Epic Jobs 2025 saw 2,500 students learn about skilled trades and other occupations on May 22.

The event, held for the sixth year, took place at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, half inside on a rink floor and half outside in the parking lot, where a steady rain couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of students.

Outside, Grade 7 and 8 students could try their hand at several trades, including welding and plumbing, or help dismantle a car. They could clamber in and out of a variety of heavy equipment from a locally made forestry machine to a crane, backhoe, ambulance, and transport, hydro, public works and fire trucks.

Inside, students could use a welding simulator, mount tires, race through a police obstacle course, try out virtual reality goggles, have their hair braided, and more.

“Each year it is amazing to see the eyes of students light up at Epic Jobs as they get to be hands on and talk to people who work in different careers,” said Danette Dalton, executive director of the Workforce Planning Board, the main organizer of Epic Jobs 2025.

“For most students this is the first time they will get to touch, experience and learn about opportunities in the skilled trades, apprenticeships and other exciting careers.”

Students from across region

Students were bused in from schools from across Brantford, Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Six Nations and Mississaugas of the Credit. The majority of students were from the Grand Erie District School Board and Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, but schools from Indigenous communities and private schools also participated.

More than 40 companies, trade unions, colleges, training firms and community organizations participated in Epic Jobs 2025. They were encouraged to make their stations as interactive and hands-on as possible as a way to engage students.

Organizing partners were: Grand Erie District School Board, Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) operated by the school boards, Organized Kaos, Skilled Trade Alliance of Grand Erie, and the planning board.

Major sponsors were: Stelco, LiUNA Local 837, Ontario Power Generation, Grand Renewable Wind, Simply Electric and United Rentals.

Sponsors spoke about their reasons for supporting Epic Jobs 2025            

“EPIC Jobs provides distinguished and unparalleled opportunities for students to interact with equipment, tools, safety gear and industry experts, while acquiring valuable insights into careers in trades, utilities, and manufacturing.”
– Erica Chow, Human Resources, Stelco

“LiUNA proudly supports career exploration events because we believe in empowering the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to build strong, rewarding futures in the skilled trades.”
– Nick Ciccone, Executive Board Member and Training Director, LiUNA! Local 837

“We’re passionate about introducing people to our industry. The wind, green power, and renewable energy sectors are rapidly expanding, creating valuable career opportunities in our area. By showcasing the diverse paths available, we have a real chance to inspire younger generations to explore educational opportunities that align with these growing fields.”
– Phillip Legroulx, Facility Manager, Grand Renewable Wind

“Educating our children towards a solid career path now will pave the way for a better future. The Epic Jobs experience allows children to explore that future.”
– Larry Fitzpatrick, Owner, Simply Electric 

“Ontario Power Generation is proud to continue supporting Epic Jobs as it opens doors for the next generation of skilled trades professionals,” said Nicole Fabbro, Vice President, Niagara Operations, Ontario Power Generation. “This event gives students a hands-on look at meaningful, in-demand careers that not only power our province but also strengthen communities across southwestern Ontario.”
– Nicole Fabbro, Vice President, Niagara Operations, Ontario Power Generation

“United Rentals is excited to assist in sponsoring this year’s Epic Jobs Annual Career Exploration Day in association with the Workplace Planning Board of Grand Erie. Career opportunities in the trades are important to promote at all levels of our community, and United Rentals is committed to providing support and additional training at every skill level.”
– United Rentals