Women in Skilled Trades Support a Vibrant Economy

Labrador Woman is the Province’s First Female Professional Surveyor

Janeil Parrott of Happy Valley-Goose Bay is following in her father’s footsteps and has made history by becoming the first female professional surveyor in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Parrott in Gander this past summer, and she is an example of how an under-represented group in the skilled trades can attain the highest level of success in the field. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes that women are playing a growing role in supplying the demand for skilled trades, and that the increased attention, funding and initiatives specifically geared to women are having a positive impact.”
- The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills

After choosing a career in a skilled trade, Ms. Parrot attended the University of New Brunswick and studied for four years under the Geodesy and Geomatic Engineering Program. Ms. Parrott also passed exams with the Canadian Board of Examiners for Professional Surveyors, spent a year with her father’s company, N.E. Parrott Surveys Ltd., and is now responsible for the company’s office in Labrador City.

“We celebrate and recognize Ms. Parrott for her ground-breaking accomplishment, and would like to see more women like her working in the skilled trades in Newfoundland and Labrador. Gender Equity and Diversity Agreements that mandate gender targets for companies in the offshore and mining industries are huge steps towards ensuring more women can achieve these types of accomplishments.”
- The Honourable Joan Shea, Acting Minister Responsible for the Status of Women

Since opening in 2009, the Office to Advance Women Apprentices has helped women make significant gains in the apprentice trades. At the end of its first year, the office had 90 female apprentices registered and nine female journeypersons. Currently, there are 794 registered women who have completed trades training programs – 321 pre-apprentices, 425 apprentices, and 48 journeypersons.

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

• Janeil Parrott is Newfoundland and Labrador’s first female professional surveyor.
• At the end of its first year, the Office to Advance Women Apprentices had 90 female apprentices registered and nine female journeypersons.
• As of December 2013, the office has 794 women registered in its database and have assisted with 437 employment opportunities for women.
• During the Skilled Trades Conference for Women and Youth in April 2013, there were 613 female apprentices registered and 40 female journeypersons.

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2013 12 19                                     3:30 p.m.