06/11/2026
Connection changes careers. Community changes industries.
Last weekend, Build a Dream proudly co-hosted Dream & Build 2026 alongside The ConnectHER Hub at BCIT, in partnership with the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, bringing together more than 100 attendees from across skilled trades and STEAM for three days of professional development, connection, and community in Burnaby, BC.
Together, we explored leadership, mentorship, entrepreneurship, workplace wellbeing, financial empowerment, authenticity, and the power of finding and using our voices.
But what made this weekend truly special wasn’t just the sessions, speakers, or workshops.
It was the people.
The tradeswomen who showed up ready to learn and grow.
The allies and advocates committed to creating change.
The mentors who shared their experiences.
The industry leaders who challenged perspectives and inspired new possibilities.
The conversations that happened between sessions.
The connections that were made.
The confidence that was built.
Because professional development is about more than gaining knowledge.
It’s about belonging.
It’s about seeing what’s possible for yourself and your future.
Throughout the weekend, we celebrated the power of collaboration, explored how workplaces can better support women in skilled trades, showcased PPE and workwear designed with women in mind, and created space for honest conversations about the opportunities and challenges facing our industries.
To our co-hosts at The ConnectHER Hub at BCIT, our partners at the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, our lead supporters BC Hydro, EMC Canada, and eCampusOntario, our speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees—thank you.
Thank you for showing up.
Thank you for sharing your stories.
Thank you for helping create a community where women and gender-diverse individuals can connect, grow, and thrive.
The real impact of Dream & Build won’t be measured by what happened over three days.
It will be measured by the relationships that continue, the confidence that grows, the opportunities that emerge, and the future leaders who move forward because of what started here.
The conversations don’t end here.
And neither does the momentum.
