The Ontario government has kicked off its fifth annual Level Up! skilled trades career fairs, aiming to introduce students, families and jobseekers across the province to in-demand careers in the skilled trades.
Through multi-day events planned in 12 communities, the 2026 fairs are expected to reach more than 60,000 people and will include open house sessions and interactive exhibitions showcasing dozens of Ontario’s 144 skilled trades.
“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.”
The first open house took place Tuesday in Cobourg. All open houses are free and run from 3 to 7:30 p.m., with upcoming stops in Kingston on Sept. 29, Barrie on Oct. 6, Timmins on Oct. 14, Thunder Bay on Oct. 21, Sudbury on Oct. 28, Hamilton on Nov. 3, Windsor on Nov. 11, London on Nov. 17, Ottawa on Nov. 24, Oshawa on Dec. 1 and Mississauga on Dec. 8.
Ontario now has more than 94,000 active apprentices, the highest number in more than a decade. By 2035, about one in six job openings in Ontario is expected to be in a skilled trades-related occupation.
“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,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education.
More than 58,000 people attended Level Up! career fairs in 2025, and since 2022, over 140,000 people have attended the fairs, with total attendance expected to surpass 200,000 by the end of 2026.
