Skilled trades careers are built on precision, discipline, and experience passed from one set of hands to the next. Mentorship should be no different. This panel explores how intentional mentorship programs can strengthen recruitment, improve retention, and develop leadership within the skilled trades, particularly for women navigating traditionally male-dominated environments. Beyond informal guidance, we will examine what makes mentorship sustainable, measurable, and impactful over time. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to design or refine mentorship initiatives that are not just well-intentioned but built to endure.
Overview
About the Presenters
moderator
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Daniela Torelli
Membership Services Lead, CWB AssociationBiography
Daniela Torelli brings over 10 years of experience in the welding industry, with her most valued work with the CWB Association, Canada’s largest welding community. She works at the intersection of industry, education, and volunteer leadership, supporting Chapters and strengthening engagement across a national network. Daniela is passionate about mentorship, workforce development, and creating inclusive pathways for women and youth entering the skilled trades.
Sessions
speakers
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Michelle Murray
Director of Operations, HIEC – Apprenticesearch.comBiography
Michelle Murray is the Director of Operations at HIEC, where she has been a leader and innovator since 2003. With over 20 years of experience in experiential learning, mentorship, and community engagement, she plays a key role in shaping career education programs and initiatives across Halton and Ontario.
She is a key contributor to the Ontario Career Lab, a province-wide, Ministry-funded program connecting Grade 9 and 10 students with mentors for real-world career conversations, helping set a new standard for career education in Canada. Michelle also supports HIEC’s Skilled Trades Regional Networks, expanding access to hands-on learning and strengthening connections between education and industry.
One of Michelle’s most celebrated accomplishments is the development and execution of Women as Career Coaches, HIEC’s flagship mentorship event, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024. Beyond HIEC, she contributes to community impact through roles with the Halton Our Kids Network, Halton Youth Collective, and as Past Chair of Sheridan College’s General Arts & Science Program Advisory Committee.
Sessions
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Katherine Vaillancourt
Director, Indirect Procurement, Samuel, Son & Co.Biography
As Director of Indirect Procurement at Samuel, Son & Co., Limited, Katherine Vaillancourt transforms complex supply chain challenges into streamlined organizational opportunities. Since joining the organization in 2018, she has managed high-impact national indirect programs focused on driving efficiencies and mitigating risk. Beyond her corporate role, Katherine is a prominent leader in the professional community, currently serving as President of the AWMI Toronto Chapter and holding advisory positions with GBTA Canada and the Business Travel News (BTN) executive board. She is also a Certified Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS).
Sessions
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Kayla Vander Molen
Pre-Apprenticeship Instructor, International Brotherhood of BoilermakersBiography
Kayla Vander Molen is a Pre-Apprenticeship Instructor and Welding Examiner with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. Since beginning her career in the welding trade in 2011, she has worked alongside skilled tradespeople across Canada, gaining a diverse understanding of the value of mentorship and safe workplace standards.
As a tradesman, educator, and recruiter, Kayla is a strong advocate for mentorship at every stage of a welder’s career, from those just entering the trade to experienced Journeymen looking to continue their growth. She believes that mentorship is a key driver of both personal development and long-term industry strength.
Kayla is also actively involved in organizing initiatives that connect the trades with the Calgary community. Through her work, she helps foster meaningful connections and encourages grassroots mentorship, often beginning with a simple handshake and growing into lasting professional relationships.
Sessions
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Samara Sampson
SMART Local 285 Organizer and Director of Communications for Women on SiteBiography
Samara Sampson is a 308A journeyperson sheet metal worker and a full-time Organizer with SMART Local 285, the first woman to hold a full-time leadership staff position at the Local and the first woman elected to its Executive Board. She is also the co-founder and Director of Communications of Women on Site, a nonprofit supporting retention, mentorship, and community for women across the trades and construction industry in Canada and the United States.
Within her union, Samara connects the sisters at her home Local and serves as Co-Chair of the SMART International Women's Committee, where she helps locals across North America build women's committees of their own. Her work is grounded in lived experience on the tools and a focus on practical, member-led change.
Sessions