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

  • Take the Lesson

    Take the Lesson

    September 2, 2024 By Keith Sones, seasoned utility industry executive “I really don’t want to do this.” “You have to Keith. You have no choice. You can’t leave him hanging” replied my wife. I stared at the phone like a child looks at liver on their plate. They know you have to eat it but also… Read More…

  • Quebec Drives the Growth in Residential Building Construction in June, 2024

    Quebec Drives the Growth in Residential Building Construction in June, 2024

    Investment in building construction grew 2.8% to $21.4 billion in June, after a slight increase of 0.8% in May. These increases partly reflect April’s record high of $13.4 billion in total building permits value, since investment levels for a given period are driven by permits issued in prior months. The June increase in investment in building construction was primarily… Read More…

  • Western Memorial Regional Hospital Sets New Infrastructure Precedent and Receives LEED Silver Certification 

    Western Memorial Regional Hospital Sets New Infrastructure Precedent and Receives LEED Silver Certification 

    August 16, 2024 The new Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook is home to Canada’s largest geothermal system, which has set a precedent for modern infrastructure for both Newfoundland and Labrador and North America. The geothermal field is approximately 600 feet below the hospital’s parking lot, and provides 100 per cent of the ground… Read More…

  • Brightening Communities: LED Technology in Action

    Brightening Communities: LED Technology in Action

    August 15, 2024 By Alex Price, Brand & Planning Manager, Current LightingTechnical Contributor: Gary Steinberg, Senior System Manager (Outdoor LED Fixtures), Current Lighting As the landscape of Canadian cities continues to evolve, the importance of outdoor lighting cannot be overstated. From enhancing public safety to promoting economic activity and fostering a sense of community, well-planned… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Schneider Electric Launches SMART Buildings Division to Drive Sustainable Building Innovation in Canada

    Schneider Electric Launches SMART Buildings Division to Drive Sustainable Building Innovation in Canada

    Schneider Electric is transforming its Digital Buildings business in Canada with the launch of the SMART Buildings Division. This evolution marks a strategic move to deliver comprehensive solutions and services that support building owners and operators in achieving their decarbonization and sustainability goals. The demand for smart buildings is surging, driven by a global shift… Read More…

  • Introducing Alan Bearden as Interim President of Southwire Canada

    Introducing Alan Bearden as Interim President of Southwire Canada

    September 4, 2024 Southwire Canada is pleased to announce that Alan Bearden has been appointed Interim President. In this role, Alan will provide leadership and guidance for Southwire’s Canada-based organization, ensuring continuity and driving growth during this transitional period. Alan Bearden brings a wealth of experience to the position, having joined Southwire in 2008. Over… Read More…

  • A Partnership Between Electromag Graybar Canada and Phoenix Contact

    A Partnership Between Electromag Graybar Canada and Phoenix Contact

    September 3, 2024 Electromag Graybar Canada, a pioneer in industrial automation solutions and pneumatic products, is excited to announce a partnership with Phoenix Contact, a global leader in electrification, networking, and industrial automation. This collaboration, which initially began in the Langley and Ontario branches, is now expanding to Quebec. The alliance aims to provide cutting-edge… Read More…

  • Sonepar Announces the Retirement of William (Bill) C. Smith, Electrozad Director of Transitional Business

    Sonepar Announces the Retirement of William (Bill) C. Smith, Electrozad Director of Transitional Business

    September 2, 2024 William (Bill) C. Smith, Director, Transitional Business of Electrozad Supply Company Limited announced his retirement as of August 30th, 2024 after 49 years of leadership. Bill began his electrical career working part-time at Electrozad Supply while completing a Sales & Marketing Program at St. Clair College.  After his first full-time position in… Read More…