September 6, 2023 – The Ontario government is expanding its skilled trades career fairs—now in their second year—to more cities and more exhibitors, with twice as many participating students.

“As an active participant in two Level Up! career fairs last year, Support Ontario Youth knows firsthand the vital role of this initiative […]” said Melanie Winter, executive director. “These career fairs play a crucial role in jumpstarting careers and cultivating interest in the trades, which are integral to the future prosperity of our economy.”

New cities added to the career fair roster this year include Hamilton, Windsor, Sault Ste. Marie, Oshawa, and Dryden.

“Last year’s career fairs were a phenomenal success, giving thousands of students and their families exposure to the many career opportunities in the skilled trades,” said Premier Doug Ford, adding that these expanded fairs will help attract more young people into the trades “and develop the skilled workforce our growing province needs.”

Level Up! is a series of career fairs highlighting 144 skilled trades, expected to be attended this year by over 25,000 students in grades 7 through 12 (as well as parents and jobseekers), where they will have the opportunity to learn about these trades through interactive exhibitions and hands-on activities while hearing directly from tradespeople and local employers.

“In an ever-changing global economy, we are seizing the opportunity to inspire students with hands-on learning in the skilled trades and increasing pathways to apprenticeship that better connect students to good-paying jobs,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education.

Some background…

According to the Premier’s Office, one in five (1 in 5) new job openings in Ontario will be in the skilled trades by 2025. Roughly one in three workers with an apprenticeship or trade certificate is aged 55 or over and nearing retirement.

Career fairs are taking place in 10 communities between September 19 and November 29, 2023. Visit the Level Up! site for the schedule and/or to become an exhibitor.

Grade 7 to 12 students interested in attending the career fairs are encouraged to contact their school board’s Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) recruiter, a teacher or school guidance counsellor to register.