Toronto — The Ontario government is significantly expanding its annual Level Up! career fairs this fall, aiming to connect more than 50,000 students, educators and jobseekers with career opportunities in the skilled trades. The program, which showcases trades such as electricians, boilermakers, heavy equipment operators and automotive service technicians, is part of the province’s broader effort to address looming labour shortages and build a resilient workforce.
The 2025 edition of the fairs will span 29 days across 12 communities — an increase from 21 days last year — and feature more than 200 interactive exhibitors. Events will include open house sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and opportunities for students in Grades 7 to 12, along with their parents, to engage directly with tradespeople and employers.
“Ontario’s greatest strength is our skilled, world-class workforce,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “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.”
Addressing Labour Shortages
The province is positioning the fairs as a critical step in preparing for a generational shift in the labour force. Roughly one in three tradespeople in Ontario is nearing retirement, while demand for workers in construction and infrastructure continues to grow. Government officials say initiatives like Level Up! are essential to ensuring Ontario has the workforce needed to deliver housing, transportation, healthcare and education projects.
“Level Up! career fairs give students an exciting chance to step into the skilled trades, try them first-hand and connect directly with employers,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “These events help students see a clear pathway from the classroom to rewarding careers in the skilled trades that will set them up for success tomorrow. By investing in students today, we are helping them build the skills and confidence they need to succeed and contribute to Ontario’s future.”
According to provincial data, 16,412 youth aged 15 to 24 registered for apprenticeships this year, marking the highest enrolment in the past decade. The government expects the fairs to further boost awareness and participation in apprenticeship programs.
Schedule of Events
The Level Up! career fairs will run from September 17 to December 12, with stops in:
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Grafton (Sept. 17–18)
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Barrie (Oct. 1–2)
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Sudbury (Oct. 8–9)
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Timmins (Oct. 15–16)
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Thunder Bay (Oct. 22–23)
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Windsor (Oct. 29–30)
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Hamilton (Nov. 5–6)
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London (Nov. 11–13)
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Oshawa (Nov. 18–20)
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Mississauga (Nov. 25–28)
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Kingston (Dec. 2–3)
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Ottawa (Dec. 10–12)
Students interested in attending are encouraged to register through their school’s Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) recruiter, a teacher, or a guidance counsellor. The events are also open to parents and jobseekers looking to explore opportunities in the trades.
Broader Workforce Strategy
The expansion of Level Up! is part of a larger provincial strategy to shore up Ontario’s workforce amid economic headwinds, including U.S. tariffs and global uncertainty. Since 2021, the government has invested $1.5 billion through the Skills Development Fund (SDF), supporting training for more than one million workers in in-demand jobs.
As outlined in the 2025 Budget, A Plan to Protect Ontario, the province will invest nearly $1 billion more through the SDF over the next three years, bringing the total to $2.5 billion. The funding will target key industrial sectors and broaden access to skilled trades training.
“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. 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,” said a partner organization supporting the initiative.
Industry Outlook
Ontario projects that by 2028, one in five new job openings will be in skilled trades-related occupations. With an estimated 100,000 workers needed in construction alone over the next decade, industry stakeholders argue that expanding recruitment pipelines is vital to economic growth.
Last year, nearly 45,000 people attended the fairs, including students, teachers, parents and jobseekers. Organizers expect the expanded 2025 edition to surpass those figures significantly.
Organizations interested in supporting the initiative as exhibitors or sponsors are invited to contact the province at [email protected] or visit levelupontario.ca.
By ramping up both its outreach and financial commitments, the Ontario government is betting that events like Level Up! can help close the skills gap and ensure a steady supply of workers ready to take on the province’s most pressing infrastructure challenges.
