Province invests $2.6M for new Skills Ontario trades and tech trucks

The Government of Ontario is investing $2.6 million in Skills Ontario to add two additional trades and tech trucks to their fleet, giving thousands of youth across the province new opportunities to explore skilled trades and technology careers through interactive, hands-on learning.

“Ontario’s future relies on a strong, skilled workforce,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “With more trades and tech trucks on the road — bringing VR learning, simulators and hands-on stations directly to Ontario’s youth — we’re inspiring the next generation and opening pathways to good-paying careers in the skilled trades.”

With this investment, Skills Ontario’s fleet will grow from four to six trucks by August 2026, giving an additional 75,000 Ontario youth access to hands-on skilled trades training. These trucks will travel across Ontario as mobile learning hubs with state-of-the-art tools, simulators and technology. In addition to school visits, they support camps and a range of community-based programming. Inside each truck are interactive stations that introduce young people to careers in construction, manufacturing, automotive and other high-demand sectors.

“Skills Ontario is thrilled to add two more mobile learning units to our Trades & Tech Truck program. These mobile units provide experiential opportunities inspiring young people to explore careers in the trades,” said Ian Howcroft, CEO, Skills Ontario. “We thank the Ford government and Minister Piccini for their support and leadership in promoting the trades and building the skilled workforce of the future. Together, we are changing lives and inspiring leaders through skilled trades and technologies.” 

Tech trucks are a key component of the Level Up! career fairs, which are expected to connect with over 50,000 students, parents, and jobseekers.

Featured image: Skills Ontario was pleased to tour Premier Ford, Minister Quinn and others through one of the mobile learning units at the LevelUp! Career Fair which ran November 25 to 28 at the Toronto International Centre. (Skills Ontario)