The 2026 Skills Ontario Competition returns May 4–5 at the Toronto Congress Centre, bringing together more than 2,000 competitors across 75+ skilled trade and technology contests. For contractors and construction stakeholders, the event offers a direct look at the emerging workforce entering drywall, ceilings and broader interior systems trades.

Since 1989, Skills Ontario has positioned the competition as a proving ground for career-ready talent. Participants demonstrate applied competencies aligned with jobsite demands—ranging from layout accuracy and material handling to safety compliance and productivity under timed conditions. These are core indicators of field readiness for employers facing ongoing labor shortages.

Attendance is expected to exceed 40,000, supported by more than 900 volunteers. The event also includes a Career Exploration Showcase, giving attendees exposure to trade pathways and training programs that feed apprenticeship pipelines—critical for contractors managing backlog and succession planning.

“The Skills Ontario Competition continues to develop the next generation of skilled trade professionals,” said CEO Ian Howcroft. “It connects young talent with real career opportunities while highlighting the importance of trades to Ontario’s economy.”

In addition to competitions, the event hosts targeted programming, including the Young Women’s Conferences, the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Student Conference, and the Skilled Trades Conference for Guidance Educators. These initiatives support workforce diversification—an ongoing priority across the construction sector.

Winners may advance to represent Team Ontario at the Skills Canada National Competition later in May, also in Toronto. For employers, these top performers represent high-potential recruits with validated skills under competitive conditions.

The Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Truck program will also debut a new fleet, expanding mobile training and outreach capabilities across the province—an important tool for engaging future tradespeople at the secondary school level.

Event Details

• Dates: May 4–5, 2026 (Closing Ceremony May 6)
• Location: Toronto Congress Centre
• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (EST)
• Admission: Free, no registration required

The Closing Ceremony will be streamed live via the Skills Ontario YouTube channel, increasing accessibility for industry stakeholders and communities across Ontario.

For more information, visit skillsontario.com/competition-visitors.