SASKATOON — Building confidence, one project at a time.
Through Girls Exploring Trades and Technology (GETT) camps, girls in grades six-to-eight step into Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s shops, labs and applied learning spaces to discover careers they may never have considered before.
Organized by Sask Polytech’s Women in Trades and Technology (WITT), powered by Orano, and sponsored by SaskPower, the week-long GETT camps provide a hands-on introduction to careers in skilled trades and technology. More importantly, they help girls build confidence while challenging stereotypes about who belongs in these fields.
"GETT camps give girls the chance to really experience what these careers are all about," says Allison Smith, program head, WITT. "It's much more than a one-day event or hour-long career fair. They have time to learn new skills, complete meaningful projects and see themselves succeeding."
The camps are offered at Moose Jaw, Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert campuses in July and are built around hands-on activities.
A highlight at every location is a day with title sponsor, SaskPower. With SaskPower campers wire a light and switch, spend time with powerline technicians and even climb a utility pole. The experience offers a glimpse into the many trades and technology careers available within the utility industry.
Most camps also include a plumbing activity, where participants learn basic skills of the trade while building a ladder golf game. With each trade, campers learn how to safely operate tools and equipment while developing practical skills, teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
Each GETT camp tailors its curriculum to reflect the programs offered locally, as well as regional industries and career opportunities.
In Moose Jaw, participants will explore engineering and environmental technologies, as well as welding and carpentry. By the end of the camp, each girl will take home a hand-crafted toolbox she built herself.
In Prince Albert, activities focus on Saskatchewan's natural resource sector. Participants explore integrated resource management and geographic information systems (GIS), along with a plumbing and automotive day.
Regina campers gain hands-on experience with 3D printing, electronics and soldering, and laser etching. The camp also features an Indigenous-focused day, where participants weld turtle sculptures while learning about the teachings and significance of turtle island.
Saskatoon offers two week-long camps. During the first camp, participants begin the week learning welding before heading to Sask Polytech's Research, Additive Manufacturing and Prototyping (RAMP) lab, where they create metal airplanes using advanced manufacturing equipment. The remainder of the week is dedicated to carpentry, with participants building their own side tables.
The second Saskatoon camp gives participants a chance to meet members of the Saskatoon Fire Department and explore drone technology with Sask Polytech's Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE). Similar to the Regina camp, the girls also weld together turtles while learning about turtle island.
“We continually refine activities based on participant feedback, ensuring projects remain engaging, age-appropriate and relevant while showcasing the wide range of trades and technology programs available at Sask Polytech,” says Smith.
While participants leave with projects they are proud to take home, Smith knows the biggest takeaway is often confidence.
“For many girls, GETT camps provide a first opportunity to work in a shop, handle tools or meet tradeswomen and technologists,” says Smith. “The experience helps them imagine new possibilities for their futures.”
Whether they're welding a turtle, flying a drone, climbing a power pole or building a table, participants leave with something that lasts long after summer ends: the confidence to see themselves in careers where women are often underrepresented.
Thank you to our GETT camp title sponsor SaskPower.
