Trades NL has launched a campaign to attract more women to the skilled trades.

Cassandra Whelan was working in HR, but was restless and looking for a career change.

She did a bit of research and found a scholarship program through the Long Harbour Association, encouraging women to enroll in a trade.

Whelan chose a millwright program, and hasn’t looked back.

She says being a millwright, or industrial mechanic, encompasses many aspects of the skilled trades which she found exciting and interesting.

She’s currently employed on a rotational basis in the mining industry in Labrador and loves it, citing work satisfaction and a great salary as some of the benefits of her career choice.