Ontario Invests $2.6M to Expand Skilled Trades Training for Youth
Two new Tech Trucks will give 75,000 more students hands-on experience with in-demand careers
MISSISSAUGA — The Ontario government is expanding its skilled trades outreach with a new $2.6 million investment that will add two additional Trades & Tech Trucks to Skills Ontario’s mobile learning fleet. The announcement, made on November 26, will bring hands-on training tools, simulators, and interactive stations to thousands of students across the province — part of Ontario’s strategy to grow the next generation of skilled workers.
The investment increases Skills Ontario’s mobile fleet from four to six trucks by August 2026, enabling an additional 75,000 Ontario youth to receive early exposure to careers in construction, manufacturing, automotive, electrical, welding, and other high-demand sectors.
“Ontario’s future relies on a strong, skilled workforce,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “With more trades and tech trucks on the road — bringing VR learning, simulators and hands-on stations directly to Ontario’s youth — we’re inspiring the next generation and opening pathways to good-paying careers in the skilled trades.”
Mobile learning hubs bringing the trades directly to students
The Trades & Tech Trucks operate as travelling labs outfitted with tools, VR stations, and simulation technology designed to introduce young people to the skilled trades through experiential learning. The trucks visit schools, community events, summer programs, and Skills Ontario’s Level Up! career fairs across the province.
I had the chance to meet with the next generation of champions in the skilled trades at the Level Up! Career Fair today. It’s inspiring to see their hard work and ambition to succeed! pic.twitter.com/1CMDkvFPeO
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) November 26, 2025
Inside each mobile unit, students can experience welding simulators, carpentry demonstrations, electrical wiring practice, automotive technology, and other modules aligned with Ontario’s high-demand trades.
Skills Ontario CEO Ian Howcroft said the expansion will help the organization reach more students than ever before.
“Skills Ontario is thrilled to add two more mobile learning units to our Trades & Tech Truck program,” he said. “These mobile units provide experiential opportunities inspiring young people to explore careers in the trades. Together, we are changing lives and inspiring leaders through skilled trades and technologies.”
Building Ontario’s future workforce
Ontario faces a projected shortage of more than 400,000 skilled trades workers over the next decade due to industry expansion and retirements. Currently, around 1.3 million Ontarians work in skilled trades-related occupations.
To address this workforce gap, the province has committed large-scale investments in apprenticeship and skills training. Since 2021, more than $1.5 billion has been invested through the Skills Development Fund, helping over one million workers train for in-demand jobs. The 2025 Budget adds nearly $1 billion more over the next three years, bringing total investment in the program to $2.5 billion.
Education Minister Paul Calandra emphasized the importance of early exposure:
“Level Up! career fairs give students an exciting chance to step into the skilled trades, try them first-hand and connect directly with employers,” he said. “By investing in students today, we are helping them build the skills and confidence they need to succeed.”
Strong support from Mississauga MPPs
Mississauga-area MPPs welcomed the announcement, noting the city’s growing role in Ontario’s advanced manufacturing, logistics, and tech sectors.
“This investment will open the door for more young people to see the skilled trades as a real, achievable career,” said Candice White, CEO of Skilled Trades Ontario.
Deepak Anand, MPP for Mississauga–Malton, added that the investment “helps inspire future talent and strengthen the skilled workforce that keeps our province moving forward.”
Part of a province-wide effort to promote opportunities
The Trades & Tech Trucks are a central feature of Ontario’s Level Up! career fairs — a series that is expected to reach more than 50,000 students, families, and jobseekers this year. The Mississauga fair is open to the public during free Open House hours at the International Centre.
With the new investment, the province aims to give students greater access to practical, engaging training supports that illuminate real pathways into careers building Ontario’s homes, transit systems, hospitals, and clean-energy infrastructure.
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