Try a Trade with the Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Truck

The Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Truck will be in Belleville on May 13 and 14. A partnership between the City of Belleville, Centre for Workforce Development, Bay of Quinte Economic Development and Trenval with support from the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and Skills Ontario, the two-day event is an opportunity for students and anyone entering the workforce to get a hands-on look at the skilled trades by taking part in interactive activities and simulators in a fun, engaging environment.

The truck features a number of different stations including:

• Virtual paint simulator
• Electrical wall
• Pneumatics
• Tire and brake station
• Heavy machinery simulator
• Welding simulator
• Tool exploration
• Try-a-trade (different PPE/skilled trades apparel
• Walk-a-trade (VR Oculus experience featuring activities like forklift operating, residential electrician, powerline technician, 3D printing)
• Automotive electrical
• Cake decorating
• Edison bots
• Hair styling
• Tool rigging and more

Mayor Neil Ellis and Belleville City Council will kick off the event with a head-to-head challenge as they try their hands at a number of the trades.

Students from Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board and Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board will then have a chance to tour the truck before taking part in industry visits at different locations throughout the city for a behind-the-scenes look at various trades in the real world.

Members of the public are invited to experience the truck for themselves on Tuesday, May 13 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre. This event is geared towards students who are thinking about the trades and interested in learning more.

“The City of Belleville is pleased to be hosting this fantastic event for youth and those looking to start their career journey,” said Business Development and Retention Specialist for the City of

Belleville Victoria Watts. “One of the main themes we found through our latest Business Retention and Expansion project was the growing need for skilled workers here in our community and to promote the trades with youth. This event is a unique way for people to learn more about the trades with a fun, hands-on approach and will demonstrate the incredible value of the trades as a career choice.”

“This event is all about sparking curiosity, showcasing opportunity, and helping local youth envision a future in trades and technology,” said Executive Director for the Centre for Workforce Development (CFWD) Sandi Ramsay. “CFWD is proud to partner on an initiative that not only highlights the incredible diversity of skilled careers available right here in our region, but also supports workforce development in a meaningful, engaging way.”

“There are incredible career opportunities in skilled trades and technology right here in the Bay of Quinte Region,” said Chief Executive Officer for Quinte Economic Development Commission Chris King. “This event gives students a unique opportunity to explore these pathways in an interactive way—and to see firsthand how local employers are applying these technologies in the real world.”

ASL interpretation is available. Those who require specific accessibility supports are encouraged to contact vwatts@belleville.ca or 613-967-5260.

The Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Truck is an Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. For more information, visit: skillsontario.com/truck