The Ontario government is again delivering its Level Up! career fairs this fall.

The aim of the multi-day fairs is to introduce students, educators and jobseekers to in-demand careers in the skilled trades through open house sessions and interactive exhibitors.

Building on last year’s success, the fairs have expanded from 21 to 29 days in 12 communities, with over 50,000 people expected to attend.

“Ontario’s greatest strength is our skilled, world-class workforce,” said Labour Minister David Piccini. “That’s why our government is investing in training and career opportunities like the Level Up! career fairs that are helping thousands of young people discover good-paying careers in the trades.”

The Level Up! career fairs will showcase dozens of Ontario’s 144 skilled trades – from electricians and boilermakers to heavy equipment operators and automotive service technicians. Students in grades 7 to 12, their parents and jobseekers will be able to explore these careers through dynamic exhibits, hands-on demonstrations and direct conversations with tradespeople and employers.

Career fairs are taking place across 12 communities for a total of 29 days this fall:

Barrie: October 1–2

Sudbury: October 8–9

Timmins: October 15–16

Thunder Bay: October 22–23

Windsor: October 29–30

Hamilton: November 5–6

London: November 11–13

Oshawa: November 18–20

Mississauga: November 25–28

Kingston: December 2–3

Ottawa: December 10–12

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.

"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,” said Candice White, CEO of Skilled Trades Ontario. “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."

With roughly one in three tradespeople nearing retirement – and one in five new job openings anticipated to be in the skilled trades-related occupations by 2028 – the province says the career fairs will help raise awareness and spark interest in good-paying, in-demand careers.

Last year, nearly 45,000 students, parents, friends, and teachers visited the fairs.