Ontario Expands Skilled Trades Career Fairs for Students

The Ontario government is expanding its Level Up! skilled trades career fairs to introduce over 35,000 students to careers in the skilled trades. This initiative will take place in 15 cities across the province, including Barrie, Cobourg, Cornwall, Kitchener, Niagara Falls, North Bay, and South Porcupine (near Timmins). The first fair is scheduled for September 12 in Cobourg and will continue until November 28, 2024.

The Level Up! Career Fairs aim to provide students in grades 7 to 12, as well as parents and young job seekers, with hands-on exposure to various skilled trades. The fairs will feature interactive exhibits and opportunities to learn directly from tradespeople and local employers. In the previous year, approximately 30,680 participants attended these fairs.

David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, stated that the expansion of these career fairs will allow more students to explore in-demand careers in the trades. The initiative is part of a broader government effort to enhance workforce development in Ontario, particularly in response to the anticipated retirement of many experienced tradespeople.

Additionally, the government has made it mandatory for students to earn at least one technological education credit in grades 9 or 10 to graduate. This is intended to increase awareness of the skilled trades as a viable career path among students. The Level Up! Career Fairs are supported by the Skills Development Fund, which has assisted nearly 600,000 individuals in training for in-demand careers in various sectors, including construction and manufacturing.