Ontario Hosts Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair for Students

The Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition grounds in Thunder Bay attracted over 1,300 students from grades seven to twelve this week. This event provided participants with a hands-on introduction to high-demand careers in the skilled trades, which are crucial for Ontario’s economic growth and future workforce. The fair is part of a province-wide initiative by the Ontario government and is one of 12 events being held across the province.

Engaging Students in Skilled Trades

More than 25 organizations showcased interactive exhibits equipped with tools and equipment used in various job sites. According to Brandon Crandall, a supervisor of stakeholder relations and outreach for Skilled Trades Ontario, this marks the fourth time the fair has been held in Thunder Bay. “It’s been massively successful,” Crandall stated. “We get to interact with students who may not have considered skilled trades as a viable career option previously.”

Students expressed enthusiasm about navigating the interactive displays, which prompted them to think seriously about their future career paths. Crandall noted that many students are now contemplating apprenticeships or further education in the trades sector. He emphasized that northern Ontario offers unique opportunities not found in southern regions, stating, “There’s certainly a shortage of skilled workers here in the North, and there’s always a huge demand.”

He explained that job availability in the North often surpasses what is accessible in southern Ontario. “Up here in the North, it’s wide open. Kids can pursue trades careers that might not otherwise be available, because of the North’s uniquely dynamic landscape,” Crandall added.

Apprenticeships and Career Opportunities

The apprenticeship model, where approximately 75 percent of training occurs on the job and 15 to 20 percent involves classroom learning, was highlighted as a significant advantage for aspiring tradespeople. “These are well-paying, in-demand careers, and the options are open and worth considering,” Crandall stated.

Among the participants was Pia Kangasaho, an eighth-grade student at C.D. Howe, who aspires to become a mechanic or a welder. “This really appeals to me,” she said, adding that she can envision herself pursuing an apprenticeship. “My dad is a mechanic, and he’s just really inspired me. That’s why I want to do this, because I’ll get to help him do stuff, and it’s really fun.”

Between September and December 2023, more than 50,000 students are expected to visit Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fairs across Ontario. David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, remarked, “Ontario’s greatest strength is our skilled, world-class workforce. That’s why our government is investing in training and career opportunities like the Level Up! career fairs that help thousands of young people discover good-paying careers in the trades.”

This initiative aligns with the Ontario government’s broader strategy to strengthen the workforce by motivating the next generation to pursue careers in skilled trades.