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

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.

“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,” said Candice White, CEO of Skilled Trades 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.”

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.

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.

“Level Up! career fairs give students an exciting chance to step into the skilled trades, try them first-hand, and connect directly with employers,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education.

“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.”

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.

“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,” said Zee Hamid, Associate Solicitor General.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

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.