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Sarnia, ON – The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) has announced the launch of its SkillUP initiative, a youth retention program designed to help local Grade 11–12 Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) students gain practical skills, explore career pathways, and build connections to employers across the region. The initiative includes two programs, SkillUP: Youth Ready and the SkillUP: Industry Innovation Challenge, both aimed at strengthening Sarnia-Lambton’s future workforce.
SkillUP: Youth Ready provides free Basic Safety Orientation (BSO) training 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 Grade 11 and 12 SHSM students who plan to enter the workforce after high school or pursue post-secondary studies locally. Through this training, students build practical safety knowledge and gain confidence as they prepare for employment, while receiving documentation of their completion of the BSO program.
“SkillUP helps our local students build skills that align with real opportunities here at home,” said Matthew Slotwinski, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. “These programs support youth who want to learn, work, and build their future in Sarnia-Lambton. They also strengthen the connection between our education partners, local employers, and those soon to be entering the local workforce.”
SLEP and Lambton College will also host the SkillUP: Industry Innovation Challenge on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Lambton 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, engage with student teams, and hear final presentations during a pitch session.
“We are seeing strong interest from both students and employers who want more ways to engage,” said Cari Meloche, Economic Development Officer at the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. “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 note that the program supports SHSM students in developing skills, confidence, and a stronger awareness of local opportunities. “Our SHSM students benefit when they can take what they learn in the classroom and test it in real settings,” said Melissa Fraser, Principal, École secondaire catholique Saint-François-Xavier - Conseil scolaire catholique Providence. “SkillUP gives them practical experience, clearer insight into local career paths, and more confidence as they plan their next steps in Lambton County.”
SLEP is currently seeking employers in Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Construction to participate in the SkillUP: Industry Innovation Challenge. Interested companies are encouraged to contact Cari Meloche at cari@sarnialambton.on.ca or 519-332-1820.
The SkillUP: Youth Ready program is free for selected students and limited to 25 participants. Applications are open until December 2, 2025. More information is available at www.sarnialambton.on.ca/skillup.
About the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership:
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is the lead economic development agency for the Sarnia-Lambton area. Funded by the County of Lambton, we focus on promoting the distinct advantages Sarnia-Lambton proudly offers companies and residents. By coordinating community-based economic development initiatives and maintaining a commercially attractive environment, we foster new business creation, help ensure that established firms remain and grow here, and work to attract growing businesses to the Sarnia-Lambton area.
For Media Inquiries:
Arianne Garcia
Marketing & Communications Manager
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
(519) 332 1820 ext 225
arianne@sarnialambton.on.ca
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