PEMBROKE, ON – June 5th, 2025 – Students from across Renfrew County explored a wide array of exciting career options at the annual Options Skilled Trades Career Fair and Competition, held on May 28th at the Pembroke Memorial Centre. The event, a partnership involving all four Renfrew County school boards, Algonquin College, the School College Work Initiative (SCWI), and the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), provided students with insightful experiences across various sectors, including skilled trades, technology, and community-based professions.

The Options Skilled Trades event offered an interactive environment where students discovered potential career paths aligned with their interests and aptitudes. Attendees engaged with professionals and learned about diverse fields such as:

• • Skilled Trades: Including hairstyling, welding, culinary, carpentry, horticulture, electrical, welding, crane boom operation, virtual simulations in forestry, heavy equipment operation, and automotive technology. Home Depot and DeWalt also provided interactive displays, allowing students to get a feel for the tools and techniques involved in these in-demand professions.  
  • Science and Technology: With representation from organizations like Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), students learned about careers in research, engineering, and other innovative fields.

• • Canadian Armed Forces: Representatives were on hand to discuss the wide range of career opportunities, paid education and training options, and the unique experiences offered by service in the Regular Force or Reserves.

• • And many more: The event featured a broad spectrum of industries, showcasing the rich employment landscape within Renfrew County and beyond.

The event was designed to help students make informed decisions about their future education and career choices. By providing direct access to industry experts and showcasing the practical application of skills, Options successfully inspired the next generation of skilled workers and professionals in our community.

Students also had the opportunity to participate in Skilled Trades Competitions, including: braiding, hairstyling, makeup, team culinary, cupcake decorating, pitstop challenge, desktop publishing, small engine repair, digital photography, carpentry pairs, cabinet making and more!

“We are thrilled with the outcome of this year’s Options Skilled Trades event at the PMC,” says Heidi Fraser, RCCDSB Superintendent of Educational Services, “it was fantastic to see so many students engaged and excited about the incredible career opportunities available. The positive feedback from students, educators, and exhibitors alike has been overwhelming.”

A Big Thank You to Our Organizers and Volunteers!

The success of Options would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible team of organizers and volunteers. Their commitment to providing this valuable opportunity for Renfrew County students is deeply appreciated. Thank you for your time, energy, and enthusiasm in making this event a memorable and impactful experience for everyone involved.

School Boards and organizers look forward to next year’s Options Skilled Trades event and thank the students who came engaged and ready to learn and explore career opportunities.