Are you wondering what the future holds for your child after high school? Concerned about rising tuition costs, student debt, or whether a traditional university pathway is the right fit?
Join us for an eye-opening evening to discover why the skilled trades are no longer a “fallback” plan, but a premium career choice for today’s fast-paced world!
The Ottawa Catholic School Board invites parents and high school students to attend our Skilled Trades Parent Information Night, an inspiring and informative evening that may just change the way you think about career pathways.
Skilled Trades Parent Information Night
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 pm
St. Peter High School
Skilled Trades: A Premium Career Choice
It’s time to rethink the path to success. In today’s fast-paced, rapidly evolving economy, the Skilled Trades offer high-demand, high-paying, and highly respected careers.
Join us on Tuesday, March 31, at St. Peter High School to hear from industry leader Ian Howcroft (CEO of Skills Ontario). Ian is a passionate advocate for empowering the next generation of tradespeople and will share valuable insights about:
- Why the trades are essential and the growing demand for skilled trades professionals across Ontario
- The strong earning potential — including six-figure salaries in early adulthood
- How students can graduate with little to no debt
- How parents can support their children in pursuing these exciting pathways
Discover the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
Did you know that the Ottawa Catholic School Board pays for high school students to begin their post-secondary education in the skilled trades?
Through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), students can:
- Earn high school credits.
- Begin apprenticeship training.
- Gain real-world, hands-on experience.
- Potentially earn an income while learning.
OYAP offers students the opportunity to graduate with valuable skills, industry connections, and a clear pathway to a rewarding career, often debt-free.
Exclusive Access: Skilled Trades Trailer Tours
Following the presentations, parents and students will have exclusive access to the Skills Ontario Skilled Trades Trailer, a massive, state-of-the-art mobile classroom that travels across the province.
Inside, you can:
- Try heavy equipment simulators.
- Experience welding simulations.
- Explore interactive skilled trades modules.
- Learn directly from industry professionals.
Local industry partners will also be on-site, including:
- TPH Plumbing.
- Carpenters Union Local 93.
- Elite Skilled Trades Academy.
This is a unique opportunity to ask questions, explore pathways, and see firsthand what a future in the skilled trades could look like.
Build a Strong Future — Starting Now
The skilled trades offer:
- Career stability.
- Competitive salaries
- Meaningful, hands-on work
- Opportunities for entrepreneurship.
- The chance to make a real impact in our communities.
If you are a parent seeking clarity about your child’s future — or a student curious about hands-on, high-demand careers — this evening is for you.
We look forward to welcoming you on Tuesday, March 31, at 6:00 pm at St. Peter High School for an evening of inspiration, information, and opportunity.
Your child’s future could start here.
