Province introduces skilled trades careers fairs for youth
The Ontario government will launch a series of careers fairs aimed at attracting young people into the skilled trades.
Called Level Up!, the career fairs begin October 25 in Mississauga, with subsequent events scheduled in London, Sudbury, Ottawa and Thunder Bay.
“Ontario is facing the largest labour shortage in a generation, which means when you have a job in the skilled trades, you have a job for life,” said Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Minister Monte McNaughton. “Our government is launching these annual career fairs so more students and parents know university isn’t the only path to success. We will continue to make historic investments to attract more young people to rewarding, lucrative and purpose-driven careers in the trades, and ensure employers can find the skilled workers they need to grow their businesses and our economy.”
The multi-day career fairs will highlight the 144 different skilled trades. Students in grades 7 to 12 will have the opportunity to participate in interactive exhibitions and hands-on activities, while hearing directly from tradespeople and local employers about careers in the industry.
According to the province, one in five new job openings in Ontario is projected to be in the skilled trades by 2025.
“We are on a mission to fill the skills gap by better connecting and ultimately inspiring Ontario students to enter these good-paying jobs that are in demand,” said Education Minister Stephen Lecce. “By placing a real emphasis on life and job skills like coding, financial literacy and budgeting, we are ensuring Ontario students graduate with a competitive advantage and land good-paying jobs."
The career fairs are open to all students, including First Nations schools and all publicly funded school boards.
The fair in Mississauga runs from October 25 to 27. Others are booked for London, on November 9 and 10; Sudbury, on November 14 and 15; Ottawa on November 22 and 23; and Thunder Bay on November 29.
Students interested in attending the career fairs are encouraged to contact their school board’s Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program recruiter, a teacher or school guidance counsellor to register.
The government also announced a change at Skilled Trades Ontario. The organization will pilot test the use of digital logbooks that will enable apprentices to electronically track their progress, instead of carrying paper books. Apprentices in 10 trades across the motive power, construction, industrial and service sectors will test the initiative.
The new solution coincides with the launch of the agency’s official logo and branding.
“At Skilled Trades Ontario, our job is to make it easier for apprentices and trades professionals to reach their goals and get the word out to more people about career opportunities right here in Ontario,” said Melissa Young, CEO and Registrar, Skilled Trades Ontario. “Digital logbooks are part of our plan to revolutionize Ontario’s apprenticeship system, while our new brand celebrates there is a skilled trade out there for every passion.”
More information on the Level Up! career fairs is available on the province’s website.