Durham College receives $1.3 million in provincial funding for skilled trades training

Nearly $1.3 million in funding is headed to Durham College to expand apprenticeship training for three in-demand careers skilled trades.

The Skills Training Centre in Whitby will use the money to invest in its Cook program ($388,007), Electrician Construction and Maintenance program ($352,303) and Welder program ($337,490).

“The Ontario government’s investment in Durham College will have a significant impact on our students, apprentices and communities, strengthening our capacity to deliver high-quality skilled trades training and reinforcing our ability to support key sectors that drive Ontario’s economic growth,” said Durham College President Dr. Elaine Popp. “This funding allows us to modernize our facilities and expand hands-on learning with industry-standard equipment, ensuring our learners are well prepared to enter the workforce.”

The funding is part of the government’s annual $29-million investment in the Apprenticeship Capital Grant program to improve and modernize equipment and training facilities that support hands-on learning for students and apprentices.

“Ontario’s skilled trades are vital to our economy and offer meaningful and well-paying careers,” said Whitby MPP Lorne Coe. “These investments in Durham College will help more students in Whitby and other parts of the Region of Durham access hands-on training for in-demand jobs, while supporting local employers and strengthening Durham Region’s growing economy.”

The province is also providing $205,000 to the school to support their efforts to enhance training capacity and improve the quality of apprenticeship programs. The project includes purchasing electronic system trainers, a scissor lift, an alignment machine, and tool storage cabinets to support hands- on learning aligned with industry standards. Minor facility modifications will support the equipment and allow the relocation of electrical training from the automotive lab, doubling lab capacity from 20 to 40 apprentices per session.

“At a time when many people are looking for stability and opportunity, these investments are helping more people train for rewarding, in-demand careers close to home, while ensuring employers can find the skilled workers they need to fill critical labour gaps,” said Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Minister David Piccini.