Achieve Anything and the Canadian Coastguard have joined forces to show women marine jobs

Two young women trying on protective suits as part of an Achieve Anything event. (Achieve Anything)

Any young woman who fancied zooming across the sea in a Zodiac or doing a spot of deep sea diving – as part of her job – can get a taste of the action.

The Achieve Anything Foundation, in partnership with the Canadian Coast Guard, hosts a free event aimed at girls and women aged over 14 years old, on March 23.

As part of the Achieve Anything Foundation’s “Operation: This is you!” initiative, females are invited to apply to take part in the Canadian Coast Guard – SAR, Science and Environmental Response at Sea event, that runs 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Fun, hands-on activities are promised, including input from a number of experts and government agencies, including the Canadian Coast Guard Search and Rescue team and the Canadian Hydrographic Service. A tour of CCGS Tanu is also included in the experience.

Like all Achieve Anything experiences, the event is free.

President Kirsten Brazier, herself an experienced aviator, explains how the foundation has grown since they held their first event encouraging girls to consider a career in aviation.

“We support women in whatever they want to do. Our events have evolved into aviation, aerospace, marine and defence,” she said. “We don’t have an upper age limit to our events as people change career three to five times in their lifetime. It doesn’t matter if someone is young or already a bank teller or a teacher, who might be inspired to change.”

Achieve Anything is a group that aims to introduce women and girls into largely scientific, technology, engineering or mathematical fields.

Brazier said her organization is aware that women from some communities or backgrounds might be used to following cultural or familial ideas of more restrictive female roles. She hopes that fun events such as this might inspire women to better understand the opportunities available.

The Achieve Anything foundation’s goal of helping women “from shop floor to top floor,” is well established and they are keen to foster an inclusive ethos between men and women. She says the personnel taking part in the events will lead unique experiences rather than perform lectures or talks.

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In the past, two of the most popular activities have been tinkering with engines in the maintenance yard and experiencing the Zodiac inflatable boats.

There are likely to be 60 spots and, going by past popularity, Brazier recommends people apply as soon as they can to avoid disappointment.

Participants are asked to visit achieveanything.ca for details and to remember to bring their own lunch.



nick.murray@peninsulanewsreview.com

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Canadian Coast Guard



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