Since 2014, Conestoga College has hosted Jill of All Trades (JOAT) to inspire young women in Grade 9-12 to pursue careers in the skilled trades. The event includes facility tours, guest speakers, a VIP reception and hands-on workshops in the motive power, industrial and construction trades, led by Conestoga faculty and other female mentors. The event has grown to attract over 800 participants, educators, volunteers, industry representatives and government officials each year.

Jill of All Trades is one way that Conestoga College fosters women’s participation in engineering, technology and trades, along with other activities offered through the School College Work Initiative and the Engineering, Technology and Trades for Women (ETT4W) initiative.

Conestoga College provides Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) programs that provide women with the tools and training to launch a career in the trade industry.

Our most recent Jill of All Trades event at Conestoga was held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025