The award-winning Options Skilled Trades Career Fair program has introduced youth in Renfrew County to skilled trades career opportunities for over 20 years. This one-day showcase of apprenticeship training is one of the largest regional skilled trades showcases in Eastern Ontario.
This years fair will take place at the Pembroke Memorial Centre on Wednesday May 28, 2025 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Opening ceremonies start at 8:15 a.m., and the competition winners will be announced at 2:15 p.m.
This year, there are 12 skilled trades competitions, involving more than 120 senior high school students from across Renfrew and Pontiac County. Students compete in culinary, welding, small engines, carpentry, automotive, and hairstyling trades.
Employers are a significant part of the event as they sponsor the competitions, provide prizes for the competitors, are judges for the competitions, and host interactive displays that allow over 1,100 high school students who attend to experience the trades.
Many employers also attend to promote summer job opportunities for high school, college and university students. The day wouldn’t be possible without our funding partners and sponsors: The School College Work Initiative, Ontario Power Generation, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories and Home Depot.
Each year, between 100 and 200 senior high school students from our community participate in a variety of skills competitions that highlight their talent in everything from culinary arts to welding. The Options Skilled Trades Fair has supported Renfrew County high school students with career decision-making for the past 21 years.
(Richard Evans)