Skilled Trades Networking Event Draws 200 Job Seekers to South Service Road

Around 200 job seekers, apprentices, industry pros, and employers packed a free networking event on Friday, August 21, 2026, hosted by Skills Ontario and ApprenticeSearch — a program run by the Halton Industry Education Council (HIEC) — at 5230 South Service Rd. The event gave attendees from Burlington and surrounding areas a chance to hear from working tradespeople, connect with local organizations, and try out the trades firsthand through simulators. Ontario is facing a real crunch: the province will need more than 500,000 new skilled trades workers by 2030. That's the pressure point driving events like this one. "There's a huge shortage of skilled workers in Canada and we need to have steps in place to build a workforce in the future," said Ian Howcroft, CEO of Skills Ontario. "We want to bring young people out to see what those opportunities are all about." Kelly Hoey, executive director of HIEC, put it simply for anyone on the fence: "Be curious, make connections and don't be afraid to take the first step. Talk to people who are working in the trades, learn about the different pathways available, ask employers what they are looking for and take advantage of organizations and resources that can help you navigate the apprenticeship process." One of the biggest draws was the Skills Ontario simulator truck, which featured augmented reality welding, heavy equipment simulators, and a virtual paint spray gun for vehicle painting. Booths from ApprenticeSearch, the SMART Union, Premier Equipment, and others gave attendees plenty of opportunities to make real connections — and Howcroft was clear that networking isn't just helpful, it's essential. "You never know where an opportunity will come from," he said. "Even if 95 per cent of people don't want to talk to you, that means 5 per cent do — and that's an opportunity." A panel of five tradespeople — Kylia Mulvee, Tim Last, Chris Auger, Diane Alves, and Theo Davis — shared their career journeys and practical advice. Last, an organizer with the Sheet Metal Workers and Roofer International Association, kept it grounded: show up on time, be reliable, and never stop asking questions. "Those who are eager and who ask questions are the people who can transfer their skills to their workplace the best," he said. If you missed this one, keep an eye on ApprenticeSearch.com for future events and resources.