Inspiring Youth: SLC Hosts Girls Exploring Trades, Dual Credit, and Esthetics Day  

Submitted by Elisabeth Gingras, School of Skilled Trades, and Dr. Aba Mortley, Professor, Esthetician

To inspire young women and men to explore non-traditional career paths, the School of Skilled Trades recently hosted the Girls Exploring Trades Day alongside the Dual Credit Connection Day on Kingston campus and the professional development day for guidance counsellors from Upper Canada District School Board on the Brockville campus. These days offer insight and possibilities, both to students and to those who guide students into the field of skilled trades.  
  
Pursuing a career in Esthetics opens doors to creativity, confidence, and the power to make others feel beautiful, while also building valuable skills that can launch you into fields like dermatology, spa management, and even product development, sales—proving that Esthetics is more than a profession; it's a stepping stone to endless possibilities. We wanted to showcase this by providing fun, educational and experiential activities on each of the different days.  
  
In Kingston, in the Esthetics classroom, the event kicked off with an scavenger hunt designed to familiarize students with the school's reception area and various labs. This activity not only introduced the participants to the SLC's facilities, but also sparked curiosity and excitement about the possibilities within the trades. 
  
Following the scavenger hunt, the students participated in a hands-on nail polish painting activity. Using model hands, they practiced essential skills needed in the esthetics field, giving them a practical introduction to nail care and design techniques. This activity highlighted the meticulous art and science behind esthetic treatments, emphasizing the precision and creativity that the field demands. 
  
The event aimed to demystify the trades for young persons and showcase the vast opportunities available to all in these fields. The initiative sought to empower students to consider careers in trades, highlighting the significant yet often overlooked rewards these professions can offer. 
  
The day concluded with many participants expressing their excitement and gratitude through smiles and eager conversations about what they had learned. The positive reactions underscored the event's success in not only educating but also inspiring the next generation to consider trades as a viable and promising career path. 
  
Looking at the Brockville day from a staff perspective, Casey Davies, had the following to say, “This event was a great way to show what the skilled trades profession is all about. My 28 years of experience in this field gave me a chance to demonstrate a hands-on practical experience in the esthetics industry and talk about the opportunities this career can lead to.”  
  
By hosting such initiatives, the School of Skilled Trades hopes to continue breaking down barriers and expanding the horizons for young people in the community, encouraging them to pursue their interests in trades and potentially benefit from dual credit programs that can advance their education and career prospects simultaneously.