|
The goal of Techsploration is to increase the number of women working in
science, trades, technical and technology related occupations by assisting
young women from diverse backgrounds to explore a wide range of career
options in these fields.
A 2005 report entitled
"Benefits of Techsploration" by Madeline Comeau, President, Workplace Equity
Services, confirms
that the program design is an effective way to provide
girls with opportunities to experience a wide variety of career options
in science, trades and technology. It also drew a direct connection between
the Techsploration program and positive
outcomes in terms of students'
academic, social and personal development. To view the report, click
here.
History of Techsploration
Techsploration began as a pilot project in 1998 with one employee and a
small Steering Committee. Eight schools, mostly in the Strait Regional School
Board, were chosen to participate as the first Techsploration schools. It
was immediately evident that the program was having an impact on the
students and the broader communities to which they belonged.
An Expansion Committee was struck in 2002 with the goal of growing the
program so that more young women would be able to benefit. In 2003, this
Committee's hard work paid off! Continued industry support combined with a
provincial government investment enabled us to add eight more schools to
the program.
There are now four staff members and a founding Board of Directors who
oversee the program. Techsploration
was also piloted in
Newfoundland
in 2001 and it continues to operate successfully. In fact, Techsploration
could become a model for other provinces across
Canada. We also continue to
field daily inquiries about Techsploration locally, nationally and from
many places around the world.
What is it about?
Techsploration provides young women from grades nine to twelve with
opportunities to explore science, trades, and technology occupations, while
creating awareness about the critical role of work in their lives. It also
helps them understand the significance of high school math and science for
their future careers. Techsploration is inclusive of all girls, including
those functioning at various levels of academic achievement and from
diverse backgrounds.
In addition to the targeted goals, young women also benefit as they
enhance their public relations, presentations and report writing skills;
work on communication, leadership, and teamwork abilities; and gain IT
knowledge. After participating in Techsploration, the students realize
increased levels of confidence, self-esteem, and cultural awareness.
Techsploration affects the entire school culture and the community. It
acts as a catalyst for ongoing community partnerships between teachers,
parents, female role models, training providers, educators, school boards,
aboriginal boards of education, industry, government, unions, and
professional associations.
Why is it needed?
Skilled workers in science, trades and technology are in demand
worldwide. It is a challenge for employers that try to diversify, as the
fact is there are so few graduates from the designated groups and women in
the targeted fields.
When women are encouraged to pursue studies and careers which respond to
their best abilities, the result will be an overall improvement in the
labour force as it benefits from the opportunity to choose the best from a
much larger base. Through "techsploring" young women often
discover that occupations they once assumed were unsuitable for them are
now enticing options.
A diverse and highly skilled workforce will ensure the economic
development and health of our province. All Nova Scotians gain when:
- Young women are
introduced to in-demand careers they likely would not otherwise
consider.
- Both young women as
well as young men at rural schools, who have few opportunities except through
Techsploration, benefit when they meet role models and are introduced
to these careers.
- Teachers at rural
schools meet role models, are introduced to wide variety of careers,
participate on worksite tours and as a result, are better able to
direct their students.
- As the competition
for skilled workers increases, we can continue to meet the education
demands of our knowledge based economy and provide a skilled
workforce, by forming business-education partnerships that support
these common objectives.
- Women are an
integral part of any community and increasing their economic stability
will positively impact the economic development of all
Nova Scotia
communities.
What schools are involved in
Nova
Scotia?
Techsploration includes representation
from every school board in NS, including First Nation Community Schools and
the Acadian School Board. Techsploration was also piloted in Newfoundland
in 2001 where it continues to operate successfully.
Original Eight
·
Canso
Academy, Canso
·
Dr.
J.H. Gillis Regional High, Antigonish
·
St. Mary’s Academy,
Digby
County
·
East Antigonish Academy, Monastery
·
Strait Area Education and Recreation Centre (SAERC), Port
Hawkesbury
·
Guysborough Academy,
Guysborough
County
·
Duncan MacMillan High School,
Sheet
Harbour
·
We’koqma’q School Secondary
School, Waycobah First Nation, Inverness County
Expansion in 2004
In 2004, a second division with eight
more Nova Scotia schools was added to the program, including:
·
Eskasoni Elementary & Middle
School, Eskasoni First
Nation,
Cape
Breton
·
Indian Brook First Nation School,
Indian Brook First Nation,
Hants
County
·
Springhill High School, Springhill
·
Central Kings Rural High School,
Kings
County
·
Middleton Regional High School,
Middleton
·
Shelburne Regional High School,
Shelburne
·
New Germany Rural High School,
Lunenburg
County
·
Prince Arthur Junior High School,
Halifax
Regional
Municipality
Expansion
in 2005
In 2005, the
École NDA, in Cheticamp, with the Acadian School Board, was added to the
program.
