More than 140 job seekers attended the Fort Erie event, connecting with employers, training providers, and workforce partners from across Niagara.
Fort Erie, ON — Cappa College welcomed more than 140 attendees to its Fort Erie campus for the Skilled Trades Career & Employment Expo, an event held in partnership with the Town of Fort Erie, Job Gym Employment Services, and the South Niagara Chambers of Commerce.
The event brought together job seekers, students, employers, training organizations, and community partners for an afternoon focused on career pathways in the skilled trades, industrial employment, apprenticeships, and local workforce development.
Held at Cappa College’s campus at 7 Tait Avenue in Fort Erie, the expo gave attendees the opportunity to meet directly with employers and workforce organizations, ask questions about career options, explore training pathways, and tour the college’s newly expanded facility.
A Regional Effort to Support Skilled Trades Careers
The expo was designed to connect people interested in skilled trades careers with the employers and support organizations that can help them take the next step.
Participating employers and community organizations included Fleet Canada, Valbruna ASW, Niagara Industrial Association, Skilled Trades Ontario, HIEC/Apprenticesearch, Ontario Truck Driving School, Stolk Construction, Habitat for Humanity Niagara, Canadian Armed Forces, Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, Employment Professionals Canada, PenFinancial Credit Union, InterRent, Sun Communities Sherkston Shores, Academy of Learning, Job Gym, and Cappa College.
The event also included work tables where attendees could complete job applications or paperwork, along with support from Cappa College, Job Gym, and Town of Fort Erie team members throughout the venue.
Building the Workforce of the Future
In her opening remarks, Dolores Fabiano, Executive Director of the South Niagara Chambers of Commerce, welcomed employers, students, job seekers, and community partners, emphasizing the importance of skilled trades to the region’s future.
“This expo represents more than just job opportunities,” Fabiano said. “It’s a critical investment in our region’s future. Skilled trades are the backbone of our economy. These careers power our communities, and they offer strong wages, long-term growth, and real impact.”
Fabiano also spoke about the importance of long-term collaboration between employers, training providers, and community partners.
“Today we’re here to support you, not just today, but also as a long-term partner in building the workforce for the Niagara region,” she said.
Connecting Job Seekers with Employers and Career Pathways
With more than 15 companies and community organizations in attendance, the expo gave job seekers a practical way to explore immediate and future opportunities in the trades and related sectors.
Attendees were able to speak with employers about hiring needs, learn about apprenticeships, explore training and certification options, and receive guidance from community employment organizations.
The event was especially focused on construction, automotive, industrial, service trades, and related career pathways. Some participating organizations attended to recruit, while others provided career advice, apprenticeship information, training guidance, and industry insight.
For Cappa College, the event aligned directly with the college’s growing focus on hands-on, employment-connected training.
A Shared Investment in Niagara’s Future
The Skilled Trades Career & Employment Expo highlighted the importance of collaboration in workforce development. Cappa College, the Town of Fort Erie, Job Gym, and the South Niagara Chambers of Commerce each played a role in bringing together the people and organizations needed to support local employment growth.
The event also reinforced Fort Erie’s growing role as a hub for education, training, and skilled workforce development.
For Cappa College, the expo was another step in building stronger connections between education and employment in Niagara.
As demand for skilled workers continues to grow, events like this help create practical pathways for local residents to access training, meet employers, and pursue meaningful careers close to home.
