Durham College to Double Skilled Trades Training Capacity

Mar 14, 2019

A $35 million plan announced earlier this month by Durham College to expand its Whitby, Ontario campus will double the college’s industrial skilled trades training capacity.

According to media reports, the plans include a new 60,000-square-foot centre that will expand enrolment in skilled trades programs for electricians, millwrights, elevating device mechanics and boilermakers.

“Most of our trades’ programs receive more applications than seats,” says Peter Garrett, Manager of Strategic Reporting and Government Relations. “It’s not quite called a wait-list but [future students] are essentially wait-listed. If we increase the capacity for some [programs], then we could fill the seats and there’s demand from students and from industry.”

The college is reaching out to both the federal and provincial governments for funding. “Given the importance of supporting training and education within the province and across the country, we are optimistic about receiving (government) support,” says Garrett. The Town of Whitby has already committed to donating $1 million over five years.