Expansion in 2006
The
Techsploration Expansion Committee identified additional schools to form a
third division in preparation for a 2006-2007 expansion. These schools
attended the 2006 Techsplorers event and will participate in select
activities as funding allows.
Expansion in 2008
A third division was formed to accommodate the 2007 expansion as well
as two additional schools added in 2008 (Riverside Education Centre and
Ridgecliff Middle School).
Currently, there are 24 participating
Nova Scotia schools in three divisions as follows:
Division A Schools:
Division B Schools:
Division C Schools:
Each school has a team of six female students and a teacher. Each team
is paired with a role model - a woman working in the field of science,
trades, or technology. The role model takes the team on a tour of her
worksite and also visits the home school for a presentation. We believe
that this hands-on and very personal approach is what makes Techsploration
work.
Who are the partners?
Techsploration happens because
of its strategic alliances with business and education. Techsploration is a joint initiative of
the
Nova Scotia
Community College,
WITT
NS
(Women in Trades and Technology) and the Apprenticeship Training and Skill
Development Division - NS Dept of Labour and Workforce Development, currently working in
partnership with:
·
ExxonMobil Canada
·
Black & McDonald Limited
·
EnCana
·
Nova Scotia Construction Labour Relations Association
Limited
·
Motorola Foundation
·
Cape Breton Island Building and Construction Trades Council
·
Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline
·
Nova Scotia Department of Energy
·
Imperial Oil Foundation
·
ACCENT Engineering Consultants Inc.
·
Dexter Construction Company Limited
·
Halifax International Airport Authority
·
Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women (NSACSW)
·
Offshore/Onshore Technologies Association of Nova Scotia (OTANS)
·
Engineers Nova Scotia
·
Sheet Metal Workers' International Association, Local
Union 409
·
Millwright & Machine Erectors Local 1178
·
International Association of Bridge, Structural,
Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers Local 752
·
United Association of Journeymen Plumbers, Pipefitters and
Welders Local 244
·
International Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers, Local 625
·
International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Local
1439
·
United Brotherhood of Carpenters, Locals 83 & 1392
·
Labourers' International Union of North America, Local 615
·
Nova Scotia Power, Inc.
·
Saint Mary’s University
·
Maritime Forces Atlantic
Top of page
When does it take place and what activities are planned?
Techsploration Career Research Model (December - March)
Each
school team, which includes six grade nine girls, a teacher and a female
role model, are assigned a science, trades, or technology occupation to
research. The girls are introduced to an innovative career planning model,
meet with their assigned role model and participate in worksite tours.
Techsploration Goes To School (February - April)
Each school team shares their experiences and research with students at
their home school by making presentations to students at their
school. The school team role model, along with other guest female
role models, delivers presentations on their careers at this event. Girls
and boys, staff, and other invited guests, are introduced to in-demand
careers and role models working in science, trades, and technology careers.
Techsplorers Events
Division A - (April 15 & 16, 2010)
NSCC
Strait Area Campus, Port Hawkesbury
Division B - (May 11 & 12,
2010) Saint Mary's
University
Division C - (May, 18 & 19, 2010)
NSCC
Truro Campus,
Truro
During the
two-day Techsplorers Event, girls from across
Nova Scotia gather together with their
teachers, role models, volunteers, and invited guests to participate in
exciting, interactive presentations and workshops. This event expands
upon and reinforces the information provided in the student presentations
and presents an opportunity for each girl to meet the other role models.
All of the
girls contribute to preparing for this event and are actively involved in
the actual presentations. Along with providing information on their
assigned career, the students also introduce their role models and respond
to questions from the floor. The teams are encouraged to use
creativity in their presentation, with an emphasis on having fun and
keeping their audience entertained.
Techsplorers Alumnae
Activities (ongoing) / Alumnae Conference (November 5, 2010) NSCC,
Akerley Campus
Girls in grades 10, 11, & 12 are invited together
for follow-up activities which include but are not limited to:
·
attending or participating in the annual
Launch
·
aiding teachers in selecting the new school
team
·
assisting the new school team with various
aspects of the program
·
helping out at the Techsplorers Event
·
participating in the Techsplorers Alumnae
Conference
Alumnae have further opportunities to meet role models
from a wide range of careers and participate in hands-on activities.
|
