JAMIE MCMILLAN
MADE IN THE TRADES
Jamie McMillan is the founder and primary spokesperson of KickAss Careers. She is a Motivational Speaker, Journeyman Ironworker, Apprentice Boilermaker, Outreach Specialist, Author, Visionary and Advocate for Skilled Trades, Technology, Mental Health, Homelessness and Youth.
Jamie opened my eye to
the trades and I fell in love instantly. It helped solidify my future. In the fall I am going to school to become a Powerline Technician.
Deanne Durant
High School Graduate
St.Johns College
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE JOURNEY
Skilled Trades Professional, Advocate, and Inspirational Speaker
Jamie McMillan began a career as an ironworker in 2002, entering a field where skilled trades professionals build and maintain critical infrastructure. With firsthand experience of the challenges in a male-dominated industry, Jamie is committed to breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions about skilled trades.
As the founder of KickAss Careers and Made in the Trade, Jamie travels about 20 weeks a year across North America, delivering keynote presentations and workshops to over 50,000 students, parents, educators, and employers annually. These efforts have gained international recognition, highlighting the possibilities in skilled trades and technology sectors.
Jamie’s impact has been acknowledged with several prestigious awards, including the Top 20 Under 40 Award, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program Champion Award, and Hamilton YWCA Women of Distinction Award. She was also appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a co-chair on the National Skilled Trades Advisory Committee.
Jamie now addresses all audiences with new keynotes, "The Workplace Detox" and "Recognizing Student Potential." "The Workplace Detox" focuses on promoting psychological safety and addressing toxic behavior in the workplace. "Recognizing Student Potential" helps educators support students who may not thrive in traditional classroom settings, guiding them toward successful career paths.
In her personal life, Jamie enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, mountain climbing, and hiking with her tuxedo cat, Spud Wrench. Jamie's story is a testament to resilience and dedication to advancing opportunities in skilled trades, inspiring countless individuals.
PROMOS, INTERVIEWS & PODCASTS
RECRUITING TOMORROWS WORKFORCE TODAY
WHAT INDUSTRY IS SAYING
Through her organization - KickAss Careers- Jamie has established herself as a precedent- setting icon in the world of skilled-trades awareness and promotion, and is actively sought out for speaking engagements and presentations in both academic institutions as well as professional industry engagements...and this trajectory is rising rapidly.
Darryl Spector P. Eng., PMP, President,
Promation Nuclear
I am proud to strongly endorse Jamie McMillan and KickAss Careers. Jamie’s dedication, energy and enthusiasm are contagious as she works to spread the message. In her years as a mentor to young people, she has shared her vision with teachers, students, government officials, businesses and union leaders. Her work has been truly inspirational.
Joseph Maloney – International Vice President – International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
Jamie has demonstrated dedication, reliability, accountability, initiative and a genuine interest in supporting the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.
She has always been a well mannered, mature and a hard working individual. The OYAP Program and I feel very fortunate to have Jamie as a presenter thus allowing us to continuing to operate and implement the program
Leo Paone – HWCDSB OYAP Coordinator
WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING
The piece of information that I found most impressive was that Jamie was able to make an extremely successful life for herself despite the challenges she faced and late start to the workforce. I can use her experience to understand that careers in life are not always linear and everyone’s journey is different. In the end what matters is that you are enjoying what you do and can support yourself to live a happy and healthy life.
I will use this new information in my day-to-day life by making sure that I am never selling myself short and always applying myself and trying my hardest for everything. I will also always give my all and step up to the plate to do what needs to be done rather than leaving the job for other people.
What impressed me most about this presentation was Jamie’s attitude towards being a woman in the skilled trades. She demonstrates how powerful it is to be self-sufficient, particularly when others do not believe that you have what it takes to excel because of your gender. I was also impressed by the way she speaks of her ADHD and how she turns it into a strength. Jamie inspires me to continue to work hard and not let negativity affect me.
You don't have to do something right when you get out of school and you can take the time to figure out what you like. You spend 1/3 of your life working, so you should take the time, explore your options, and find out what you like to do so that you can love your job and love your life. When you’re in high school, everything can feel rushed and that you have to make major life decisions when you’re done, and you’re scared to make the wrong decision. It’s okay to take your time to figure out what you love.
BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD
Mohandas Gandhi
