Category: Conference

The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum is excited to invite presentation proposals for the 2025 Supporting Equity in Trades (SET) Conference. This year, SET 2025 will explore pathways to a more inclusive skilled trades sector, with two primary breakout streams: sessions for allies in the skilled trades community and workshops tailored to trades professionals. Join us in creating a conference that equips participants with practical strategies, inspires action, and advances equity in trades. 

Please note: Breakout session presenters are required to register and participate as delegates at SET 2025, joining attendees in creating a conference that equips participants with practical strategies, inspires action, and advances equity in trades. 

Stream 1: Workshops for Trades Professionals

This hands-on workshop stream is designed to support trades professionals from equity-priority groups (women, Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities), providing them with valuable tools, skills, and resources to thrive in their careers. We are looking for practical, skills-based workshops that empower tradespeople to navigate challenges, leverage support networks, and build their professional and technical skills. 

Suggested Topics: 

• – Navigating Career Pathways in Trades 
• – Building Confidence and Self-Advocacy Skills 
• – Mentorship and Networking for Tradespeople 
• – Accessing Resources and Support Systems 
• – Practical Tools for Managing Workplace Challenges 
• – Leadership Skills for Career Growth

Workshop Format: 60-minute interactive workshops, prioritizing participant engagement and hands-on learningAudience: Trades professionals from equity-priority backgrounds

Submission Requirements: 

• • • – Workshop title and brief description (max. 300 words) 
    • – Presenter(s) bio(s) 
    • – Workshop objectives and expected outcomes 

Stream 2: Sessions for Allies 

This stream is for individuals and organizations committed to supporting equity-priority groups (women, Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities) within skilled trades. We invite presentations that address key issues, solutions, and action-oriented strategies for allies—such as employers, educators, mentors, and policymakers—who are pivotal in fostering an inclusive trades environment. 

Suggested Topics for Allies Sessions: 

• • • – Building Inclusive Workplaces: Promising Practices and Case Studies 
    • – Understanding Intersectionality in Skilled Trades Careers 
    • – Fostering Allyship in Apprenticeship Programs 
    • – Implementing Inclusive Policies and Programs 
    • – Developing Partnerships with Community Organizations 
    • – Measuring Success: Tracking and Reporting on Equity Initiatives 

Presentation Format: 60-minute interactive sessions, including Q&A. 

Audience: Employers, educators, union representatives, apprenticeship coordinators, DEI experts, and policymakers. 

Submission Requirements: 

• • • – Title and brief session description (max. 300 words) 
    • – Speaker(s) bio(s) 
    • – Three key takeaways for participants 

Submission Deadline: Friday, January 10, 2025

SUBMIT YOUR PRESENTATION
 

Notification of Acceptance: January 24, 2025 

Help us make SET 2025 a catalyst for change in the skilled trades. Share your insights, practical tools, and inspiring stories to support a diverse and community.