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This article was published 05/02/2019 (2692 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The flick of a switch and the glow of an incandescent bulb caused a cheer to erupt from the small crowd gathered at The WRENCH during a recent workshop.
The public bike shop at 1057 Logan Ave. has been hosting a series of hands-on classes — dubbed Skill Jill workshops — for women, Trans, non-binary and femme people to learn practical skills in a comfortable environment.
The initiative is a partnership with ArtsJunktion (312 William Ave.) and class topics include carpentry, sewing, auto mechanics, audio storytelling and arboriculture.
“I think whenever people are trying new things it’s important to feel as safe as possible,” said Sarah Thiessen, WRENCH volunteer co-ordinator.
Megan Linton is the crafting co-ordinator at ArtsJunktion and says the Skill Jill workshops provide an opportunity to break down the gender divide often found in the trades.
“This is a space where we don’t have to comply to those standards and we don’t have to be hyper critical of ourselves, because so often we get mansplained in those spaces,” she said. “This allows us to be the masters of our own experiences.”
On Jan. 22, a group of about 15 learned the basics of electrical wiring and then used that knowledge to change a light fixture.
“I’ve always wanted to know how to do this because I hate depending on my male friends to do things for me that I think I should be able to do,” participant Shannon Johnson said after turning on her group’s successfully rewired fixture.
“This setting is really nice too because it’s not intimidating… so you don’t have to fade into the background.”
“Or try harder to seem like you really want to be here,” added her friend Sarah Keller.
The Skill Jill workshops are also a chance to get new people into the host venues since many participants have never been to The WRENCH or ArtsJunktion before.
Alma Mann, a self-professed tool lover, found out about the workshop through a Facebook friend and is looking forward to using the bike shop.
“I like it and I’m coming back, I’m very interested in building a bike,” Mann said.
The workshops are capped at about 15 participants to make sure everyone gets a hands-on experience — but the interest has been much higher, with about 100 people on the waitlist for some upcoming classes.
Skill Jill is offered on a free or pay-what-you-can basis and is currently funded by a Neighbourhoods Alive! grant from the province; however, that money runs out at the end of March.
“We’re really looking for more funding to continue this program because it’s obviously really desirable and we’d like to keep it as accessible as possible,” Thiessen said.
Electrician Bick Facey was instructing the Jan. 22 class and knows just how beneficial funding for women’s empowerment programs can be.
“I got my start in my trade through a women in trades program funded by federal grant money… so it means a lot for me to then be able to pass on these skills to other people,” they said.
Visit thewrench.ca for a full schedule of workshops and email volunteers@thewrench.ca to register for an upcoming class.
The flick of a switch and the glow of an incandescent bulb caused a cheer to erupt from the small crowd gathered at The WRENCH during a recent workshop.
The public bike shop at 1057 Logan Ave. has been hosting a series of hands-on classes — dubbed Skill Jill workshops — for women, Trans, non-binary and femme people to learn practical skills in a comfortable environment.
Eva Wasney
The WRENCH volunteer co-ordinator Sarah Thiessen and ArtsJunktion crafting co-ordinator Megan Linton have teamed up to offer a series of free workshops for women, Trans, non-binary and femme folks to learn trades and practical skills.
The initiative is a partnership with ArtsJunktion (312 William Ave.) and class topics include carpentry, sewing, auto mechanics, audio storytelling and arboriculture.
“I think whenever people are trying new things it’s important to feel as safe as possible,” said Sarah Thiessen, WRENCH volunteer co-ordinator.
Megan Linton is the crafting co-ordinator at ArtsJunktion and says the Skill Jill workshops provide an opportunity to break down the gender divide often found in the trades.
“This is a space where we don’t have to comply to those standards and we don’t have to be hyper critical of ourselves, because so often we get mansplained in those spaces,” she said. “This allows us to be the masters of our own experiences.”
On Jan. 22, a group of about 15 learned the basics of electrical wiring and then used that knowledge to change a light fixture.
Eva Wasney
Alma Mann and Ethel Straker turn on the light fixture they rewired at a Skill Jill workshop at The WRENCH.
“I’ve always wanted to know how to do this because I hate depending on my male friends to do things for me that I think I should be able to do,” participant Shannon Johnson said after turning on her group’s successfully rewired fixture.
“This setting is really nice too because it’s not intimidating… so you don’t have to fade into the background.”
“Or try harder to seem like you really want to be here,” added her friend Sarah Keller.
The Skill Jill workshops are also a chance to get new people into the host venues since many participants have never been to The WRENCH or ArtsJunktion before.
Alma Mann, a self-professed tool lover, found out about the workshop through a Facebook friend and is looking forward to using the bike shop.
Eva Wasney
Electrician Bick Facey demonstrates how to change a light fixture at a Skill Jill workshop at The WRENCH on Jan. 22.
“I like it and I’m coming back, I’m very interested in building a bike,” Mann said.
The workshops are capped at about 15 participants to make sure everyone gets a hands-on experience — but the interest has been much higher, with about 100 people on the waitlist for some upcoming classes.
Skill Jill is offered on a free or pay-what-you-can basis and is currently funded by a Neighbourhoods Alive! grant from the province; however, that money runs out at the end of March.
“We’re really looking for more funding to continue this program because it’s obviously really desirable and we’d like to keep it as accessible as possible,” Thiessen said.
Electrician Bick Facey was instructing the Jan. 22 class and knows just how beneficial funding for women’s empowerment programs can be.
Eva Wasney
A participant listens during a Skill Jill workshop on electrical wiring at The WRENCH on Jan. 22.
“I got my start in my trade through a women in trades program funded by federal grant money… so it means a lot for me to then be able to pass on these skills to other people,” they said.
