Exploring Skilled Trades: A Gateway to the Future for Young Canadians

In recent years, the skilled trades have increasingly captured the interest of young Canadians. A vivid embodiment of this trend is the Level Up! Skilled Trade Careers Fair held at the J-AAR Expo Centre Pavilion in London, Ontario. This annual event not only showcases over 140 skilled trades but also provides students from grades 7 to 12 the chance to engage in hands-on activities, connect with employers, and explore potential career pathways.

A Vibrant Showcase of Trades

Inside the expansive pavilion, the atmosphere buzzes with excitement and curiosity. Students eagerly get their hands dirty, trying their skills at various trades. In one corner, a group of girls skillfully scoop mortar and lay bricks, transforming an ordinary space into a miniature construction site. Nearby, others patiently wait to mold copper into whistles at the sheet metal station, while the sounds of hammers rhythmically punctuate the air as students build tiny homes destined to serve as temporary shelters.

Among the crowd is Daniel Friesen, a 16-year-old donning a cowboy hat and leather jacket. With a blow torch in hand and guidance from HVAC professional Kenny Gee, Daniel showcases his enthusiasm for the trades, expressing, “I like working with metal. I like working with my hands.” He dreams of a future in construction, reflecting the aspirations of many peers at the event.

Rising Interest Amidst Changing Career Landscapes

The Level Up! Skilled Trade Careers Fair was launched by the Ontario government in 2022 as a direct response to the increasing need for skilled trades workers. With many potential employees nearing retirement—estimated at over 700,000 skilled workers in Canada alone by 2028—the fair serves as a vital conduit for young Canadians to explore lucrative career opportunities.

This year’s event saw a remarkable rise in attendance, drawing more than 7,200 students, parents, and job seekers—an 80% increase from the previous year. Candice White, the CEO of Skilled Trades Ontario, comments on the palpable energy surrounding trades, noting that students and parents have become more cognizant of the stability that careers in trades can provide compared to other paths affected by automation and AI.

Engaging a New Generation

In an effort to reach today’s youth, the marketing campaign for the Level Up! fairs strategically targeted platforms like Snapchat and the popular game Minecraft, effectively drawing young audiences in. The inclusion of interactive components at the fair, such as hands-on workshops, has made the trades not just accessible but exciting.

Bob Robinson, director of education at the HiMark Occupational Skills Training Centre in London, explains the rationale behind choosing soldering as an activity: “It’s fairly safe, and you can play with fire… All the kids love to see fire, so they’re drawn here.”

Real Experiences, Real Aspirations

The fair not only promotes the trades but also allows students to envision themselves in these roles through experiential learning. Shai Borden and his friend Bakr Al Hosin—both 13—ventured through the fair, sampling various activities. “They show me more of what I want to do, and how hard it would be to actually do the thing,” Shai said, infusing a sense of realism into his career exploration.

Another participant, Ashlyn Kendall, a Grade 11 student, shared her enthusiasm for practical learning. "I really like how hands-on it is compared to math or English." After taking a construction course at school, she discovered her passion for working with wood and aims to become a general contractor through an apprenticeship program.

The Role of Educators and Mentors

The importance of events like the Level Up! fair cannot be overstated. As Jennifer Ingratta, an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship recruiter, puts it, “It’s crucial for students to understand the trades.” Experiential learning helps them discover if trade careers align with their interests and skills.

The need for mentorship is also crucial in this journey. Many local skilled trades professionals volunteer as mentors at these fairs, guiding students through workshops and answering questions about their work and career pathways. This personal interaction helps demystify the trades and make them more approachable for young learners.

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead

The growing interest in skilled trades among the younger generation represents a crucial step towards meeting the demands of a changing workforce. The Level Up! Skilled Trade Careers Fair serves as a platform to inspire, educate, and empower youth to not only see the value of skilled trades but to pursue these rewarding professions. As more students engage with hands-on learning and connect with future employers, a new generation of skilled tradespeople is poised to rise, contributing significantly to Canada’s economy and infrastructure.