Ontario is launching the fifth year of its Level Up! skilled trades career fairs, with more than 60,000 students, families and jobseekers expected to participate in events across 12 communities as the province looks to strengthen its pipeline of workers for construction, infrastructure and other high-demand sectors.
The 2026 program began in Cobourg on September 23 and will continue through December, combining career fairs, community open houses and interactive demonstrations designed to introduce participants to apprenticeship programs and employment opportunities across Ontario’s 144 skilled trades.
Ontario Targets Growing Demand for Skilled Trades Workers
The province says more than 400,000 workers will be needed to fill skilled trades-related job openings over the next decade. By 2035, approximately one in six job openings in Ontario is expected to be connected to a skilled trades occupation.
“Parents and families play an important role in helping young people make decisions about their future, and we want them to see firsthand the opportunities available in the skilled trades,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “With more than 400,000 workers needed to fill skilled trades-related job openings over the next decade, Level Up! is helping connect the next generation with employers, training opportunities and rewarding careers that will help build Ontario.”
Level Up! events feature hands-on demonstrations and exhibits, along with opportunities to speak directly with employers, unions, tradespeople and training providers. The community open houses are free and are intended to help students and their families understand apprenticeship pathways and training requirements.
Career Fairs Scheduled Across 12 Ontario Communities
Following the opening event in Cobourg, Level Up! open houses are scheduled for Kingston on September 29, Barrie on October 6, Timmins on October 14, Thunder Bay on October 21 and Sudbury on October 28.
The program will then move to Hamilton on November 3, Windsor on November 11, London on November 17, Ottawa on November 24, Oshawa on December 1 and Mississauga on December 8. Community open houses run from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
More than 58,000 people attended Level Up! events in 2025. Since the initiative began in 2022, attendance has surpassed 140,000, with cumulative participation expected to exceed 200,000 by the end of 2026.
Apprenticeship Numbers Reach Decade High
Ontario currently has more than 94,000 active apprentices, which the province says is its highest level in more than a decade. At the same time, retirements among experienced tradespeople and continued infrastructure development are increasing demand for new workers.
Provincial estimates indicate Ontario will require approximately 8,500 electricians, 7,200 millwrights, 6,300 welders and 850 ironworkers during the next decade to support infrastructure, energy projects and broader economic growth.
“Every student deserves the chance to discover a career that matches their interests and strengths. Level Up! gives students and their families a chance to try new things, get hands-on experience and see where a career in the skilled trades can take them. By connecting young people with these real-world opportunities, our government is helping them make informed choices about what comes next,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education.
Province Expands Training and Education Capacity
Level Up! forms part of a broader provincial effort to engage 500,000 young people in skilled trades by 2030. Other initiatives include the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program, the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program and Trade and Tech Trucks.
Ontario has also opened its 2026-2027 call for proposals for the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program, with up to $21 million available for new training projects. Eligible organizations can submit proposals through October 27.
The province previously committed $75 million through Budget 2025 to train as many as 7,800 additional students for in-demand occupations, including construction and urban planning. A separate $1.7-billion investment announced in May is intended to support 70,000 additional seats in high-demand programs at publicly assisted colleges and universities.
“As Level Up! marks its fifth year, Skilled Trades Ontario is proud to continue partnering with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to help young people and their families explore opportunities across Ontario’s skilled trades. By giving students hands-on experience and direct access to tradespeople, employers, unions and training providers, these events help turn interest into a clear pathway toward apprenticeship. Together, we are helping more Ontarians start, progress and build rewarding careers in the skilled trades,” said Candice White, CEO and Registrar of Skilled Trades Ontario.
With Ontario pursuing a $236-billion infrastructure plan, the province is positioning skilled trades recruitment and training as an important part of meeting future labour requirements while connecting younger workers with apprenticeship and long-term career opportunities.