Nov 21, 2023

Level Up! is a series of dynamic, multi-day career fairs that bring together the best in skilled trades professionals across industry organizations, post-secondary institutions, businesses, associations and more. Over 25,000 students in grades 7 to 12 have the opportunity to learn about Ontario’s 140+ trades through interactive exhibitions and hands-on activities, while hearing directly from tradespeople and local employers about life-changing career opportunities.

With the dedication of Wendy and Brett Ramsey of Pirate Cove Marina, the Boating Ontario Association organized a booth to promote the Georgian College Marine Engine Mechanics (MEM) program at the Career Fairs. Boating industry volunteers from Mercury Canada, Yamaha Canada, Pirate Cove Marina, Marine Del Rey, Cas Marine, Sudbury Boat and Canoe, PosPro Financial, Proctor Marine, Acali Place Marina, Xtreme Marine, Hully Gully, and Hurst Marina, and Canadian Boating spoke with elementary and secondary school students, guidance councillors, teachers, and parents about their own experiences in the MEM program and the boating industry in Ontario.

This year, Level-Up! events are in the midst of being held in a total of 10 Ontario cities. There are 2 more Career Fairs remaining in Oshawa (Nov. 21-22) and Ottawa (Nov. 28-29). Successful Career Fair locations included Thunder Bay, Sault Ste Marie, Sudbury, Dryden, Hamilton, Windsor, London and Mississauga.

Promoting careers in the industry is an important step to recruitment of skilled trades people for the boating industry in Canada. The Level Up! Career Fairs have provided the platform to reach thousands of students. For more information or to become a volunteer at future events please contact Wendy Ramsey at education@boatingontario.ca