Shannon Tymosko | Lady.Voltz
Shannon Tymosko is a passionate Child and Youth Worker turned Electrical Apprentice and Skilled Trades Ambassador. Although her background is in the trades, she has developed a strong interest in EdTech. She is dedicated to promoting alternative career paths and making education more accessible. Through her work, she bridges the gap between traditional education and the skilled trades by highlighting the benefits of apprenticeships and technical training. She also conducts interactive electrical workshops in high schools, providing students with hands-on experience and inspiring the next generation of tradespeople. She is eager to connect with like-minded individuals and explore innovative ways to promote STEM education and skilled trades development. At EliteX, we are proud to have Shannon Tymosko as part of the edition: Transformational Women in EdTech, 2025.
Her journey into EdTech was shaped by her experiences as an Electrical Apprentice. However, her passion for teaching and mentoring began earlier when she was a student in the Child and Youth Worker program. She enjoyed working with young people, helping them navigate challenges, and seeing them grow. Though she eventually transitioned into the trades, her love for teaching never faded. Promoting apprenticeships and skilled trades education allows her to merge her two passions, empowering young people and making a meaningful impact on their career paths. She finds great fulfillment in seeing students excited when they discover the possibilities available through apprenticeships.
“By fostering diversity and inclusion in EdTech, we can create a more equitable and inspiring education system for all.”
She became involved with technology and education through networking, volunteering, and participating in career fairs and events. As an Electrical Apprentice and Skilled Trades Ambassador, she has connected with educators, EdTech professionals, and others who share her passion for STEM education and skilled trades development. Volunteering at events has allowed her to share her story, offer guidance, and encourage students and parents to consider alternative career paths. Through these experiences, she has gained insight into the EdTech landscape and explored how technology can be leveraged to promote skilled trades education. By building connections with school boards, non-profits, and organizations, she has created opportunities for collaboration and learning.
One of the biggest challenges she has faced in her career is being a woman in a male-dominated industry. Finding employment and being taken seriously has sometimes been difficult. At one point, she removed identifying information from her resume to avoid bias, which unexpectedly helped her land a job. She has also struggled to find properly fitting work essentials such as gloves and boots. Perhaps most challenging has been the difficulty of finding mentors who understand the unique struggles women face in the trades. However, she has persevered and sought out supportive networks and mentors who believe in her abilities. By sharing her experiences, she hopes to help other women succeed in the industry.
Technology plays a crucial role in education today because it provides access to vast amounts of information, resources, and learning opportunities. It enables personalized learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace and in ways that suit their learning styles. It also enhances collaboration and communication between students, teachers, and peers. In skilled trades education, technology is particularly valuable because it helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice. Simulation-based learning, virtual labs, and interactive tools give students the opportunity to develop practical skills in a safe environment. Virtual and augmented reality can also create immersive learning experiences that simulate real-world scenarios. These innovations increase student engagement and prepare learners for success in an interconnected and evolving world.
Over the years, she has witnessed significant changes in the EdTech industry. Traditional teaching tools like chalkboards and projectors have been replaced by smart screens, laptops, and digital portals. These advancements have improved communication, expanded access to information, and allowed for more personalized learning pathways. As someone passionate about skilled trades education, she is excited to see how EdTech can help address the growing skills gap in this field.
“Technology bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice, enhancing learning in skilled trades education.”
A major inspiration in her career came from a time when she was feeling unfulfilled in the lending industry. She was stressed and lacked passion for her work. That changed when a close friend asked her to help with home renovations. She participated in various aspects of the project, including framing, electrical work, and finishing touches. The sense of accomplishment she felt upon completing the project was overwhelming. She realized that working with her hands and bringing projects to life gave her joy and fulfillment. That moment sparked a career transformation, and she has never looked back. Pursuing a career in the skilled trades has been incredibly rewarding, and she is grateful for the turning point that led her to her true passion.
One project that is particularly meaningful to her is the completion of unfinished electrical work in her stepfather’s home after his passing in 2020. A specific project that stands out was finishing a 3-way switch installation he had started but never completed. It was an emotional experience, as it felt like a final opportunity to work alongside him in spirit. Completing the project was not only a technical achievement but also a deeply personal one. It allowed her to honor his memory and feel connected to him in a special way. She is incredibly proud of that moment and treasures the experience.
Women remain underrepresented in the skilled trades, and EdTech offers a unique opportunity to address this disparity. By developing and promoting educational resources, tools, and programs tailored to women’s interests and learning styles, more women can be encouraged to pursue careers in STEM and skilled trades. Women in EdTech can also play a key role in mentoring and supporting the next generation of female leaders in these fields. By sharing their experiences, they can help foster a more inclusive and diverse community. Ultimately, the greatest opportunity for women in EdTech is to make a lasting impact on students, educators, and industry professionals while shaping a more equitable STEM ecosystem.
Balancing work in EdTech with personal life can be challenging, but she prioritizes activities that bring her joy, such as spending time with loved ones, practicing yoga, and working on personal projects. She also focuses on maintaining a healthy work-life balance by setting goals, practicing self-care, and making time for nature and friendships. For young women interested in pursuing a career in EdTech, she offers valuable advice: be curious and open-minded, stay true to personal passions, build a strong network, seek out mentors, and embrace challenges with confidence. She emphasizes that unique perspectives are essential in EdTech and encourages young women to believe in themselves and stay committed to their goals. Diversity and inclusion play a crucial role in shaping the future of EdTech. By prioritizing these values, the industry can create learning experiences that cater to diverse student populations. This approach makes education more equitable, effective, and accessible to all learners, ultimately driving innovation and improving outcomes.
“Promoting apprenticeships allows me to merge my passions, empowering young people and making a meaningful impact on their careers.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to see continued advancements in EdTech that make learning more inclusive and impactful. She plans to contribute by advocating for skilled trades education, developing innovative learning resources, and collaborating with educators, industry experts, and technologists. She is committed to sharing best practices and identifying opportunities for growth. By hosting workshops and training sessions, she aims to support educators in integrating technology into their classrooms and promoting skilled trades education. Through collaboration and innovation, she believes EdTech has the power to transform education for the better.