OCC) in Perrysburg, Ohio, became the first U.S. institution to host the program. The event was a success, and a second one at OCC, on October 24, 2024, welcomed students from across the region to participate in workshops and engage with female mentors representing various industries.
OCC President Dione D. Somerville, EdD, confirms that a third date is in the making. “When Conestoga … approached us more than two years ago to host Jill of All Trades, we were honored to be selected as the first college in the United States to provide this opportunity. … Facilitating the exploration of a future in the skilled trades is critical to our mission of education and workforce development, and we look forward to our third event in October of this year.”
Although Conestoga serves as the founding institution, the program’s expansion relies on partnerships with other colleges, industry stakeholders, and government agencies. Together, these groups create events tailored to their local communities, ensuring accessibility and relevance for participants.
As Somerville describes, “Owens Community College is situated in a region that embraces the value of skilled trades and is home to meaningful careers in the trades. We are in a unique position to be a driving force for the region’s economy. At Jill of All Trades, these young students experience why Owens is a leader in advanced manufacturing preparedness.”
The next Jill of All Trades in the U.S. is set for June 10, 2025, at the Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County in Ohio. The gathering will continue the program’s mission to provide young women with a tangible experience learning about industries they might not have previously considered.
For many attendees, the program offers a chance to break away from tradition or expectation. Through mentorship, skill building, and an inclusive environment, Jill of All Trades is shaping a future where women play vital roles in skilled trades and technologies. It’s more than teaching skills—it’s changing lives, shattering barriers and stereotypes, and reminding the world that when the tools are in Jill’s hands, anything is possible.
