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 Cuglietta at acuglietta@skillsontario.com to inquire about accessibility and accommodations available.
Click below to learn more about:
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.
| 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 2026 | Video – April 9th, 2025 Video – April 16th, 2025 Video – April 23rd, 2025 | |
| 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. | — February 24th, 2026 — February 25th, 2026 — February 26th, 2026 — March 2nd, 2026 — | — 10:00am – 2:00pm — 10:00am – 2:00pm — 10:00am – 11:00am — 10:00am – 2:00pm — | Registration Link — Job Readiness Event Flyer (This event is offered both in-person and virtual.) — Umoja Grand Event Flyer (This event is offered both in-person and virtual.) — Virtual Elementary Event Flyer — Trades & Tech Day Flyer |
| Hydraulic Mini Excavator Kit Follow along with this video series to make your own hydraulic mini excavator! | / | / | / |
| 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. | / | / | / |
| 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 | / |
| Trades & Tech Truck Event | TBD |
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.
Contact Ashley Cuglietta, Director of Diversity, Equity & Indigenous Relations at acuglietta@skillsontario.com to learn more or register for the program.
