Advancing gender equality and amplifying women’s perspectives, influence, and skills are critical to how Capital Power is Powering Change by Changing Power™. Women have driven world-changing innovations and are instrumental to the future success of our industry as we work to meet growing energy demands. From skilled trades to engineering and beyond, their expertise and leadership are vital as we navigate the complexities of the evolving energy landscape. That’s why Capital Power is committed to fostering career opportunities, mentorship, and professional growth for women. Through initiatives like our Women’s Apprenticeship Program, we are actively breaking down barriers, supporting women in skilled trades, and building a more inclusive workforce. Investing in women’s potential is not just the right thing to do—it’s essential to delivering the reliable power that drives our economy and communities forward.
Over the years, Capital Power has proudly empowered women in energy by fostering employee growth and development while championing industry-wide progress through strategic partnerships and initiatives. In 2024, as the Women’s Apprenticeship Program was being developed, the company drew on the expertise of Kate Parr, a Red Seal Millwright and Maintenance Technician at Capital Power’s 875 MW Goreway Power Station. Kate’s firsthand experience as an apprentice and her career in the electricity industry provided valuable insights that helped shape the program’s design—to provide women with the skills and experience needed to thrive in the skilled trades. Reflecting on the program’s importance, Kate shared:
“I’ve found that working in a power plant requires many years of experience or having the right connections; not many young people are starting their careers here. This program helps get women in the door earlier and gives them hands-on plant experience while learning their trade, a valuable experience for both parties. Investing our time and support into the careers of these women helps them succeed and will pay dividends for Capital Power long into the future.”
The program’s first apprentice began her journey in the fall of 2024, working toward becoming a licensed electrician. While their trades differ, Kate is committed to exposing her to as many aspects of plant maintenance as possible, while also serving as a sounding board for questions and support. Having benefited from the guidance of mentors throughout her own career, Kate is passionate about paying it forward:
“In grade 12, I read a local newspaper article about a woman who was a licensed millwright at an automotive manufacturing facility. I contacted her, took her out for dinner and asked her questions about what millwrighting was all about. Having a conversation and being able to bounce ideas off someone in that role was what I needed to embark on my career.”
Kate’s drive to grow her career in the power sector has led her to embrace mentorship—both as a mentee and a mentor. She has benefited from the support of women across Capital Power, as well as through formal mentorships with the Prosperity Project’s Rosie Mentorship Program—an initiative Capital Power has proudly supported since its inception in 2011.
Early in her career, Kate’s first mentor, a nuclear operator from Ontario Power Generation, provided the guidance she needed to transition from working on the tools to operating Capital Power’s York Energy Centre, a simple-cycle power plant. That experience was so impactful that Kate returned to the program a second time, later being paired with a licensed engineer from British Columbia.
These connections reinforced the value of building relationships with other women in the industry and inspired Kate to step into a leadership role as co-chair of WE Lead—Capital Power’s first employee resource group focused on empowering women. Reflecting on the impact of this community, Kate shared:
“WE Lead offered an opportunity to connect with corporate employees, which can be challenging when you work at a plant. The first event I attended led to a conversation with the WE Lead chair that was a powerful reminder that my opinion is valued. Shortly after, she invited me to join the core leadership team. This has gone a long way in making me feel like I belong to something more than the asset; I’m part of the broader team.”
Kate’s journey is a testament to the possibilities that open up when women are supported and empowered in the energy sector. What started with reading a newspaper article about a woman in skilled trades has grown into a career where Kate is now a leader, mentor, and advocate for women at Capital Power—helping others chart their own paths in the industry. She has her sights set on shifting into a mentorship role with the Prosperity Project, further extending her commitment to supporting women in their careers. Reflecting on her experience, Kate shares:
“There is unlimited possibility and potential for women in this industry, and specifically, at Capital Power. I never thought that there would be this much room to grow and this much support within the company to move upwards. They champion and elevate the people they believe in, and I’m proud to contribute to that culture. It’s a great feeling and experience I hope more and more women can take part in.”
As Capital Power continues to power positive change in the industry, stories like Kate’s highlight the critical role women play in shaping the future of energy—and the importance of building a workplace where everyone can thrive.
