Durham College Expanding Skilled Trades Programs After $75 Million Provincial Funding Announcement

Durham College, based in Whitby, Ontario, will expand its skilled trades and construction training programs following a $75 million investment announced by the Government of Ontario in August. The announcement was made at Durham College’s Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology.

The funding is intended to increase training capacity for construction and urban planning programs at post-secondary institutions throughout Ontario, according to the Government of Ontario. Local residents who are pursuing education in these sectors may benefit from the additional spaces created by this investment.

Provincial officials said that by 2028, the funds are projected to add 7,500 new seats in construction programs and 300 new spaces for urban planning graduate students at Ontario colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes. The funding announcement was delivered by Minister Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence, and Security, and Minister David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development.

Dr. Elaine Popp, President of Durham College, said the provincial initiative will allow the college to strengthen its skilled trades and construction programs. Minister Piccini stated the goal is to break down barriers to careers in these sectors. Minister Quinn said the funding is aimed at supporting the future construction of housing, highways, hospitals, and critical infrastructure across Ontario.

Mariah Jarvis, a student enrolled in Durham College’s Electrical Engineering Technician program, said she welcomes the government’s support for skilled trades education. The Government of Ontario stated that the newly created student spaces will be distributed among selected post-secondary institutions, including Durham College.