Ontario Construction News staff writer
The province is allocating $2.6 million for two new trades and technology trucks, expanding Skills Ontario’s mobile outreach fleet and increasing opportunities for youth to explore careers in the skilled trades.
Four mobile units are already in circulation. The two newest trucks, expected to be operating by August 2026, will allow Skills Ontario to reach an estimated 75,000 additional young people each year.
“Ontario’s future relies on a strong, skilled workforce,” Labour Minister David Piccini said in a government news release. “With more trades and tech trucks on the road — bringing VR learning, simulators and hands-on stations directly to Ontario’s youth — we’re inspiring the next generation and opening pathways to good-paying careers in the skilled trades.”
Skills Ontario launched its first 500-square-foot mobile skills unit at the Ontario General Contractors Association’s 13th construction symposium in April 2023. Built and stocked at a cost of about $1 million, with significant in-kind donations from construction industry partners, the 42-foot truck is wheelchair accessible and equipped with more than a dozen rotating activities.
The unit travels to schools and community events across the province and features simulators and hands-on stations that showcase a wide range of trades. Participants can try an electrical trainer with working traffic signals, attempt virtual-reality welding, operate a crane simulator, test tire-changing and power tools, or explore a 10-in-one virtual painting activity.
“Everything in here is capable of training an apprentice,” said Jennifer Green of Skills Ontario, who demonstrated the equipment during the launch.
The unit made its maiden voyage at Blue Mountain, where director of stakeholder relations Paul Clipsham showcased the activity stations before the truck’s next stop at the Toronto home show. Clipsham said the program is aimed at students of all ages, but noted parents are also an important audience.
“Parents are often a barrier to getting (kids) into the trades and we want to reach them as well,” he said. “We really want to give people a taste of the trades.”
Skills Ontario has also launched several new initiatives to generate interest in skilled trades and technology careers, including a day-in-the-life video series on its YouTube channel and a mobile app that lets users explore trade profiles, salary information and training resources. The app also includes a short assessment that suggests potential career paths.
“This is skilled trades exploration at your fingertips,” Green said. “It allows you to pick a career, find out the pay, what’s involved and find resources to explore. We will make sure you find something that you love and you can learn how to do it.”