Jamie McMillan

Skilled Trades Visionary & Motivational Keynote Speaker

A trailblazer and catalyst for change, Jamie McMillan is redefining success in the skilled trades, proving that it’s not about gender but about breaking barriers and building something better. Since becoming an ironworker in 2002, when women made up just 2% of the workforce in Canada and the U.S. Jamie has firsthand experience with the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry and is on a mission to shatter stereotypes. Through KickAss Careers, she travels nearly 30 weeks a year, delivering dynamic keynotes and workshops to over 50,000 students, parents, educators, and employers across North America. Her work has gained international recognition for opening doors and changing perceptions about the lucrative and fulfilling opportunities in the skilled trades and technology sectors.

Biography

From GRIT to GLORY: This Girl is Made in the Trades

A Trailblazer and a Catalyst: Jamie McMillan is killing it as a female iron-worker in a male dominated industry; but it’s not about the gender… It’s about the pathways, stigmas and hidden success-factors waiting for all of us to grab and “build something better” with.

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 a male dominated workforce and is on mission to break down the negative misconceptions and stereotypes.

Through KickAss Careers, Jamie 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 District School Board of Niagara Technology Education Partnership Award for her commitment to youth in schools across the province of Ontario.

In 2019, Jamie McMillan was named a co-chair on a National Skilled Trades Advisory Committee to create a campaign to promote careers in skilled trades as first choice pathways to youth for the Canadian Federal Government by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Jamie continues to speak professionally as a motivational keynote speaker across North America, works on various construction projects whenever possible and enjoys helping out at a homeless shelter for women.

Jamie McMillan joined the Helmets to Hardhats Canada team as an Outreach Specialist providing career opportunities in the Building Trades for serving, transitioning and former members of the military.

Published Books:

All the Kids on Builder Street book — All the Kids on Builder Street

Expertise

Women in Skilled Trades
Mental Health
Attracting and Retaining Youth
Women’s Events
Inspirational Keynote Speaker

Videos

Keynote Topics

UNLOCKING POTENTIAL: Recognizing Abilities Beyond Academia

Could the brightest sparks be igniting outside the traditional classroom?

This session challenges educators and guidance counselors to uncover the raw materials—students whose talents might not fit the traditional mold but are ready to be forged into something powerful.

Jamie delves into her own journey, showing how diverse, hands-on approaches can shape these hidden sparks into the precision tools industries need, paving the way for students to excel in careers they never imagined.

SMILING IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY: Living a Life of Passion & Purpose

Can the heat of adversity forge your greatest strengths?

Jamie’s story proves it can.

As a neurodivergent individual in the skilled trades, Jamie faced challenges that shaped her journey in unexpected ways. In this compelling talk, she shares how embracing her neurodivergence and turning life’s struggles into opportunities became the foundation for a life filled with passion and purpose.

Jamie’s journey serves as a blueprint for transforming challenges into strengths. By embracing her differences and using adversity as fuel, she discovered strengths she didn’t know she had.

Audiences will leave inspired, ready to turn their own struggles into opportunities for growth and success, forging their adversities into a structure for greatness and purpose.

FORGING FUTURES: Life-Changing Tools for the Next Generation

In a world full of AI and cutting-edge tech, what do you really need to succeed?

Jamie knows the secret: Real-world skills and hands-on learning.

In this high-energy keynote, Jamie shows students how these practical tools are the key to staying strong, independent, and ready for anything the future throws at them.

As technology rapidly evolves, Jamie stresses the importance of finding careers that excite you but also mastering life skills that will help you tackle whatever comes next. These are the tools that make you unstoppable, giving you the power to control your future.

Jamie’s talk is packed with inspiration and strategies that will help students build resilience, financial freedom, and long-lasting success in a world that’s constantly changing.

THE WORKPLACE BLUEPRINT: Building Inclusive Spaces that Empower Everyone

Is your workplace thriving, or could it benefit from a more inclusive approach?

Drawing from personal experiences, Jamie highlights the importance of recognizing neurodiversity and creating a psychologically safe environment where everyone’s unique challenges are acknowledged and supported.

By fostering an atmosphere of understanding, respect, and integrity, companies can build a culture where employees feel valued and empowered to succeed.

In this keynote, Jamie guides leaders in discovering how to create a workplace that not only attracts top talent but nurtures it. She shares strategies to support diverse needs and strengths, ensuring that each individual can contribute fully and thrive.

The next generation is looking for more – Jamie shows how to build a space where everyone’s potential can truly flourish.

Testimonials

On behalf of all of us in LIFT and at Reliance, thank you so much for today! You brought so much passion and energy to the virtual room, and everyone was really moved by your story.

Rebecca Ruddle, Manager, Reliance Home Comfort

We were very happy with Jamie’s presentation! What can I say, She was very engaging and was able to make connections with youth during her presentation and after through one-to-one conversations. I loved when she “dressed” up a few young ladies in the audience as construction workers.

Children's Aid Society

The feedback I got was positive about Jamie McMillan’s session. I actually had a great conversation with one attendee about the start/jolt she gave him with one of her statements and how he had to consciously change the way he was thinking about the information she was presenting.