Trading Skills Season Two: Empowering Kids to Discover Their Future in the Skilled Trades
There’s something special happening in Canada — a quiet but powerful shift that’s opening doors for the next generation. More young people than ever are exploring the skilled trades, and the numbers prove it. Statistics Canada reports that new apprenticeship registrations hit a record 101,541 in 2024, the highest since tracking began in 2008. That’s not just a statistic; it’s a sign of hope, opportunity, and a changing narrative around what it means to build a meaningful career.
As a mom, employee of a skilled trade, and storyteller, I can’t help but feel excited about what this means for our kids. And this June, TVOkids is helping fuel that momentum with the return of a series that truly celebrates curiosity, creativity, and hands‑on learning.
A New Season, A New Spark of Possibility
The live‑action TVOkids Original series Trading Skills is back for its second season — and it’s bigger, bolder, and more inspiring than ever. Launching Friday, June 19 at 11 a.m. ET on TVOkids digital platforms (and broadcasting Sunday, June 21 at 12:10 p.m. ET on TVO), the series gives kids an insider look at 13 skilled trades that keep our communities thriving.
Returning hosts Akeylah James and Brody Agmon bring their signature energy and curiosity to every episode, inviting viewers into their vibrant Skills Space workshop where learning feels like an adventure, not a lesson.
As producer Francis Mitchell of Riverbank Pictures puts it,
“Trading Skills season two continues to connect kids to the sometimes overlooked world of the skilled trades. From game developers to surface blasters, we hope that by learning more about these trades kids will be inspired to pursue one for a rewarding career.”
And truly — that’s the magic of this series. It doesn’t just show kids what’s possible. It helps them feel it.
A Season Rooted in Community and Real‑World Experience
Filmed across Ontario, this season highlights the diversity, talent, and heart of the province’s skilled tradespeople. Featured trades and locations include:
- Robotics Manufacturing Engineer — Waterloo
- Audio Producer — Hamilton
- Construction & Maintenance Electrician — Kitchener
- Surface Blaster — Lindsay
- Environmental Technician — Thunder Bay
- SPFX Makeup Artist — Toronto
- Auto Body Repair Mechanic — Windsor
- Game Developer — London
- Esthetician — Toronto
- Veterinary Technician — Meaford
- General Machinist — Thunder Bay
- Renewable Energies Technician — Kitchener
Each episode blends storytelling, hands‑on challenges, and real‑life mentorship — the kind of learning that sticks with kids long after the credits roll.
As Kirsten Hurd, Commissioning Editor at TVOkids, shares:
“This season highlights even more careers that play an important role in our communities and economy, and helps kids see new possibilities for their own futures.”
Akeylah’s Top Three Favourite Trades This Season
One of the most heartwarming parts of this season is watching host Akeylah James discover her own passions along the way. Despite a packed filming schedule, she shared with us on Momma Braga, her top three favourite trades — and her reasons are as thoughtful as they are relatable.
1. Audio Producer — For the Kids Who Love Sound, Music, and Creativity
Akeylah’s love for podcasts and music made this episode a standout.
In Hamilton, she meets Joseph, an audio producer who teaches her how to optimize a recording space, experiment with microphones, and mix tracks using a digital audio workspace. Together, they create a fun, original theme song — a moment that blends creativity with technical skill in a way kids will love.
This episode is perfect for young creators who dream in soundwaves.
2. Paramedic — For the Kids Who Thrive in Fast‑Paced, High‑Impact Roles
This one surprised Akeylah — in the best way.
In London, she trains with Sam, a paramedic who walks her through first aid basics like abdominal thrusts and CPR. She explores the ambulance, learns how dispatch radios work, and even tests out a defibrillator before heading out with lights and sirens blazing.
It’s an episode full of heart, courage, and real‑world impact — ideal for kids who love action and helping others.
3. Esthetician — For the Kids Who Love Detail, Care, and Creativity
Akeylah was thrilled to learn that esthetics is a skilled trade — and even more thrilled to try it.
In Vaughan, she joins Natalie, an esthetician who guides her through facials, exfoliation, brightening masks, eyebrow shaping, and prepping nails for floral nail art. It’s meticulous, artistic, and deeply caring work — a perfect match for kids who love hands‑on creativity.
Why This Series Matters — As a Parent and Advocate
As someone who believes deeply in empowering kids through knowledge and representation, Trading Skills hits home for me. It shows kids that their passions — whether artistic, technical, scientific, or hands‑on — are valid pathways to meaningful careers.
It also shines a light on the people who keep our communities running. The electricians who power our homes. The machinists who build our tools. The technicians who protect our environment. The estheticians who help people feel confident. The paramedics who save lives.
These are not just jobs. They are acts of service, skill, and heart.
And our kids deserve to see them.
Make sure to check out our piece from Season One as we truly love this show!
About Riverbank Pictures
Riverbank Pictures is a family‑run production company specializing in dynamic kids’ content, unscripted food and travel series, and long‑form scripted projects. Led by David and Francis Mitchell and writer/director Johnny Mitchell, the company has earned multiple Canadian Screen Award nominations for Best Non‑Fiction Kids Series. Their preschool crafting hit Curious Crafting aired on TVO and ABC Australia. Season two of Trading Skills premieres on TVOkids in June 2026.
About TVO Media Education Group
TVO Media Education Group inspires learning that changes lives. Founded in 1970, TVO is a globally recognized digital learning organization engaging Ontarians of all ages through TVO Today, TVO Learn, TVO ILC, and TVOkids. As a registered charity, TVO is supported by the Province of Ontario and thousands of donors. Learn more at TVO.me.
Make sure to tune in as we know we will be!
Until next time…Happy Parenting!
~ Momma Braga
