We need to continue promoting the trades as a career choice

By Andrew Pariser

Sept. 14, 2026

It is September and that means students and teachers are headed back to the classroom.

We all know that not all students learn the same and that for a large number the skilled trades perfectly fit their hands-on learning style.

Ontario has done a lot to remove the stigma, but we need to continue to highlight opportunities that the skilled trades offer and ensure that all Ontarians understand the entry points as well as steps required to become fully certified.

It is my hope that this school year will continue to promote skilled trades and construction career education. To assist in that effort, my September column will focus on organizations leading the way.

Skilled Trades Ontario – Level Up Conferences

Led by Candice White, Skilled Trades Ontario is a crown agency responsible for managing apprenticeship training, certifying skilled trades professionals, and promoting careers in the trades.

This fall marks the fifth anniversary of the Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fairs. They will run from the end of September to December in 12 cities across Ontario.

The fairs give grade seven to 12 students (as well as their influencers - parents, teachers, friends) a chance to experience and better understand the skilled trades.

Click here for more information on the career fairs.

Click here for more information on skilled trades in Ontario.

Building Opportunities for Life Today (BOLT)

BOLT was founded by Tridel in 2009 and has now awarded over 500 scholarships.

It started with the goal of raising awareness of the opportunities for youth to gain knowledge and learn within the field of construction. BOLT has developed into an industry leading organization that provides financial and social supports to under resourced youth assisting them in entering the construction industry.

Click here for more information. Or search their social media platforms by searching @boltfoundation.

Skills Ontario

The mission of Skills Ontario is “to champion and stimulate the development of world-class technological and employability skills in Ontario youth.”

The organization achieves this lofty goal by partnering with industry and delivering high-quality education and programs to Ontario’s youth.

As Ontario’s leading skilled trades promotion organization, it provides endless opportunities for career exploration including but not limited to competitions webinars and conferences, as well as national and international travel opportunities. In short, the organization allows youth to gain expose to exciting careers and then provide the opportunity to refine and showcase their skills which builds confidence and employability skills.

Step to Construction

Founded by Elvy Moro and with the help of Ian Da Silva, the Step to Construction Program gives high school students the opportunity to job shadow tradespeople on construction projects across Toronto.

The wildly successful program is unanimously supported by the residential and broader construction sectors and places students (after robust health and safety training) on jobsites where job they shadow up to eight trades (or those with specialized skills sets) over the course of a semester.

During each AGM the program is described by graduates as life changing, as the opportunities created have changed their career and life path for the better, introducing them to an industry and careers where they feel passionate and at a home.

As September starts and we all think about back to school, keep the trades and these organizations in mind.

Stay safe.