The Ontario government is expanding its annual Level Up! career fairs to introduce a record number of students, educators and jobseekers to in-demand careers in the skilled trades.
Through multi-day events, open house sessions and more than 200 interactive exhibitors, the 2025 fairs aim to inspire the next generation of workers to build homes, highways, hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure across the province.
“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.”
The fairs have grown from 21 to 29 days in 12 communities, with more than 50,000 people expected to attend. They will take place between September 17 and December 12 in Grafton, Barrie, Sudbury, Timmins, Thunder Bay, Windsor, Hamilton, London, Oshawa, Mississauga, Kingston and Ottawa.
The events will showcase dozens of Ontario’s 144 skilled trades, from electricians and boilermakers to heavy equipment operators and automotive service technicians. Students in grades 7 to 12, their parents and jobseekers will be able to explore careers through hands-on demonstrations, dynamic exhibits and conversations with tradespeople and employers.
“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.”
With one in three tradespeople nearing retirement and demand for new workers rising, the government says the fairs will help raise awareness and spark interest in stable, well-paid careers. This year, 16,412 youth aged 15 to 24 registered for apprenticeships — the highest in the last decade.
Candice White, CEO of Skilled Trades Ontario, said the initiative is giving young people the kind of access they need. “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.”
Since 2021, the Ontario government has invested $1.5 billion through the Skills Development Fund to train more than one million workers for in-demand jobs. The 2025 budget included nearly $1 billion more over three years, bringing the total to $2.5 billion to support key industrial sectors and expand access to trades careers.
