Barrie job fair to introduce thousands of students to skilled trades

This year, over 35,000 students from grades 7 to 12 can explore over 140 skilled trades through the Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fairs taking place in Barrie on September 17.

Teens can experiment with hands-on activities and interactive exhibitions while hearing directly from tradespeople and local employers.

"Nearly 300,000 jobs are going unfilled across our province, and by 2025, about one in five job openings in Ontario is projected to be in the skilled trades. Ontario is facing a historic labour shortage, and we need all hands on deck to build a stronger Ontario for all of us," said York-Simcoe MPP Caroline Mulroney.

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In its third year, the fair will visit 15 communities across Ontario, returning to London, Mississauga, Oshawa, Ottawa, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury and Thunder Bay.

Additionally, Level Up! has expanded to seven new communities, bringing fairs to Barrie, Cobourg, Cornwall, Kitchener, Niagara Falls, North Bay and South Porcupine.

This year's fair at the Essa Agriplex features exhibitors, participating students, families, and job seekers. Featuring over 150 exhibitors, each career offers an enhanced experience to help students take the first step toward a career in the skilled trades.