Over 1,300 Students Explore Skilled Trades at Career Fair

The Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair held at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition grounds attracted over 1,300 students from grades seven to twelve this week. This event aimed to provide students with a hands-on introduction to in-demand skilled trades that are essential to Ontario’s economic growth and future workforce. The fair is part of a provincial initiative by the Ontario government, which hosts a total of 12 fairs across the province.

Interactive Experiences Highlight Career Opportunities

More than 25 organizations showcased interactive exhibits featuring real equipment used in various job sites. Brandon Crandall, supervisor of stakeholder relations and outreach for Skilled Trades Ontario, noted that this is the fourth iteration of the fair in Thunder Bay. He expressed enthusiasm about the fair’s success, stating, “It’s been massively successful. We get to interact with students who maybe haven’t thought about the skilled trades as a viable career option in the past.”

Crandall emphasized that many students reported enjoying their time at the event. They left with new perspectives on potential career paths, including apprenticeships and further education in trades. He highlighted the unique opportunities available in Northern Ontario, stating, “There’s certainly a shortage of skilled workers here in the North, and there’s always a huge demand.”

He explained that the trades offer job availability that might not be found in southern cities, making it a promising avenue for students interested in pursuing these careers. “Up here in the North, it’s wide open, and kids do have the opportunity to get into trades careers that might not otherwise be available,” he added.

Encouraging Future Generations in Skilled Trades

Training in skilled trades typically involves a combination of on-the-job experience and classroom instruction, with approximately 75 percent of training occurring on the job and 15 to 20 percent in classroom settings. Crandall pointed out that these careers are not only in high demand but also well-paying, making them an attractive option for students.

Pia Kangasaho, an eighth-grade student from C.D. Howe, expressed her aspirations of becoming a mechanic or a welder. “This really appeals to me,” she said. “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 of this year, more than 50,000 students are expected to attend the Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fairs across Ontario. David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, commented on the initiative, stating, “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 are helping thousands of young people discover good-paying careers in the trades.”

The Level Up! initiative aligns with the Ontario government’s broader strategy to strengthen the province’s workforce by inspiring the next generation to consider careers in skilled trades. By connecting students with hands-on experiences and industry professionals, the fair aims to cultivate a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of Ontario’s economy.