Trades & Talent Summit 2025 “A Success by All Measures”

February 13, 2025 – Support Ontario Youth (SOY) hosted its first Trades & Talent Summit this week in Mississauga, with the goal of connecting individuals with rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

Hosting 29 employers and partners, the summit was purposely geared toward those exploring a career change or actively seeking job opportunities, and was open to everyone aged 18+.

“Our first-ever Trades & Talent Summit was a success by all measures,” said SOY executive director Melanie Winter. “We connected hundreds of jobseekers with skilled trades employers who were looking to hire or expand their pool of candidates for future opportunities.”

The summit attracted roughly 200 jobseekers from a variety of ages and backgrounds, who met potential employers and connected with industry leaders, worked with experts to polish their resumés, and gained advice from skilled trades professionals.

“A highlight of the day was an engaging and informative panel discussion featuring a diverse group of skilled trades professionals who offered valuable advice and insights into career pathways,” Winter added.

That panel discussion—“Building the future: navigating the evolving world of skilled trades”—featured the following professionals:

• Riley Chafe, Licensed Construction & Maintenance Electrician, SOY Electrical Mentor
• Noah Lebrun, 3rd-year Industrial Millwright Apprentice
• Emily Pyke, Automotive Service Technician, Co-Founder of Autocate
• Carly Ann Moore, Beauty Industry Educator and Mentor
• Peter Ciardulli, Owner, Calia Hair
• Jill Cicchello, Plumber, SFD coordinator at Enercare

Support Ontario Youth is a registered charity that identifies gaps in apprenticeship learning and training and helps those directly involved by supporting, mentoring, and guiding their efforts.

Read the full article and view the images on Electrical Business Magazine!