Skilled Trades Ontario will once again be hosting a series of career fairs this fall for students in Grades 7 to 12 across the North.
Over two days, students participating in Level Up! career fairs will have access to interactive exhibitions, hands-on activities, and presentations from tradespeople and local employers showcasing the 144 skilled trades. This marks the fourth year for the initiative.
The idea is to encourage youth to consider careers in the skilled trades. The province estimates one in five new job openings in Ontario will be in skilled trades-related occupations by 2028.
"Building a strong and resilient workforce starts with giving young people real exposure to the skilled trades. The Level Up! career fairs make that possible by connecting students and job seekers directly with tradespeople and employers,” Candice White, CEO of Skilled Trades Ontario, said in a Sept. 11 news release.
“We’re proud to work alongside the Ontario government to deliver these fairs, which are opening doors for thousands of young people to discover rewarding careers in the skilled trades — and building the workforce Ontario needs for the future."
Three career fairs will take place in Northern Ontario. They include:
- Sudbury: Oct. 8–9 at the Sudbury Community Arena;
- Timmins: Oct. 15–16 at Northern College (Timmins campus); and
- Thunder Bay: Oct. 22–23 at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition.
Level Up! career fairs are taking place in 12 communities across Ontario this fall, with more than 50,000 people expected to attend.
Students interested in attending can contact their school board’s Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) recruiter, a teacher or school guidance counsellor to register.
