Kalene Gardipy is a third-year welder apprentice from Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation who is focused on achieving her goals and inspiring the next generation of skilled trades workers.
Gardipy’s journey into the skilled trades began in high school when she discovered a passion for working with her hands during shop class. After spending several years in the oil industry, she decided she wanted a change — one that allowed her to be home with her family instead of living out of a suitcase for extended periods.
Gardipy’s family has also been a major source of support, particularly her partner, mom, and late aunt, who encouraged her to pursue a career in welding.
In 2021, Gardipy enrolled in a six-month course at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and in 2022, she became a welder apprentice through the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies.
“I love what I do. I was fond of welding right from high school,” Gardipy says. “To work on [welding projects] like this, it’s a big confidence booster.”
While demand for workers in the skilled trades are increasing in Saskatchewan, women continue to be underrepresented in the skilled trade workforce. According to the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission’s (SATCC) 2023-24 annual report, women only represent 11 per cent of all apprentices. In trades where women are underrepresented, such as construction electrician, plumber, and welder, that percentage drops to just under eight per cent.
To address these gaps, the SATCC has implemented the Women in Skilled Trades Initiative (WISTI) to remove barriers and encourage more women to pursue careers in skilled trades.
Beginning in January 2024 until June 2026, and funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, the WISTI offers a number of benefits and supports to help women enter the skilled trades and achieve journeyperson certification in 28 eligible Red Seal trades including carpenter, sheet metal worker, machinist, and welder, to name a few.
One of the benefits aims to reduce financial barriers for new female apprentices. Women who register in one of the eligible Red Seal trades will receive a rebate on their apprenticeship registration fee, as well as Level 1 technical tuition training.
In addition to financial supports, the SATCC has also employed two dedicated female mentor apprenticeship services consultants for women apprentices. They offer coaching and mentorship to women thinking of entering the trades, as well as to current female apprentices. They also assist employers in creating more inclusive and supportive workplaces. By providing mentorship and creating a robust network of resources, the SATCC strives to create an environment where women apprentices can successfully navigate and overcome the challenges they may face in these industries.
Katilyn Hitchcock, one of the SATCC’s female mentors, knows the importance of having a strong support system to be successful. As a Red Seal construction electrician, she was fortunate to have a supportive employer and mentors throughout her apprenticeship, but she also understands the challenges women face in an industry where they are underrepresented.
“I want to support women in the skilled trades by listening to their stories and providing them with the resources to be successful,” says Hitchcock. “The women I’ve met with have expressed appreciation for this mentorship program. We are able to provide them with the resources and guidance they need to thrive at work and in technical training, which sets them up to succeed and eventually achieve certification.”
Gardipy is an example of how positive work environments are crucial to success. She has found a supportive and empowering community with her employer, Keys Welding Service.
“The company is super supportive,” says Gardipy. “They want you to succeed in the trades.”
For Gardipy, positive mentorship has played a key role in her growth as well.
“Mentorship is really important because there are people that push you and become a better person and reach your goals,” she says.
Two of her close friends are journeyperson welders, and they have guided Gardipy through the early stages of her apprenticeship, helping her navigate the registration process and settling into her role.
“They helped me register and get everything in order. I work with them now, and they still guide me today,” she says.
Gardipy has found not only a great career but also a fulfilling work-life balance. “I get to come home to my son and partner every night,” she says.
Looking ahead, Gardipy is determined to achieve her Red Seal certification and eventually purchase her own truck. In addition, she wants to show young people and women, especially from First Nations communities, that the skilled trades offer a viable and rewarding career path.
“My future here is to inspire the younger generation, so that you can get into a trade,” Gardipy says. “It doesn’t matter what trade you want; the opportunities are always out there. My advice for others who want to be in the apprenticeship program is ‘just go for it!’”
