Ontario Investing $2.6 Million to Help More Youth Gain Experience in the Skilled Trades

November 26, 2025

New Tech Trucks will introduce thousands of students to in-demand careers in the skilled trades

November 26, 2025

Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

MISSISSAUGA — The Ontario government is investing $2.6 million in Skills Ontario to add two additional trades and tech trucks to their fleet, giving thousands of youth across the province new opportunities to explore skilled trades and technology careers through interactive, hands-on learning. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the funding will help inspire the next generation of workers to pursue rewarding, in-demand careers building the homes, hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure that the province needs.

“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.”

With this investment, Skills Ontario’s fleet will grow from four to six trucks by August 2026, giving an additional 75,000 Ontario youth access to hands-on skilled trades training. These trucks will travel across Ontario as mobile learning hubs with state-of-the-art tools, simulators and technology. In addition to school visits, they support camps and a range of community-based programming. Inside each truck are interactive stations that introduce young people to careers in construction, manufacturing, automotive and other high-demand sectors.

“Skills Ontario is thrilled to add two more mobile learning units to our Trades & Tech Truck program. These mobile units provide experiential opportunities inspiring young people to explore careers in the trades,” said Ian Howcroft, CEO, Skills Ontario. “We thank the Ford government and Minister Piccini for their support and leadership in promoting the trades and building the skilled workforce of the future. Together, we are changing lives and inspiring leaders through skilled trades and technologies.”

These trucks build on the government’s broader efforts to strengthen Ontario’s workforce, including targeted investments in training and employment pathways. Since 2021, the Ontario government has invested $1.5 billion through the Skills Development Fund, aimed to help train more than one million workers for in-demand jobs. As announced in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the government is investing nearly $1 billion more through the Skills Development Fund over the next three years, bringing the total to $2.5 billion, to support key industrial sectors and expand access to good-paying careers.

Quick Facts

Approximately 1.3 million people are working in the skilled trades-related occupations in Ontario.
It is expected that over 400,000 more skilled trades workers will be needed in Ontario over the next decade to fill positions that will become available through economic growth and retirements of current workers.
Skills Ontario is a provincial leader in promoting skilled trades careers and hosts Canada’s largest skilled trades and technologies competition each May and is the Ontario chapter of Skills Canada.
Tech trucks are a key component of the Level Up! career fairs, which are expected to connect with over 50,000 students, parents, and jobseekers.
- The Mississauga Level Up! fair is open to everyone free of charge during the Open House today and tomorrow from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road).
- See here for full Level Up! Schedule: Open Houses
The investment in trades and tech trucks is supported through labour market agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

Quotes

“Level Up! career fairs give students an exciting chance to step into the skilled trades, try them first-hand, and connect directly with employers. These events help students see a clear pathway from the classroom to rewarding careers in the skilled trades that will set them up for success tomorrow. By investing in students today, we are helping them build the skills and confidence they need to succeed and contribute to Ontario’s future.”

– Paul Calandra
Minister of Education

“This investment will open the door for more young people to see the skilled trades as a real, achievable career. These trucks give students a direct, hands-on look at the trades, and that experience drives real results: more apprentices and ultimately more certified workers for Ontario. Skilled Trades Ontario is proud to work with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to expand these opportunities and support events like Level Up! that connect students with in-demand careers.”

– Candice White
CEO of Skilled Trades Ontario

“Supporting Ontarians with more opportunities to explore skilled trades through hands-on learning helps open doors to stable, high-demand careers. Through the Ontario government’s $2.6 million investment in Skills Ontario to build two additional trades and tech trucks, more students across the province will have direct access to modern tools, simulators, and interactive demonstrations. This increased support will help inspire future talent and strengthen the skilled workforce that keeps our province moving forward.”

– Deepak Anand
Member of Provincial Parliament, Missisauga-Malton

“Our government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young people is once again on full display with this investment in Skills Ontario. These new trades and tech trucks are not just vehicles; they are mobile gateways to the future, bringing hands-on learning directly to students across the province. In a community like Mississauga, where innovation and talent drive so much of our success, giving our youth the chance to spark curiosity, build confidence, and imagine new career paths is invaluable. I am proud to support an initiative that empowers the next generation of Ontario’s skilled workforce.”

– Sheref Sabawy
Member of Provincial Parliament, Mississauga- Erin-Mills

“The Trades & Tech Trucks are an incredible example of how innovation and practical training can come together to empower students. By giving young people the chance to explore skilled trades firsthand, we’re helping them discover new passions, develop essential skills, and prepare for the careers of tomorrow. Initiatives like this are critical for ensuring Ontario has a talented and adaptable workforce that can meet the challenges of a rapidly changing economy.”

– Nina Tangri
Member of Provincial Parliament, Mississauga-Streetsville

“Our government is helping to bring hands-on learning in construction, manufacturing, automotive, and technology directly to 75,000 young people—ensuring that the trades will have the skilled workforce they need into the future. These trucks will help to showcase the skilled trades—especially in underserved communities—and will inspire the next generation, fill critical skills gaps, and build the highly trained workforce Ontario needs.”

– Zee Hamid
Associate Solicitor General

Additional Resources

Skills Ontario

Skilled Trades Ontario

Employment Ontario

Ontario Investing $2.6 Million to Help More Youth Gain Experience in the Skilled Trades

Table of Contents

Quick Facts

Quotes

Additional Resources

Related Topics