She set out to help others find skilled trades, now local wins Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award

NEWS RELEASE

HIEC

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Halton Industry Education Council’s (HIEC) Kelly Hoey has received the Social Change Award: National Impact at the 32nd Annual RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards.

This award, presented by Women of Influence+, celebrates her contributions to career development, education, and workforce development advancement across Canada.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by this recognition. Thank you to the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards for recognizing the entrepreneurial mindset required in the social impact sector through this award,” said Hoey, who is executive director of the non-profit organization established in 1989 to foster partnerships between industry, education and the community.

“I feel so fortunate to do work I love with people I love every day. In a world where choice can feel overwhelming, our goal is to provide young people with the clarity, confidence, and direction they need to pursue paths that align with their strengths and passions. I am committed to continuing this work and creating a future where everyone – especially young women –  can see themselves in any field they choose.”

A recognized leader in career development, Hoey has dedicated over three decades to creating meaningful connections between business and education.

She has developed programs that have reached more than 250,000 youth, equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence to pursue careers in in-demand sectors. Her leadership has supported thousands of students through HIEC’s Career Lab, an innovation centre that provides hands-on career exploration opportunities. Hoey also led the development of HIEC’s first podcast, “Parents as Career Coaches,” offering expert insights to spark career exploration discussions among youth and parents alike.

Recognizing a gap in career education around skilled trades pathways, Hoey set out to reshape perceptions of these careers. In 1999, she launched ApprenticeSearch.com, an innovative online platform connecting job seekers with skilled trades employers. Now a critical national resource, the platform has made significant strides in diversifying the sector, with 47 per cent of users identifying as part of at least one equity-denied group. By bridging employment gaps and providing a vital next step for young people pursuing apprenticeship as their post-secondary pathway, ApprenticeSearch.com fosters a more inclusive workforce and continues to transform opportunities across Canada’s skilled trades.

“Kelly’s win at the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards is a powerful recognition of her impact and dedication. Through her vision and leadership, HIEC has become a driving force for career development and social change, helping young people across Canada find direction and feel positive about their futures,” said Michelle Murray, HIEC director of operations.  “Kelly’s work is about more than helping people find jobs; it’s about building an inclusive future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We’re proud to see her commitment to young people and workforce development recognized on a national stage.”

Hoey’s leadership extends beyond HIEC, influencing workforce and education policy through her roles as a founding member of the Ministry of Education Council for Experiential Learning and as an advisor on the National Stakeholder Advisory Council of the Labour Market Information Council, the Ontario Business Education Partnership, and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce Development Council. Her dedication to advancing experiential learning has established her as a transformative figure in workforce development on both national and global stages.

Now in its 32nd year, the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards program recognizes the country’s leading women entrepreneurs and organizational leaders who have made impressive and substantial contributions to the local, Canadian, and/or global economy. The judging panel of the awards program comprises 15 judges who are notably some of Canada’s top business leaders.The official announcement of the 2024 award recipients was made at the 32nd Annual RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards gala, which was held at the Ritz-Carlton in Toronto on November 8th.

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