Skills Ontario Promotes Diversity and Inclusion with Virtual Skills Competition and Career Exhibition Showcase

EIN Skills ON logo 400

May 11, 2021

Skills Ontario is hosting its 2021 Virtual Skills Ontario Competition and Career Exploration Showcase on May 12th from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm (EST), which is running in conjunction with their Young Women’s Conference, Persons with Exceptionalities Conference, and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Student Conference.

The wide-ranging event offers young women in grades 6 to 12, Indigenous Youth grades 7 and up, and  an opportunity to hear from mentors, learn about their opportunities. As well as to allow an opportunity for youth living with exceptionalities to access resources, inspiration, and information about careers in the skilled trades and technologies.

“As an organization dedicated to empowering youth to explore careers in the skilled trades and technologies, we work to ensure that all Ontarians feel welcomed and included in these fields,” says Ian Howcroft, CEO of Skills Ontario. “Through our programs and initiatives, we emphasize that the skilled trades and technologies are suitable for all. Every year, we host our Skills Ontario Competition and Career Exploration Showcase, and we’re delivering it virtually this year to ensure young people are still given this unique opportunity to pursue skilled trades and technologies. Our Persons with Exceptionalities Conference was originally hosted in March, and we saw such great feedback and engagement that we are making it available for viewing again on May 12th. We will continue to put our efforts into making sure all Ontarians feel included, heard, and appreciated.”

Funded by the Government of Ontario, Skills Ontario’s Persons with Exceptionalities Conference invites youth and their parents/guardians to learn about skilled trade and technology careers, including the pathways into these opportunities and the supports in place. Skills Ontario has been delivering programs and events since 1989, and continues to reach youth and aim to inspire them to explore skilled trades and technologies. The organization has found great success through its programs and initiatives, and continues to deliver programs that connect education, experience, and employment to Ontarians.      

“Every year, we host our Skills Ontario Competition and Career Exploration Showcase, and we’re delivering it virtually this year to ensure young people are still given this unique opportunity to pursue skilled trades and technologies,” added Howcroft. “The Young Women’s conference is a hit every year, and we’re thrilled to continue hosting it. The skilled trades and technologies are suited for everyone, and women have a place in these careers.”

Skills Ontario’s Young Women’s Conference is supported by the Government of Ontario, Magna, Hydro One, Vale, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, Ontario Power Generation, Cambrian College, CBRE, Bruce Power, Naylor Building Partnerships, Sound Events, and OYAP.

Skills Ontario’s First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Student Conference is supported by the Government of Ontario, Grand River Employment and Training, Magna, Hydro One, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, Ontario Power Generation, Cambrian College, CBRE, Bruce Power, and Enbridge.

“We’ve been delivering programs through our First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Initiatives for over ten years, and every year, we’re thrilled to welcome Indigenous youth and mentors to celebrate culture and achievement. There are amazing opportunities in the skilled trades and technologies, and through events like these, we’re proving it to youth.”

The event runs from 8am to 9pm and is free to attend.

Go HERE for more information

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Code Question on Section 24 – Patient Care Areas

    Code Question on Section 24 – Patient Care Areas

    July 14, 2025 The rules for the installation of panelboards, circuits, and bonding in Patient Care Area depends on whether the area is designated as either, Basic Care, Intermediate Care or Critical Care. How are these areas defined? Read more on Section 24 — Health care areas Read More…

  • Ontario’s Institutional Component Drives Non-Residential Construction Intentions in May 2025

    Ontario’s Institutional Component Drives Non-Residential Construction Intentions in May 2025

    July 14, 2025 In May, the total value of building permits issued in Canada rose by $1.4 billion (+12.0%) to reach $13.1 billion. The increase in construction intentions was driven by Ontario’s institutional component (+$1.3 billion). On a constant dollar basis (2023=100), the total value of building permits issued in May increased 11.8% from the previous month and was… Read More…

  • Plan Group Partners in Construction of UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital

    Plan Group Partners in Construction of UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital

    July 14, 2025 Plan Group is proud to be a partner in the construction of the UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital. Plan Group will provide work on the project in: Mechanical: Plumbing, HVAC, Controls, Medical GasElectrical: Lighting & Controls, Power Distribution, Emergency Generators, UPSTechnology: Structured Cabling, AV Systems including Digital Signage and IPTV UHN’s 15-storey Surgical… Read More…

  • How Canada Can Equip Workers for a Low-Carbon Future

    How Canada Can Equip Workers for a Low-Carbon Future

    July 14, 2025 The Canadian economy is shifting towards low-carbon industries, and the workforce is shifting with it. New roles are emerging, traditional ones are evolving and the demand for skilled workers is growing fast — particularly in light of the ambitious nation-building agenda the federal government has set out. In the federal Speech from… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • OEL Apprentice Success Project Available Until March 2026

    OEL Apprentice Success Project Available Until March 2026

    July 14, 2025 With renewed funding by Ontario’s Skills Development Fund, the OEL Apprentice Success Project is now available for another year until March 2026. The project is part of OEL’s Employer Engagement Program (EEP) consisting of wage, training, and equipment subsidies for apprentices. These funding opportunities are available to OEL Members and non-Members. For… Read More…

  • EB Horsman Unveils New Mural at Campbell River Branch

    EB Horsman Unveils New Mural at Campbell River Branch

    July 14, 2025 EB Horsman & Son are thrilled to unveil a new mural at their Campbell River branch, painted by the talented Kwakwaka’wakw artist, Adam Lewis. “This stunning piece celebrates Indigenous heritage and our community spirit,” said EB Horsman on LinkedIn. “As we mark 125 years of serving Western Canada and 55 years in… Read More…

  • Glenco Electric Celebrate New Red Seal Team Members

    Glenco Electric Celebrate New Red Seal Team Members

    July 14, 2025 “The Red Seal Journeyman designation is the highest recognition in the trades, and we’re proud to have seen so many of our team members earn it under our watch,” said Glenco Electric on LinkedIn. “At Glenco, we’re big on mentorship and promoting from within. When you combine that with driven, hard-working professionals,… Read More…

  • Canada and Ontario Investing to Improve Energy Efficiency in Province’s Agri-Food Industry

    Canada and Ontario Investing to Improve Energy Efficiency in Province’s Agri-Food Industry

    July 14, 2025 The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $3 million and launching the third intake of the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI) to help farmers implement projects to improve the energy efficiency of their farming operations. To support the province’s plan to protect Ontario, this funding will help local agriculture, agri-food… Read More…