Ontario is expanding its efforts to recruit the next generation of skilled trades workers with a $2.6-million investment aimed at bringing hands-on training directly to students. The provincial government announced Wednesday that the funding will allow Skills Ontario to add two new trades and tech trucks to its existing fleet, broadening access to interactive learning at a time when employers face mounting labour shortages.
The investment, unveiled in Mississauga, comes as part of the government’s long-term workforce development strategy and its broader plan to support Ontario’s growing need for skilled trades talent. The new mobile units—essentially technologically equipped classrooms on wheels—will travel to schools and community events across the province, introducing youth to high-demand careers in construction, manufacturing, automotive trades and other sectors facing persistent vacancies.
“Ontario’s future relies on a strong, skilled workforce,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “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 currently operates four trucks; the new investment will increase the fleet to six by August 2026. The province estimates that the expansion will give an additional 75,000 young people access to the program’s hands-on stations, which feature state-of-the-art tools, simulators and interactive demonstrations. The trucks support school visits, summer camps and a broad range of community-based programming.
For Skills Ontario, the investment marks a significant expansion of its outreach capabilities. “Skills Ontario is thrilled to add two more mobile learning units to our Trades & Tech Truck program. These mobile units provide experiential opportunities inspiring young people to explore careers in the trades,” said Ian Howcroft, CEO of Skills Ontario. “We thank the Ford government and Minister Piccini for their support and leadership in promoting the trades and building the skilled workforce of the future. Together, we are changing lives and inspiring leaders through skilled trades and technologies.”
The announcement comes against the backdrop of rising demand for tradespeople across the province. Ontario currently has about 1.3 million workers employed in skilled trades-related occupations, but the government estimates that more than 400,000 additional workers will be needed over the next decade as major infrastructure projects ramp up and older workers retire.
To help meet that demand, Ontario has been steadily increasing funding for training programs. Since 2021, the province has committed $1.5 billion through the Skills Development Fund (SDF), supporting over one million workers in obtaining in-demand skills. Budget 2025 commits nearly $1 billion more over three years, bringing total SDF investments to $2.5 billion.
Provincial officials and local representatives emphasized that the hands-on nature of the tech trucks is essential to sparking student interest. Paul Calandra, Minister of Education, said the effort aligns closely with the province’s broader emphasis on connecting students with viable career pathways. “Level Up! career fairs give students an exciting chance to step into the skilled trades, try them first-hand, and connect directly with employers,” Calandra said. “By investing in students today, we are helping them build the skills and confidence they need to succeed and contribute to Ontario’s future.”
Other industry and community leaders echoed that message. Candice White, CEO of Skilled Trades Ontario, said the investment will “open the door for more young people to see the skilled trades as a real, achievable career,” noting that early exposure often leads to more apprenticeship registrations and, ultimately, more certified workers.
Local representatives from Mississauga—where the announcement was made during a Level Up! career fair—also highlighted the impact on youth engagement and regional workforce development. Deepak Anand, MPP for Mississauga-Malton, said the funding “will help inspire future talent and strengthen the skilled workforce that keeps our province moving forward.” MPPs Sheref Sabawy and Nina Tangri similarly praised the initiative’s ability to bring practical training directly to young people, especially in fast-growing communities.
Zee Hamid, Associate Solicitor General, said the investment will help ensure workforce stability in the long term. “Our government is helping to bring hands-on learning in construction, manufacturing, automotive, and technology directly to 75,000 young people—ensuring that the trades will have the skilled workforce they need into the future.”
The expansion of the tech truck program is supported through labour market agreements between the federal and provincial governments. As the demand for skilled workers intensifies across Ontario, the province is banking on early, interactive engagement to help close the skills gap and maintain the labour pipeline required for major construction and infrastructure projects in the years ahead.
