College of the North Atlantic (CNA) is proud to announce that five of their students received the 2025 Trades and Technology Scholarship for Women. Presented by Equiforce in partnership with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, the award highlights the importance of women in trades and technology-based careers.
As the world marks International Women’s Day on March 8, CNA is proud to celebrate these five outstanding students. Representing programs where women have traditionally been underrepresented, these students are breaking barriers and building meaningful careers in skilled trades and technology fields.
One scholarship went to Stephanie Moyst, a Carpentry student at CNA’s Carbonear campus, she feels that you should never let fear hold you back.
“I got scared and doubted myself like so many women do,” she said. “At 54 years of age, I’ve decided to make the leap into a trade that I have dabbled in personally for most of my adult life. I wanted to do it last year but then employment in a field I know, was confident in, presented itself. I had taken the easy way out because doubt and fear lived in my head.”
Eventually, Moyst left her job and knew it was time for her to make her move.
“Ironically, I got laid off from that job and I knew I had to do what in my heart I wanted,” she explained.
After leaving an abusive relationship, she spent the next 20 years raising three kids and working multiple jobs to pay the bills.
“It was never the right time to go back to school and have a career again. I’m tired of the struggle. I’m tired of making profits for other people and corporations,” she said. “Now I feel is the time for me. To actually create my own path on my terms doing something I’m passionate about.”
Her love for working with her hands and her determination to make her own path led her to pursue carpentry.
“Being on my own, I have had to fix things over the years, and I have loved recreating small furniture and décor with reclaimed wood. I now live in a registered heritage home owned by my family, and I thoroughly enjoy working on it and the constant upkeep,” she said. “One of my sons when he was a toddler, said he had a mommy that was a daddy too as I owned a toolbox!”
Moyst hopes her courage will inspire the younger generation.
“I am a proud Mom of three kids, two of which are in the trades, and one granddaughter. She is only five years old, but I want to set an example to her and all young girls that you should live without fear and doubt,” she said. “If you believe you can achieve something, do the work and go for it! The only obstacle in front of us is ourselves.”
Moyst said the scholarship is a huge help, allowing her to purchase some tools for her trade and pay some bills.
“You’re never too old to learn. You’re never too old to pursue a trade. The economy is such that, as a single parent, I am still responsible for the household bills, car expenses, etc.,” she said. “This scholarship will allow me to finally invest in myself and take some of the stress of tuition and bills off my shoulders so I can concentrate fully on becoming a well trained, educated and skilled carpenter.”
Moyst is also the recipient of the Southcott Award from Historic Trust NL, an honour that recognizes exceptional accomplishments in heritage restoration.
Award winning women
Amber Michelin-Jones, is a Heavy-Duty Equipment Technician student at CNA’s Happy Valley-Goose Bay campus.
“When I found out I’d be getting a scholarship I was over the moon,” she said. “I immediately called my entire family to let them know, it was the first time I’ve ever won a scholarship. Receiving the scholarship is helping me prep for the future once I am done college. My plans for the future are graduating college, securing a job that I love being at and continuing on with my blocks and eventually getting my journeypersons.”
She emphasized the importance of women being in trades.
“I want people, especially women, to know that even if it might feel like it’s too late to go to school. It might seem scary but it’s so worth it,” she said. “I think for women as well, it’s intimidating to get into trades because they are pretty well male dominated, but in my experience it’s so empowering to be in class with these guys and working side by side with them. It makes me excited to get out and join the workforce.”
Cassidy Molloy, Construction/ Industrial Electrician at the Seal Cove campus is also celebrating.
“Honestly, the immediate feeling was relief. I live on my own and with the cost of living so high having that extra financial support really took a lot of stress of my plate,” she said. “It really helped me to focus on my studies, without worrying about all my bills.”
Also celebrating their scholarship is Breigha Humber Coles, Civil Engineering Technology, Corner Brook campus, and Faith LeDrew, Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, Bay St. George campus.
For more information about the programming at CNA visit, www.cna.nl.ca/programs-courses/program-guide.
