Shannon Tymosko – Inspiring New Paths in Education and Skilled Trades

Shannon Tymosko’s journey reflects determination, adaptability, and a strong commitment to helping others grow. At 37, she is a fourth-year electrical apprentice with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 105 in Hamilton, Ontario. Alongside her work in the skilled trades, she is also a mentor, speaker, and advocate who is passionate about reshaping how people view education and career pathways. Her story shows that learning does not only happen in classrooms – it can take place on job sites, in workshops, and through real-life experiences. We at CIO Global, are proud to introduce Shannon Tymosko as one of the Visionary Women Shaping the Future of Education, 2026.

Her professional path did not begin in the trades. Shannon first completed a diploma in Child and Youth Work at Humber College. After graduating, she worked at Youth Without Shelter, a homeless shelter that supports young people between the ages of 16 and 24. During her time there, she served in several roles, including housing worker, frontline staff member, program coordinator, and even chef. What she valued most during those years was the opportunity to help young people gain confidence and develop life skills. Supporting them as they worked toward stability and independence left a lasting impression on her and shaped her belief in the power of guidance and mentorship.

True education happens when people gain the confidence to build and create.

Alongside this work, Shannon also developed a career in the financial sector. Over time, she moved into leadership positions that involved employee development and training. She eventually became a Training Coordinator and Auditor, where she designed and delivered training programs for staff members. In this role, she discovered how much she enjoyed teaching and supporting others in their professional growth. Helping people build their skills and confidence became one of the most rewarding parts of her career.

At the age of 29, Shannon made a bold decision that would change the direction of her professional life. She chose to leave her established career and pursue a path in the skilled trades. Through a pre-apprenticeship program at the YWCA in Hamilton, she was introduced to electrical work. The experience opened her eyes to a field that combined technical skill, problem solving, and hands-on creativity. Soon after, she became an apprentice with IBEW Local 105.

Starting a new career later in life came with its challenges. Apprenticeships allow individuals to earn while they learn, but the starting wages can be a significant adjustment for someone who has already built a stable career. Entering an industry where women are still underrepresented also required resilience and confidence. Shannon faced moments of uncertainty, but she remained focused on learning, building relationships, and proving her work ethic on job sites. Support from mentors and organizations that advocate for women in trades also helped her continue moving forward.

She strongly believes that education should include more recognition of hands-on learning and practical career paths. For many years, traditional education systems have promoted university as the primary measure of success. While that route is valuable for many students, Shannon believes it is not the only path to a meaningful and successful career. Skilled trades offer stable, rewarding opportunities for individuals who enjoy building, fixing, and creating. She also believes that practical life skills should play a greater role in education, as learning everyday skills can build confidence and independence.

Mentorship remains a central part of her work. Many students, women, and career changers reach out to Shannon for guidance about entering the trades. She takes pride in offering support, whether by sharing industry insights, connecting individuals with apprenticeship opportunities, or simply encouraging them when they feel uncertain. She understands that sometimes a single conversation or opportunity can change the direction of someone’s life.

Skilled trades can open doors people never knew existed.

One of the most meaningful moments in her career came when she completed an electrical project that her stepfather had started before he passed away. He had been working on a three-way light switch in his home but never had the chance to finish it. Being able to complete that project carried deep emotional meaning for Shannon. It represented not only a personal tribute to his memory but also a powerful reminder of how far she had come in developing her skills.

As a leader and mentor, Shannon describes her approach as practical, supportive, and rooted in leading by example. She believes that strong leaders earn trust by showing up consistently, putting in the work, and supporting those around them. Respect, honesty, and accountability guide how she interacts with colleagues and apprentices.

Shannon also believes that women leaders play an important role in shaping the future of education and industry. Representation matters, especially in fields where women have historically been underrepresented. When young women see others succeeding in these spaces, it expands their understanding of what is possible. By sharing their experiences and supporting each other, women can help create more inclusive and innovative environments.

Looking ahead, Shannon plans to complete her apprenticeship and obtain her electrical license while continuing to advocate for skilled trades education. She hopes to expand her workshops and speaking engagements so that more students, educators, and communities can learn about the opportunities available in the trades. At the same time, she hopes to build a fulfilling personal life that balances meaningful work with family and the experiences that matter most.

Her journey demonstrates that success does not always follow a straight path. Through perseverance, mentorship, and a willingness to explore new possibilities, Shannon Tymosko continues to inspire others to pursue careers that allow them not only to work, but to thrive.