Hiawatha First Nation, the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board, and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) are coming together to host a skilled trades fair for Indigenous students.
Taking place Thursday (May 23) at the Hiawatha Life and Culture Centre, located at 431 Hiawatha Line on Hiawatha First Nation, the event is geared towards Indigenous students in grades 7 through 12 and their families and aims to raise awareness about opportunities in the skilled trades sector.
Students and their families will be able to connect with highly skilled journeypersons and tradespeople from many of Ontario’s skilled trades, including Indigenous tradespeople and business owners, said PVNC Catholic District School Board in a media release.
The Hiawatha First Nation Skilled Trades Fair runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for students. and will then be open to the public between 2 and 5 p.m. The event will begin with drumming from the Michiisaagig Minomin Drum group and opening remarks from Hiawatha First Nation Chief Laurie Carr.
“Hiawatha is honoured to co-host this skilled trades fair for Indigenous students and their families,” Carr said in a statement. “We know that there are over 360,000 job openings across Ontario, with one in five of these new job openings expected to be in the skilled trades by the year 2025.”
Carr said there are currently more than 140 skilled trades in essential industries such as construction, mechanical, electrical, automotive, and manufacturing.
“Hosting this career fair will ensure our First Nations youth know about in-demand careers that exist in the trades and that skilled tradespeople are vitally important to not only our First Nations, but to the overall economy,” she added. “This is a first step in supporting our youth in their success and journey of being one of the next generation of skilled First Nations tradespeople.”
OPG said it is proud to support the Hiawatha First Nations trades-focused career fair.
“Across Ontario, we are working to strengthen the Indigenous workforce, which will play an important role in electrifying life,” said Kenn Ross, OPG advisor, Indigenous relations. “Right now, many Indigenous skilled trades are helping to build important infrastructure and energy projects, including OPG’s Darlington refurbishment.”
“Many more qualified candidates are starting their journey through OPG’s Indigenous Opportunities Network. We hope this career fair can answer questions and provide rewarding and fulfilling opportunities in the in-demand trades.”
VIDEO: Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
Indigenous students from all regions of PVNC Catholic District School Board will have the opportunity to attend the trades fair.
“This event signifies a profound collaboration and commitment to the education and empowerment of the Indigenous youth in our schools,” said Jacqueline Gorveatt, the Indigenous education lead for PVNC Catholic District School Board, in the release. “This is a unique opportunity for students to see themselves in the skilled trades and to meet and be inspired by Indigenous tradespeople who have been successful in their field.”
A highlight of the event will be a hands-on demonstration by Anishinaabe chef, restaurateur, and entrepreneur Shawn Adler, who will cook and speak to his own experience in the skilled trades.
Students in grades 11 and 12 can participate in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). OYAP is a co-operative education experience in a skilled trades placement. Students are able to earn credits while gaining valuable work experience and competencies. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development provides funding for this opportunity.
A skilled trade is a career path that requires a particular skill set, specialty knowledge and training and is usually hands-on, OYAP noted on its website. Some skilled trades require an apprenticeship.
There were 91,634 apprentices active in the province as of April 3, 2023, according to the Ontario government. The province announced in December 2023 a substantial investment in key programs to prepare young people for in-demand jobs in the skilled trades.
