The college's dynamic representation from the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies (CCET) and the Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts (CHCA) showcased the vibrant world of skilled trades to eager participants.
“The Level Up! Career Fairs allow students to engage directly with these professions, providing practical insights and experiences that can shape their future career paths. These fairs highlight the possibilities within the skilled trades and play a crucial role in building the workforce Ontario needs for the future," said Melissa Young, CEO and Registrar of Skilled Trades Ontario.
The CCET team brought hands-on excitement to the event with virtual welding and coin stamping, offering immersive insights into the construction and engineering trades. Meanwhile, CHCA’s Chef School team created a buzz with their interactive culinary experience, hosting hundreds of students in a popular cookie-decorating activity that drew impressive lines of aspiring culinary professionals.
"Every cookie decorated, every technique demonstrated, is a gateway to possibility," said Tara Ferguson, Associate Dean of GBC’s Chef School. “Skilled practitioners of the culinary arts can directly translate their creativity into distinctive experiences, and we are proud to be the first step in that journey for so many students.”
The CHCA Hospitality and Tourism team delighted prospective students with robots and insight. "The future of hospitality and tourism lies in our ability to shape transformative human experiences," said Jeff Steen, Associate Dean of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. "We are not just creating services; we are designing environments where technical expertise and emotional intelligence converge, turning everyday moments into unforgettable journeys. Our focus is on building the skills that will drive the next generation of leaders in this dynamic industry."
Building Ontario's future
The college’s participation aligns with the event's core mission of helping youth realize their potential and discover rewarding opportunities in skilled trades. The Level Up! Career Fair provides students in grades 7 to 12 with a unique platform to explore trades through interactive exhibitions led by industry professionals.
Dev Baichan, Associate Dean for the School of Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships at GBC, was excited by the energy and curiosity of these future students. "Skilled trades are the backbone of innovation, and our role is to illuminate that potential for young learners,” he shared. “We demonstrate to students that trades are not just career paths but dynamic fields where technical skills, creativity, and passion converge to shape our future world."
As part of the Ontario government's broader initiative to grow the workforce, the career fair highlights the importance of encouraging the next generation to consider skilled trades as a viable and exciting career path. George Brown College's engaging presence demonstrates its commitment to supporting students' professional development through real-world learning and connecting them with promising career opportunities.
Find your passion with GBC’s Hospitality and Culinary Arts
Innovate your future with Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships at GBC
