More than 80 participants gathered at the Exploring the Skilled Trades Open House this summer. The event, hosted by ApprenticeSearch.com in partnership with Skills Ontario, highlighted the urgent need to connect industry leaders with those exploring trade careers.

The day featured many interactive opportunities, including a hands-on “Try the Trades” virtual reality simulation, resume-writing workshops, one-on-one job coaching sessions (more than 50 sessions held at the event), and an ApprenticeSearch.com 101 information session. The always-popular Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Truck allowed attendees to explore the skilled trades, while an engaging employer panel offered real-world insights into what hiring managers are looking for in future apprentices.

The panel was the largest held to date at one of ApprenticeSearch.com’s open houses, and it included local industry experts: Katie Kirk, MechaniQ; Darryl O'Keefe, Fix Network; Don Moore, Fairview Tire & Auto Clinics; Sam Di Pietro, SDP Plumbing; Vincent Caserta, Home Depot; Alvin Guilas, Maple Lodge Farms; and Carly Moore, Your Beauty Business Academy.

“I was older when I got into the trades,” explained Kirk, mechanic at MechaniQ, who went from administration to mechanic at the age of 35 and emphasized the importance of networking. “You have no idea if someone you randomly cross paths with is someone who can help your journey down the line.”

“I finished high school and was trying to figure out what my path was going to be, and I always liked working with my hands,” noted Caserta, Commercial Account Manager at Home Depot of Canada, who studied to become a plumber. “But it was hard for me to find an employer, and I wish, at that time, I had HIEC-ApprenticeSearch.com to give me those wrap-around supports to finish my apprenticeship and become a tradesperson. Now I work with all kinds of professionals in the skilled trades. I really enjoy my job, and I think that’s one thing you look for is passion, because then it doesn’t feel like you’re working. If you have a passion for it, it will show and you’ll stand out.”

The event also welcomed remarks from Burlington MPP Natalie Pierre, who emphasized the importance of skilled trades to Ontario’s economy and thanked ApprenticeSearch.com and Skills Ontario for inspiring the next generation of trades talent.

“Thank you so much for putting on this outstanding event,” said participant Alex Greychuck. “What a positive and enlightening day. Full marks to ApprenticeSearch.com and Skills Ontario for this.”

Kelly Hoey, Executive Director of ApprenticeSearch.com, noted the enthusiasm and gratitude expressed by many participants throughout the day.

“We had so many people come up to us and say thank you — that this event made the trades feel accessible and welcoming,” said Hoey. “From connecting with employers to trying new experiences, today showed how powerful it is when we create spaces for job seekers to explore opportunities. It was inspiring to see participants walk away not just with resources, but with renewed confidence about their career paths in the trades.”

The day also included prize draws to keep energy high, adding a celebratory element to an already packed event. Burlington food truck and caterer Jonny Blonde was on-site to provide locally-sourced lunches to all participants.

ApprenticeSearch.com, a free, non-profit online platform that connects job seekers and employers in the skilled trades, continues to support Ontarians in exploring, launching, and growing their careers in this critical sector.

It has never been more important that the skilled trades be seen as an accessible and rewarding career pathway. The Government of Canada reports that between now and 2028, about 700,000 skilled trades workers are expected to retire, noting that meeting these demands will require recruiting and training thousands of additional skilled workers.

Stay tuned for upcoming Open Houses by following ApprenticeSearch.com on social media!