The Ontario government will host 29 days of Level Up! career fairs across 12 communities this fall, expecting to reach more than 50,000 students and jobseekers interested in skilled trades careers, according to the provincial government.
The fairs expanded from 21 days last year when nearly 45,000 people attended, according to the government. Events will run from Sept. 17 to Dec. 12 in communities including Toronto-area cities, northern Ontario locations and southwestern Ontario centres.
Record apprenticeship registration drives expansion
The expansion comes as Ontario reports 16,412 youth aged 15 to 24 registered for apprenticeships this year, the highest number in the past decade, according to the government. One in three tradespeople are approaching retirement while demand grows for infrastructure projects.
“Ontario’s greatest strength is our skilled, world-class workforce,” said David Piccini, minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development. “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.”
Interactive exhibits showcase 144 skilled trades
The fairs will feature over 200 interactive exhibitors showcasing dozens of Ontario’s 144 skilled trades, from electricians and boilermakers to heavy equipment operators and automotive service technicians, according to the government. Students in grades 7 to 12, parents and jobseekers can participate in hands-on demonstrations and speak directly with tradespeople and employers.
“Level Up! career fairs give students an exciting chance to step into the skilled trades, try them first-hand and connect directly with employers,” said Paul Calandra, minister of education.
Billion-dollar skills training investment
The career fairs support broader workforce development efforts that include $1.5 billion invested through the Skills Development Fund since 2021 to train more than one million workers, according to the government. Ontario plans to invest nearly $1 billion more over three years, bringing total Skills Development Fund investment to $2.5 billion.
Students interested in attending can contact their school board’s Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program recruiter, teacher or guidance counsellor to register, according to the government. One in five new job openings in Ontario will be in skilled trades-related occupations by 2028, according to government projections.
Career fair schedule:
- Grafton: Sept. 17-18
- Barrie: Oct. 1-2
- Sudbury: Oct. 8-9
- Timmins: Oct. 15-16
- Thunder Bay: Oct. 22-23
- Windsor: Oct. 29-30
- Hamilton: Nov. 5-6
- London: Nov. 11-13
- Oshawa: Nov. 18-20
- Mississauga: Nov. 25-28
- Kingston: Dec. 2-3
- Ottawa: Dec. 10-12
