Breaking Barriers. Building Careers.
Welcome to BuildHER Collective, a vibrant community dedicated to empowering young women and gender diverse people to break barriers and build careers in traditionally male-dominated skilled trades. Join us for monthly events and resources that promote mentorship, confidence-building, and career exploration.
What's next? Join us!
At BuildHER Collective, every event is more than just a meet-up — it’s a step forward in your journey to breaking barriers and building a future you own. As part of the ACTION Project (Apprenticeship Completion, Training, Innovative Opportunities, and Networking), funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, our events are designed to support apprentice retention and help you progress toward your Red Seal certification.
From our vibrant monthly networking nights to career and trade fairs, hands-on try-a-trade experiences, inspiring galas, and more, there’s always something empowering on the horizon.
Our events bring together passionate young women and gender diverse people, mentors, industry pros, and educators in spaces designed to spark connection, confidence, and opportunity. Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to dive in, BuildHER Collective events are your gateway to learning, growing, and thriving in skilled trades.
Ready to meet your tribe and take the next step? We can’t wait to see you there.
Our Vision
About Us
BuildHER Collective is a bold community on a mission to smash the old-school barriers keeping girls, gender diverse people and young women out of skilled trades. As part of the ACTION Project (Apprenticeship Completion, Training, Innovative Opportunities, and Networking), funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, we’re here to inspire, connect, and empower — whether you’re a high schooler curious about your future or a woman ready to launch a career in a traditionally male-dominated field.
We believe trades aren’t just jobs — they’re powerful career paths where women can lead, innovate, and redefine what’s possible. Through mentorship, hands-on events, and real talk from women who’ve been there, alongside targeted support from the ACTION Project, we give you the tools, the confidence, and the sisterhood to build your path, your way.
Join us. Break the mold. Build the future.
Inspiring Stories
Inspiring Stories
Forging Her Path: Sarah’s Welding Journey
When Sarah Johnson graduated high school last spring, welding was nowhere on her radar. She’d heard the same doubts from friends and family: “Isn’t that work too tough? Too dirty? Not really a place for women?” Even Sarah wasn’t sure—until she walked through the doors at SOS Fabrication and everything changed. Breaking Stereotypes, One Spark at a Time Sarah expected to be the outsider. Instead, she met a crew of mentors ready to show her the ropes—patiently, generously, and without an ounce of judgment. Her lead instructor, Carla, took time after hours to teach Sarah the basics: from striking her first perfect weld to reading blueprints like a pro. Every mistake was met with encouragement. Every win was celebrated. “I thought I’d be on my own, but the guys and gals here treat me like I belong. They want me to learn. They actually care,” Sarah says. Finding Confidence in the Fire Week by week, Sarah’s confidence grew—on the shop floor, and in herself. She tackled her first major project: forging custom steel brackets for a local community center. The day she saw her welds holding strong in the final build, something clicked: this is where she’s meant to be. Now, halfway through her first apprenticeship year, Sarah is loving every minute of the grind. She’s gotten over the early nerves and laughs at what she thought she “couldn’t” do. “It’s not about being the strongest in the room—it’s about showing up, asking questions, and putting in the work.” For Any Girl Wondering “Can I Really Do This?” Sarah knows how it feels to be unsure, to worry about what others think, to question if you’re ‘tough enough.’ She’s living proof that the trades aren’t just for one kind of person. “If you’re thinking about it—just do it. The support is real. The work is awesome. And you’ll surprise yourself, trust me.” Sarah’s story proves that with courage, open-minded mentors, and a little grit, nothing’s off limits. The sparks aren’t just flying in the shop—they’re lighting the way for women everywhere. Inspired? Sarah’s not alone—your place in the trades is waiting. All you have to do is say yes.
