Ontario’s annual Level Up! career fair could see more stops in northwestern Ontario in the future.
This year, the fair only made one stop in the region, visiting Thunder Bay on Wednesday and Thursday.
“Further conversation in regards to further expansion in the north in the years to come, whether that’s next year or the subsequent year, I would like to see that happening,” said Skilled Trades Ontario CEO Candice White.
“Skilled Trades Ontario will be tabling that with the organizing folks that are around the table, and hopefully we are able to see a further presence in the north next year.”
The fair showcases dozens of Ontario’s 144 skilled trades from electricians and boilermakers to heavy equipment operators and automotive service technicians.
There is also an open house portion of the event to give parents an opportunity to learn more about potential careers for their kids.
According to the province, roughly one in three tradespeople are nearing retirement, and there is a growing demand for nation-building projects.
“It was very important to the organizers, the minister’s office, the ministry, and Skilled Trades Ontario to ensure that we have a strong presence in the north,” added White.
“To ensure that we are able to assist the youth and the employers to make those meaningful connections for the pipeline of a skilled workforce for years to come.”
