Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government will continue the Level Up! career fairs this fall, promoting skilled trades opportunities. The first open house was held in Grafton on Sept. 17.
The annual multi-day events introduce students, teachers and jobseekers to in-demand careers in the skilled trades through open house sessions and interactive exhibitors.
Building on last year’s success, the fairs will run 29 days in 12 communities, with more than 50,000 people expected to attend.
“Ontario’s greatest strength is our skilled, world-class workforce,” said Labour Minister David Piccini. “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! career fairs will showcase dozens of Ontario’s 144 skilled trades – from electricians and boilermakers to heavy equipment operators and automotive service technicians. Students in grades 7 to 12, their parents and jobseekers will be able to explore these careers through dynamic exhibits, hands-on demonstrations and direct conversations with tradespeople and employers.
2025 Schedule:
- Barrie: October 1, Essa Agriplex, 7505 10th Line
- Sudbury: October 8, Sudbury Community Arena, 240 Elgin St.
- Timmins: October 15, Northern College (Timmins Campus), 4715 Highway 101 E., South Porcupine
- Thunder Bay: October 22, Canadian Lakehead Exhibition, 425 Northern Ave.
- Windsor: October 29, Event Centre at LaSalle Landing, 970 Front Rd., LaSalle
- Hamilton: November 5, Ancaster Fairgrounds, 630 Trinity Road S., Jerseyville
- London: November 12, J-AAR Expo Centre Pavilion, 316 Rectory St.
- Oshawa: November 19, Tribute Communities Centre, 99 Athol St. E.
- Mississauga: November 26–27, The International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd.
- Kingston: December 2, Slush Puppie Place, 1 The Tragically Hip Way
- Ottawa: December 11, EY Centre, 4899 Uplands Dr.
“Building a strong and resilient workforce starts with giving young people real exposure to the skilled trades. The Level Up! career fairs make that possible by connecting students and job seekers directly with tradespeople and employers,” said Candice White, CEO of Skilled Trades Ontario. “We’re proud to work alongside the Ontario government to deliver these fairs, which are opening doors for thousands of young people to discover rewarding careers in the skilled trades — and building the workforce Ontario needs for the future.”
Last year, more than 45,000 students, parents and teachers attended the fairs.