The Ontario government's effort to get more students interested in careers in the skilled trades is coming to Windsor in October and London in November.
Premier Doug Ford, flanked by Education Minister Stephen Lecce and Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, Minister Monte McNaughton, announced Thursday morning his government is expanding the number of career fairs across the province.
Level Up! is a multi-day career fair showcasing the 144 skilled trades, from electrician to boilermaker.
Students in grades 7 to 12 are invited to the Windsor career fair on October 25 and 26. The fair in London is on November 1 and 2.
"We are seizing the opportunity to inspire students with hands-on learning in the skilled trades and increasing pathways to apprenticeship," said Lecce.
The government also announced another $24-million through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant program to help training schools upgrade their facilities and equipment.
Last year, 12,800 students attended the first career fairs, and apprenticeship registration increased 24 per cent.
Students interested in attending the fair can talk to their school board's Ontario Youth Apprenticeship recruiter, a teacher, or a guidance counsellor.
"There are lucrative and purpose-driven careers waiting in the skilled trades where you can help build our province," said McNaughton. "We are giving more students the opportunity to learn about the life-changing careers in the skilled trades that come with defined pensions and benefits."
Ontario is sorely lacking skilled trades professionals. Estimates suggest the province will need 100,000 new ones over the next decade. By 2025, one in five unfilled positions will be in those jobs.
