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

May 11, 2021

Skills Ontario is hosting its 2021 Virtual Skills Ontario Competition and Career Exploration Showcase on May 12^th 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 12^th. 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