Opportunities in Skilled Trades

with Business & Education Partnership of Waterloo Region

For Teens & Their Parents

About the Program

The Business & Education Partnership of Waterloo Region's Explore Your Future series helps students in grades 7-12 and their families learn about career opportunities and the skills needed for success.

This session focuses on skilled trades careers, offering insights into in-demand jobs and the pathways to apprenticeships. A panel of trades professionals in carpentry, HVAC, and more will share their career journeys, discuss apprenticeship pathways, and answer questions about certifications, job opportunities, and industry demand. Parents and teens will gain practical insights into how the trades provide stable, rewarding careers. Canada Heavy Equipment College and Conestoga College's School of Trades and Apprenticeship will be on site to share resources and questions. The panel discussions begin at 6:00 pm.

About the Moderator

Moderating the panel is Lina Shamoun, Hair Stylist and Founder of Artline Salon. Among her many accomplishments, Lina has represented Team Canada at the OMC Hair Olympics since 2006. Starting with Moscow 2006, Chicago 2008, Paris 2010, Milan 2012, Frankfurt 2014, Seoul 2016, and Paris 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2019. Winning two European Championships in 2015 & 2016 and the World Championship in Progressive Cutting category in 2016.

Her business skills were recognized when Lina was also named Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce in February 2016 and K-W Oktoberfest Rogers 'Entrepreneur' Woman of the Year 2016.

Lina has drawn the attention of media such as CityTV, Exchange Magazine for Business, Grand Magazine, The Next Step Magazine, KW Chamber of Commerce Advocate, The K-W Record, K-W Chronicles, Salon Magazine, Canadian Hairdresser Magazine, and International Hairstyling Magazines such as Tribute.

Panelists

• Jason Church, Account Manager, Hewson Brothers Building Supply
• Joellah Fletcher, Level 2 General Carpenter Apprentice
• Abby Brandes, School of Trades and Apprenticeship, Conestoga College
• Bailey Zehr, HVAC-R Apprentice

For teens age 13-19 years old. Parents are encouraged to attend with their teen.

Photography Notice: Please note that photographs and video may be taken at this event and may be broadcast, reproduced and/or made available in print or online. For individual or small group photos, staff will make attendees aware of their presence and will ask permission before taking photos.

For larger public events, please note that by attending, you are consenting to the use of your appearance, image and voice in print or digital productions created by the Waterloo Public Library for promotional use only. Please speak to library staff at the event if you’d like to be excluded from any photo/video.

Programmer: Nancy