Empowering Experience
Turning up the Heat: Mia’s Trailblazing Journey in HVAC
When Mia Rodriguez arrived in Canada, she had one dream: to create a life where her hard work actually built something—something lasting. In 2018, after completing the HVAC program at Okanagan College, Mia took the leap that would change her future forever. She not only earned her Red Seal, but she rewrote what’s possible for women (and new Canadians) in the trades. More Than Just a Certification Getting her Red Seal was more than a credential for Mia—it was a badge of courage, earned through late-night study sessions and early morning site calls. At every turn, she was up against whispers that sounded oh-so-familiar: “You don’t see many women running HVAC crews,” or “How will you find clients when you speak with an accent?” But Mia pressed on, trusting in her skill, her training, and her vision. Building Success in Penticton Flash forward. Today, Mia is the owner of a thriving HVAC company in Penticton. Her crew is legendary for their expertise, their work ethic, and their laughter—you’ll hear it before you even knock on the door. She credits her mentors at Okanagan College and her first employer for not just teaching her the ropes, but believing in her drive to lead. Lifting the Next Generation What sets Mia apart isn’t just that she broke through—it’s that now, she reaches back to pull other women forward. As a mentor and employer, she’s living proof that women can do so much more than succeed in trades. They can own the business, set the tone, and build a culture where others feel empowered from day one. Mia’s favorite thing? Watching a new apprentice realize, “Hey, I belong here.” She hosts workshops, works with local schools, and makes sure her hiring process welcomes women from every background—because she knows how powerful one “yes” can be. Words from Mia “My journey wasn’t easy, but nothing worth doing ever is. If you’re scared, if people doubt you, come find me. There’s space in the trades for you—and you may even end up running the show.” From Okanagan College grad to employer, mentor, and groundbreaker—Mia proves there’s no career more rewarding, or more important, than lifting as you climb. The next spot in the trades? It could be yours.
Breaking Barriers
Shifting Gears: Lily Chen’s Ride into the Record Books
For years, Lily Chen thought her career path was set: earn a nursing degree, make her family proud, follow the roadmap laid out for her. But under her quiet focus beat the heart of a rebel—one who’d grown up elbow-deep in engines, sketching out custom bike designs instead of chemical formulas. From Science Labs to the Garage When Lily finally decided to trade her textbooks for a toolbox, it wasn’t easy. Family worried. Friends raised eyebrows. But the calling was too strong to ignore. She left the lecture halls and enrolled at Okanagan College’s motorcycle technician program, the only woman in a sea of grease, gears, and doubt. It would’ve been easy to shrink back. Not Lily. Breaking the Mold, Building a Name The garage became her haven, and soon her skills put competitors on notice. She wasn’t just “good for a girl”—she was brilliant, period. Word spread: Lily’s attention to detail, next-level diagnostics, and custom builds started turning heads at motorcycle shows from Kelowna to Penticton. She faced skepticism—of course she did—but with every flawless carburetor rebuild and every one-of-a-kind paint job, she didn’t just break the mold. She crushed it. The Road Less Traveled Today, Lily runs her own shop, her name synonymous with craftsmanship, guts, and passion. Her custom bikes are in demand across the Okanagan Valley. Riders—newbies and diehards alike—seem to agree on one thing: “If Lily built it, you know you’ll ride with pride.” For the Rule-Breakers, Dreamers, and Gearheads Lily’s story isn’t about choosing “the easy path.” It’s about choosing the real you—even when no one else gets it (yet). She’s living, wrench-wielding proof that you can rewrite the rules and still win big. “Follow your obsession—whatever it is,” Lily says. “The only ceiling I care about is the one in my garage, with bikes hanging from it.” You don’t have to fit the mold to build a future that fits you. Lily’s already shown how far you can go when you play by your own rules—and the road ahead is wide open.
The Collective
Get Involved: Hire. Mentor. Empower.
Skilled trades are booming — and so is the demand for bold, talented apprentices ready to shake up the status quo. At BuildHER Collective, we’re on a mission to fuel the next generation of women leaders in trades. But we can’t do it alone. We need game-changing employers like you to step up, hire fiercely, and mentor boldly.
Ready to be part of something bigger? Partner with us to tap into a driven pool of apprentices prepped to earn their Red Seal certification and rewrite the rules of skilled trades. Through hands-on mentorships, hiring opportunities, and industry connections, you’ll help close the gap on labour shortages — while fostering real change in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
This is your chance to boost your workforce with diverse talent who’s hungry to learn, innovate, and build a future sturdier than ever before. Get involved. Lead the movement. BuildHER.
Join Our Community
Connect with us to become a part of our vibrant community. Access mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities to kickstart your journey in skilled trades.
Explore Resources
Benefit from a range of resources designed to support your career growth in skilled trades. From skill-building workshops to industry insights, we've got you covered.
Career Advancement
Take advantage of career advancement opportunities within our community. Gain access to job placements, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs tailored to your specific trade.
Connect with Us
Contact BuildHER Collective
Have a question or want to learn more about our community and resources? Feel free to reach out to us using the contact details below.