Mohawk College – Tools in Hand, Futures in Sight: Jill of All Trades Returns to Mohawk College
Experiential learning is at the heart of Jill of All Trades, creating space for students to explore their interests in a supportive environment, surrounded by mentors, students, and graduates who once stood where they stand now. At Mohawk College, experiential learning is a defining part of the student experience, integrating hands-on simulations, applied learning projects and work-integrated learning opportunities that allow students to build practical skills and gain industry insight.
That message of belonging was championed by keynote speaker Ashley Borzellino, a 2020 Mohawk College graduate of the Civil Engineering Technology program who works as a contract inspector operator with the City of Hamilton.
“It is quite normal to be a female in this industry,” she said, speaking about the camaraderie she’s experienced in her career. “There’s nothing greater than being able to move forward knowing that you have people to support you.”
As Miss North America 2025, Ashley also uses her platform to advocate for women in construction and STEM.
That sense of support and advocacy was shared by current Mohawk College students Ava Sunderland and Aaliyah Young-Lalumiere. Now second-year students in the Construction Engineering Technician – Building Renovation program and Schulich Builders scholarship recipients, the pair attended Jill of All Trades as high school students in its first year at Mohawk. They returned to volunteer last year as first-year students and again this year as emcees.
“It’s very surreal, like a full circle moment,” said Ava. “Last year we [volunteered at] it, but now actually getting to address the girls is really cool.”
For Aaliyah, the event is about visibility and reassurance.
“I think it’s just letting [the students] know that [the trades] is a pathway for them and it’s an option. A very feasible option that now has a lot more opportunity,” she said.
Recent graduate Emma Norris also returned as a mentor. A 2025 graduate of the Manufacturing Engineering Technician – Automation (Industrial Mechanic Millwright) program, Emma now works in die cast maintenance at Orlick Industries. Volunteering at Jill of All Trades gives her the opportunity to share real-world advice with students who may not know where to begin.
“I love being able to come back and help [the high school students] explore avenues that they didn’t know existed,” she said. “[I’m sharing] my experience and how I got into it.”
