Skilled Trades Career Fair Engages Over 50,000 Students NOW

UPDATE: The Level Up career fair, organized by Skilled Trades Ontario, is set to engage over 50,000 students this year, igniting a passion for skilled trades among youth across Sudbury and beyond. The event, recently held, is designed to provide young students with a firsthand look at rewarding careers in trades, aiming to reshape perceptions about vocational paths.

Brandon Crandall from Skilled Trades Ontario stated that the fair, backed by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, is crucial in introducing students to diverse career opportunities. “We want to change the narrative that has taken place over many years,” Crandall emphasized. “These are rewarding careers, they’re well-paying careers, and there are more options than traditional paths.”

At the fair, retired teacher Keith Dillabough, who volunteered at the event, highlighted the importance of exposing students to various trades. “It’s an opportunity for them to give a taste of trades and let them know how many options exist,” Dillabough remarked.

For many students, the hands-on experiences sparked interest. Ellora Taylor, a student contemplating a future in engineering, said, “I think all of these trades engineers have different skills in all of them.” Meanwhile, Matthew Christakos expressed his enthusiasm for mechanics, stating, “I like fixing a lot of stuff.”

The event featured more than 140 booths, showcasing colleges, apprenticeship programs, unions, and employers. Each booth provided interactive materials aimed at capturing students’ attention and interest. Michael Kamminga from the Christian Labour Association of Canada designed trading cards highlighting 26 trade professions, detailing salaries and apprenticeship lengths. “By exposing them to various trades, we can help mitigate the looming trade shortage,” Kamminga noted.

Engaging activities were abundant. Morgan Murphy from the Ontario Mining Association shared how their booth facilitated fun learning experiences. “We have activities for youth, including hands-on virtual reality safety training and drone flying,” Murphy explained. “Students are even trying on inclusive PPE.”

The Level Up initiative has already reached three cities and will continue to northern locations, including Timmins and Thunder Bay, before concluding in December 2023. Crandall affirmed the program’s mission: “We aim to inspire kids to consider rewarding careers in the skilled trades. Each location also hosts an open house for the community, allowing parents and job seekers to explore opportunities.”

As the event unfolds, it is set to reshape the future workforce by informing and inspiring students about the vast potential within skilled trades. This career fair is not just an event; it is a pivotal moment for the next generation. Share this story to spread the word about the exciting possibilities in skilled trades!