This year, over 35,000 students from grades 7 to 12 will have the opportunity to explore more than 140 skilled trades through the Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fairs taking place between Sept. 12 to Nov. 28.
And for the first time a fair will be held in the Niagara region, on Nov. 20 and 21.
Attendees will experience hands-on activities and interactive exhibitions while hearing directly from tradespeople and local employers, according to a release from the office David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Now in its third year, the fair will visit 15 communities across Ontario. The fair is returning to London, Mississauga, Oshawa, Ottawa, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury and Thunder Bay.
Additionally, it is expanding to seven new communities, bringing fairs to Barrie, Cobourg, Cornwall, Kitchener, Niagara Falls, North Bay and South Porcupine.
Organizers say this year’s fair will feature an expanded list of exhibitors, participating students, families, and job seekers.
"Featuring more than 150 overall exhibitors across 15 events, each career fair will offer an enhanced experience, with a focus on helping students take the first step in their journey toward a potential career in the skilled trades," according to a spokesperson.
Each fair will feature:
- Safety in the construction, industrial, service and manufacturing trades.
- Trainers and employers on site to provide information and opportunities for interactive and hands-on activities.
The fairs are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to promote skilled trades and connect youth with career opportunities. The Level Up! fairs are also designed to address the growing demand for skilled trades across Ontario and recognize the importance of engaging students at a young age and showing them the diverse opportunities available in the skilled trades.
Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair Dates:
- Cobourg – Sept. 12
- Barrie – Sept. 17
- Kitchener – Sept. 19
- Sault Ste. Marie – Sept. 24
- Thunder Bay – Sept. 26
- Sudbury – Oct. 2
- South Porcupine – Oct. 4
- Cornwall – Oct. 8
- Ottawa – Oct. 11 and 12
- North Bay – Oct. 16
- Oshawa – Oct. 22 to 24
- LaSalle – Oct. 29
- London – Nov. 12 and 13
- Niagara Falls – Nov. 20 and 21
- Mississauga – Nov. 26 to 28
