Ontario Helping Connect More Students With Rewarding Careers in the Skilled Trades

May 5, 2026

Level Up! career fairs will help over 60,000 students and jobseekers learn about good-paying in-demand jobs

The Ontario government is launching the annual Level Up! career fairs for a fifth year to introduce students, educators and jobseekers to in-demand careers. Through multi‑day events planned in 12 communities across the province this upcoming year, the 2026 fairs are expected to reach more than 60,000 people and will include open house sessions and interactive exhibitions that will inspire the next generation of workers to build the homes, highways, hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure that the province needs.

“To deliver on our government’s historic $236 billion infrastructure plan, Ontario will need an additional 400,000 workers in the skilled trades over the next decade,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We will continue to invest in innovative programs that introduce students and young people to the skills they need to land in-demand careers and bigger paycheques.”

The Level Up! career fairs will showcase Ontario’s 144 skilled trades through interactive exhibits, hands‑on demonstrations and conversations with employers, unions and training providers. Designed primarily for students in Grades 7 to 12, the fairs will also welcome parents, guardians, educators and jobseekers interested in learning more about local apprenticeship and training opportunities.

The Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fairs will take place across 12 communities over 29 days between September 23 and December 10, 2026:

• Cobourg — September 23–24
• Kingston — September 29–30
• Barrie — October 6–7
• Timmins — October 14–15
• Thunder Bay — October 21–22
• Sudbury — October 28–29
• Hamilton — November 3–5
• Windsor — November 11–12
• London — November 17–19
• Ottawa — November 24–26
• Oshawa — December 1–3
• Mississauga — December 8–10

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