2025 Women in Energy Scholarship Awarded
At Strike Group, we are committed to fostering inclusion and supporting the next generation of skilled trades and professionals. As part of this commitment, we annually offer a variety of scholarships to students.
Each year, we offer a $2,000 scholarship to a female student who is currently working in, or planning to pursue a career in, the energy or construction sector. The 2025 Women in Energy Scholarship was awarded to Rachel Joy.
Rachel is working towards a Journeyman Instrumentation Technician certification at Northwestern Polytechnic and building on the successful completion of her second year of technical training. As she advances in her career, Rachel aims to eventually step into leadership roles where she can support apprentices and promote respectful workplaces.
She gives back to her community in numerous ways, including:
- Actively supports a more inclusive trades workforce through involvement with women-in-trades initiatives and networks that encourage retention and advancement of women in technical roles, such as being an active member with the Canadian Women in Energy in both Calgary and Edmonton.
- Founded and leads a local women-in-trades support group in Grande Prairie, creating a safe space for connection, peer support, and mentorship among tradeswomen in the region. Recognizing the need for local connection and mentorship, Rachel created a Facebook group for women in Grande Prairie working in or pursuing careers in the trades, which has grown to over 30 members and provides a supportive space for women to ask questions, share experiences, and encourage one another.
- Serves on a Joint Occupational Safety and Health Committee, contributing worker-led perspectives that promote safer, more respectful, and inclusive job sites.
- Advocates for increasing women’s participation in the trades, recognizing that diverse teams strengthen safety performance, collaboration, and industry sustainability.
- Mentors and encourages women entering the trades by sharing practical field knowledge, apprenticeship guidance, and real-world insight into instrumentation careers.
I am not only focused on my own advancement, but also on contributing to a stronger and more inclusive workforce. Through my involvement with women-in-trades organizations, the creation of a local support group in Grande Prairie, and my participation on a Joint Occupational Safety and Health Committee, I actively support other women while promoting safer, more respectful work environments. These efforts reflect my belief that increasing women’s participation in the trades strengthens the entire industry.
— Rachel Joy
Rachel is a leader committed to building a safer, more inclusive construction and energy workforce for future generations through mentorship, advocacy, and support that helps more women enter, succeed, and lead in the trades.
Strike wishes Rachel all the best with her educational journey and future endeavours!