Ontario Introducing Over 35,000 Students to Careers in Skilled Trades

“Last year, we doubled our Level Up! Career Fairs, giving thousands of students, parents and teachers a glimpse into the rewarding careers in the skilled trades – and this year, our Level Up! Career Fairs are bigger than ever,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “By expanding these career fairs to seven new cities across the province, we will be able to give over 35,000 students the chance to learn about the most cutting-edge, in-demand careers in the country, with interactive exhibits that offer safe, hands-on learning opportunities. I invite everyone to visit our career fairs, learn about the trades and help us build a better future.”

Level Up! is a series of dynamic, multi-day career fairs highlighting the 144 skilled trades, including automotive service technicians, boilermakers, and carpenters. Over 35,000 students in grades 7 to 12, as well as parents and young jobseekers, will have the opportunity to learn about these trades through interactive exhibitions and safe, hands-on activities while hearing directly from tradespeople and local employers. The first fair kicks off on September 12 in Cobourg and will continue over the next 12 weeks in communities across the province.

“Over six decades ago, my grandparents started a local plumbing business in my hometown, and I saw firsthand how fulfilling and in-demand the skilled trades are,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Education. “For too long, not enough young people were getting the hands-on learning and exposure to the skilled trades — but thanks to events like Level Up! fairs and the work of our government, that is no longer the case. We’ve made it mandatory for all students to earn at least one Grade 9 or 10 technological education credit to graduate. We’re increasing pathways to apprenticeship with our new Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program – Focused Apprenticeship Skills Training program for senior high school students. I’m committed to make sure Ontario’s students know the skilled trades offer a viable and fantastic career path.”

The Level Up! Career Fairs are a part of the government’s plan to grow Ontario’s workforce by encouraging the next generation to start careers in the skilled trades and ensuring workers have the training and skills to build Ontario’s bright future. That includes the successful Skills Development Fund (SDF) which, in partnership with local employers and labour organizations, has helped nearly 600,000 people train or up-skill for in-demand careers in their community, including construction, manufacturing, and technology.

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