Jamie McMillan
Skilled Trades Visionary &
Motivational Keynote Speaker
From GRIT to GLORY: This Girl is Made in the Trades.
Named as "One of the Most Influential People in Construction in 2024", 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 her company, 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.
Jamie’s message has helped inspire thousands of audiences to overcome adversity, pursue viable careers in the trades and optimize recruitment and retention practices across North America…
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 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 keynote speaker across North America, works on various construction projects whenever possible and enjoys helping out at a homeless shelter for women.
Jamie 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.
- Creativity & Innovation
- Diversity Speakers: Equity & Inclusion
- Employee Engagement
- Human Resources & Workplace Culture
- Inspiring Stories
- Most Requested Speakers
- Resiliency
- Women of Influence
- Workplace Safety
Jamie McMillan Speaking Presentations:
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. --
To inquire about Jamie McMillan's speaking schedule & booking Jamie McMillan, contact us.
Very happy with the session! Her ability to help people overcome hesitation and gain the ability and confidence to see themselves in careers in the skilled trades is a very special and unique ability. She is one of the best in our industry, helping grow awareness and confidence for the next generation of skilled trade professionals.
–Program Director Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario
Very happy with the session! Her ability to help people overcome hesitation and gain the ability and confidence to see themselves in careers in the skilled trades is a very special and unique ability. She is one of the best in our industry, helping grow awareness and confidence for the next generation of skilled trade professionals.
–Program Director Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario
It was absolutely wonderful, she was a pleasure to work with!
–Rocky Chamber, Rocky Mountain House, AB
Thank-you to Jamie for sharing her journey with our delegates, apprentices, and guests at our annual Ontario Sheet Metal Workers and Roofers Convention. It was very well received and gave us a lot to contemplate as we try to be a more diverse and inclusive Union. I would recommend her to speak in front of any labour or management group.
–Ontario Sheet Metal Workers' & Roofers' Conference