Sarnia-Lambton’s SkillUP program tackles youth retention with training and industry challenges

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is launching its SkillUP initiative, a youth retention program designed to equip local Grade 11-12 Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) students with practical skills and […]

The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is launching its SkillUP initiative, a youth retention program designed to equip local Grade 11-12 Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) students with practical skills and connections to regional employers. The overall goal is to strengthen Sarnia-Lambton’s future workforce.

The initiative consists of two specific programs: SkillUP: Youth Ready and the SkillUP: Industry Innovation Challenge.

SkillUP: Youth Ready Program

The Youth Ready program offers Grade 11 and 12 SHSM students free Basic Safety Orientation (BSO) training. This certification is recognized by industrial, construction, and manufacturing employers across the region.

Delivered in partnership with the Bluewater Association for Safety, Environment and Sustainability (BASES), the program is open to students planning to enter the workforce or pursue local post-secondary studies.

The BSO training aims to build practical safety knowledge and increase confidence for employment. It also provides students with documentation of their BSO completion. The program is limited to 25 participants, and applications are open until December 2, 2025.

SkillUP: Industry Innovation Challenge

In a related effort, SLEP is partnering with Lambton College to host the SkillUP: Industry Innovation Challenge. This will take place on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the college.

The challenge invites students from Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Construction SHSM programs to develop solution-focused responses to real business needs presented by local employers.

• Participating companies will introduce an authentic workplace challenge.

• Student teams will engage with the companies to develop a solution.

• The event concludes with a final presentation pitch session.

SLEP is actively seeking employers in Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Construction to participate in this challenge.

Executive and Educational Support

Matthew Slotwinski, CEO of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, stated that “SkillUP helps our local students build skills that align with real opportunities here at home.” He added that the programs support youth who want to “learn, work, and build their future in Sarnia-Lambton”.

Cari Meloche, Economic Development Officer at SLEP, noted the strong interest from both students and employers. She emphasized that "SkillUP gives our youth practical learning experiences and direct exposure to local industries. It also gives employers a clear link to emerging talent in Sarnia-Lambton”.

Local education partners also support the initiative. Melissa Fraser, Principal of École secondaire catholique Saint-François-Xavier, explained that SHSM students "benefit when they can take what they learn in the classroom and test it in real settings”.

She added that SkillUP provides "practical experience, clearer insight into local career paths, and more confidence as they plan their next steps in Lambton County”.

Contact and Applications

Employers interested in participating in the SkillUP: Industry Innovation Challenge can contact Cari Meloche at [email protected] or 519-332-1820.

More information on the SkillUP initiative and the application for the Youth Ready program is available on the SLEP website at www.sarnialambton.on.ca/skillup.