Jamie McMillian

Founder of KickAss Careers, Motivational Speaker, Author, Visionary & Advocate for Skilled Trades

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Jamie became an ironworker in 2002 when women only represented 2% of the workforce across Canada and the United States. She thoroughly understands the struggles and challenges of working in a male-dominated workforce and is on a mission to break down the negative misconceptions and stereotypes.

 

Through KickAss Careers Jamies travels approximately 30 weeks a year providing engaging keynote presentations and workshops to more than 50,000 students, parents, educators and employers each year across North America. Her efforts have gained international notoriety for opening doors and minds to the possibilities of well-paid careers in skilled trades and technology sectors.

 

Over the years Jamie has received the Top 20 Under 40 Award for making an impact in the metal trades, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program Champion Award and the District School Board of Niagara Technology Education Partnership Award for her commitment to youth in schools across the province of Ontario. 

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In 2018 she received the Hamilton YWCA Women of Distinction Award for being a trailblazer excelling in her field promoting leadership and equal advancement opportunities. In 2019 Jamie was named a co-chair of a National Skilled Trades Advisory Committee to create a campaign to promote careers in skilled trades as first choice pathways for youth for the Canadian Federal Government by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

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Jamie continues to speak professionally across North America, works on various construction sites across the country whenever possible and enjoys helping out at a homeless shelter for women. In her free time she loves to hang out with family, and friends, travel, climb mountains and hike with her cat Spud.