The District School Board of Niagara is launching its first-ever Post-Secondary Pathways Fair on May 4, 2026, offering students and families in Port Colborne and across the region a chance to explore options for life after high school. The event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Ian Beddis Gymnasium at Brock University in St. Catharines.
The fair is free to attend, and no registration is required. Families and community members are encouraged to visit the venue, where free parking will be available. Representatives from various colleges, universities, apprenticeship programs, and employers will be on-site to help students learn about different career paths, including skilled trades, post-secondary education, and workforce opportunities.
This initiative aims to support students as they navigate their futures, a process that is becoming increasingly important as Ontario faces a significant skilled trades shortage. Projections indicate that by 2026, one in five job openings across the province will be in the skilled trades. The fair serves as a practical way for families to connect directly with organizations and learn about the diverse pathways available to graduates.
The board, which serves over 43,000 students across 18 secondary schools—including Port Colborne High School—is also organizing a structured, student-focused experience during the school day on May 4 and 5 for Grade 11 students. This event aligns with provincial policies that prioritize comprehensive career and life planning for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12.
Kelly Parlatore, the event organizer and a Student Achievement Leader, noted that the fair is designed to help students and their families understand the many possibilities available as they plan their next steps. The event is supported by leadership from the board’s superintendent of student achievement and well-being, Neil Sheard, and builds upon existing programs like the School-College-Work Initiative, which partners with Niagara College to provide students with opportunities to earn both high school and college credits.
