Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Skills Ontario prioritizes creating equal opportunities for all youth through accessible and inclusive programs. We are committed to removing barriers and serving all Ontarians through opportunities to explore their career pathways. As an organization, we strive to build a diverse and inclusive skilled workforce.

Please contact Ashley at apszeniczny@skillsontario.com to inquire about accessibility and accommodations available.

 

Click below to learn more about: 

DE&I Events

 

Building a Skilled Workforce

 


Thank you to our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Sponsors:

This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

 

                             

  

Participants watch a cooking demonstration with Roger Mooking.    A group photo during a Tools for Success event.    Three young people play with remote controlled cars during a Skills Ontario summer camp event. 

  

Trades and Truck event hosted by Skills Ontario DE&I. A Trades and Truck event run by Skills Ontatrio DE&I program.  Volunteer tradesperson, Rokhaya Gueye, high fives a young participant at a Trades & Truck event.  Young people participating in a DE&I Trades and Truck event.

 

 

Event Date Time (EST) Info & Registration

Skilled Trades & Tech Inclusivity Series
This series highlights underrepresented
groups in the skilled trades and tech.

 Ongoing series Ongoing series Details

 

Skilled Trades & Tech
Rise Series

A virtual event series that educates
adolescent newcomers on skilled trade and
technology supports and pathways,
including information on applying to
apprenticeships. Parents and guardians
are also encouraged to attend.

 

 

Every Wednesday in April 2025

 

Video #1: Building Your Resume & Cover Letter

Video #2: Prepare for and Succeed in Interviews

Video #3: Hear from Successful Tradespeople

Video #4: Gain Skills to Pursue an Entrepreneurial Pathway

 

 

 

Skilled Trades & Tech Umoja Series 

These conferences are designed to support Black youth and families by providing information about post-secondary pathways that lead to successful careers in the skilled trades and technology sectors.

Throughout the series of events, youth will have the opportunity to explore various trades through hands-on, interactive activities. 

Skilled Trade Professionals who will share personal experiences about the trades and the journey to get there. By doing so, Skills Ontario hopes to provide valuable insights into the process and what it’s like to work in the trades. Speakers will answer questions the youth may have about the trades, helping them better understand the opportunities, challenges, and rewards this career path offers.

 

 

Virtual event:

February 20, 2025

 

In-person events:

February 25 - 26, 2025 

 


February 27, 2025 


 

 

 

 

10:00 am (EST)

 

 

 

 

9:45 am - 2:00 pm (EST)

 

 

9:45 am - 2:00 pm (EST)

 

 

 

 

  

 

Umoja Series Overview

 

Registration Link

 

Elementary Event (virtual)

Flyer 

  

Secondary Event (in-person) 

Flyer

  

Community Event (in-person)

Flyer

 

 

 

 

 

Hydraulic Mini Excavator Kit

Follow along with this video series to make your own hydraulic mini excavator!  

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Skills Ontario Urban Tech Workshop

The Urban Tech Workshop (UTECH) is an informative,
interactive and hands on virtual experience where
participants in grades 6-8 will learn about Technology
careers and participate in virtual workshops.

 

 June 10, 2025  

 

Video

 
Tools for Success Workshops

This is a series of in-person events hosted across
the province to educate underrepresented people on
use of tools, skilled trade & technology careers and
in-demand careers specifically in the construction sector.
Events will be hosted during July and August and will be
workshop style lasting 2-2.5 hours. Each event/workshop
will reach 10 participants aged 18-30. Skills Ontario
DE&I initiatives aim to outreach to (but not limited to);
youth at risk, youth living in poverty, Indigenous youth,
Black youth, people of colour, newcomers,
or youth with exceptionalities.

 Ongoing series July and August

Tools for Success

Ottawa, July 29th

Flyer

 

Trades & Tech Truck Event

 TBD  

 
       

 

NEW! Building a Skilled Workforce

The Building a Skilled Workforce program is designed to empower individuals, ages 18-29, by equipping them with the necessary skills and training to enter the skilled trades workforce. This initiative will support 120 participants in launching their careers in skilled trades. The training, which lasts between 1 to 4 weeks, is comprehensive and provided at no cost to participants, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their path to success.

Upon completing the training, participants will be placed in permanent skilled trades positions such as construction, manufacturing, general labor, and carpentry. The program also offers up to three months of wrap-around support, including toolkits, transportation, and childcare assistance, to help participants transition smoothly into their new roles. This initiative is made possible through partnerships with several trade unions and industry leaders, who are dedicated to fostering a diverse and skilled workforce.

Skills Ontario is current recruiting participants for the next Building a Skilled Workforce cohort, which is launching October 7th! 

Contact Zeinab Mohamed, Project Manager, at zmohamed@skillsontario.com to learn more or register for the program.