On Tuesday, October 18th, the OGCA attended an announcement with Minister McNaughton career fairs this fall across the Province to prepare the next generation of young people for rewarding and well-paying jobs in the skilled trades. These fairs aim to address labour shortages in high-demand sectors, including construction, and help deliver the Province’s ambitious infrastructure plans.
Level Up! is a series of dynamic, multi-day career fairs highlighting the 144 different skilled trades. For the first time, students in grades 7 to 12 will have the opportunity to learn about these trades through interactive exhibitions and hands-on activities while hearing directly from tradespeople and local employers about these life-changing careers. The first career fair kicks off October 25th to 27 in Mississauga, with subsequent fairs planned in London, Sudbury, Ottawa and Thunder Bay.
Additionally, the government announced more details on Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) — the provincial agency in charge of promoting and regulating the skilled trades. At the announcement, the Minister introduced new digital logbooks allowing apprentices to track their progress electronically instead of carrying paper books. The new online solution coincided with the agency’s official logo and branding launch.
The Ministry also announced an extension of the Achievement Incentive that will help employers by reducing some of the cost of training by giving payments to employers when their apprentices reach significant milestones. The program offers up to $17,000 to eligible employers.