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Let’s take another step into Susie’s world. 

This time the curious young girl, created by the  (MCAC) Women in Canadian Trade Contracting committee (WiCTC), is learning all about the “Marvelous World of ME,” which stands for mechanical and electrical. 

This book follows Susie’s Shed, the first in the series, along with colouring books and other interactive elements, all with the goal of tackling the labour shortage and showing that women and girls can do anything.  

“When we first imagined Susie, our goal was to show young girls – and their families – that the construction industry is an amazing place for everyone,” writes Judy-Lynn Mason, 2025 chair of WiCTC in the book’s foreword. “There’s a saying we love: ‘If you can see it, you can be it.’” 

Written by Ken Lancastle, chief operating officer of the MCAC, and illustrated by Michael Roy, this book takes Susie behind the walls of a museum project where she can see all of the different careers and elements that go into how these buildings operate.  

Best of all, her mother, a project manager, acts as her guide.  

But sometimes the world of mechanical and electrical contracting can be hard to see, as it is often covered by elaborate facades or thick walls. 

The sector is critical to everyday life, Mason points out, so it was important to illustrate that to children, parents and teachers alike.  

“Anything that goes through a pipe in your home, at the hospital, at the gas station, at the industrial plant,” is mechanical, she explains. 

“That’s our job, that’s what we do. I’m responsible for keeping your kids warm. We take running water and heat for granted in our homes and not everybody gets that. We also take for granted everything that’s around us. We’ve been born in a place that just has these things for the general public.” 

Lancastle shares a similar view about the role of the book.  

“One of the things that we are really working hard on, is really showcasing just how important the mechanical and electrical sector is,” he says. 

“It is a huge contributor to the built environment. Well over 25 per cent of the work on the construction site is going to be performed by mechanical and electrical. The stuff that happens behind the walls is just as important as the entire project.” 

In a time of severe labour shortages, focusing on the future is paramount, both Mason and Lancastle highlight. 

“We’re not the only group or sector that is out there that is saying we need more people. This demographic crisis is evident in all industries and all sectors,” Lancastle explains.  

“What we’re really trying to do is tear down some of those cultural biases that would preclude somebody from giving any thought or consideration to this as a viable career. 

“It is about the kids obviously. It’s a societal perception we’re trying to break apart.” 

Just like the first book, this one is for sale through Amazon and through the MCAC. 

As Mason notes, it’s “for curious kids, caring parents, teachers, and mentors. 

“It’s a reminder to look around at the buildings and places we use every day and 

to wonder: Who made this possible? How does it all work?”

Susie, “opens doors for conversations,” and there will be more, Mason adds, “watch for book three!” 

For more information about Susie and all of her adventures visit .