Georgian to enhance its centre for Skilled Trades
Expansion of skilled trades hub for a sustainable, green future
SOURCE: GEORGIAN
The initiative has received backing from the County of Simcoe, which announced a substantial funding commitment of $1.5 million to of $1.5 million to make this project a reality. This endeavor aligns with the County’s regional economic development strategies aimed at enhancing and supporting the skilled trades while addressing the workforce needs in Simcoe County.
The college plans to add around 20,000 square feet of new space. Upon completion, the cutting-edge facility will nurture the development of a skilled trades workforce that is well-versed in robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced digital technologies. This investment comes at a crucial time, as the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development predicts that one in six job openings will be in the skilled trades by 2026. Furthermore, Lightcast, a global labor market analytics firm, highlights that the growth rate for skilled trades in Georgian’s catchment area is surpassing the provincial average, with a rate of 27 percent compared to the provincial rate of 12 percent. energy-efficient designs, and more. County of Simcoe Warden Basil Clarke discussed why this is important to the region. “Our $1.5 million investment in Georgian College’s Centre for Skilled Trades isn’t just building up local infrastructure – it’s engineering our future,” said Clarke. “We’re laying the foundation for generations of skilled professionals who will continue to build up and strengthen Simcoe County, right here at home.” The Warden’s announcement brings the County of Simcoe’s total investment in Georgian College to more than $10 million over the past decade. Georgian currently offers over 39 skilled trades programs across its Barrie, Midland, Muskoka and Owen Sound campuses, including a mix of diplomas, certificates and apprenticeship training.
“For almost 60 years, Georgian has been an experienced and trusted workforce development partner, and we know how important the skilled trades are to a variety of sectors in our region,” said Kevin Weaver, President and CEO, Georgian College. “The skilled trades are one of our areas of strength and to continue being responsive to industry needs and to offer our students an unrivaled skilled trades learning environment, we need to modernize our centre to meet the challenges of Industry 4.0.” The expanded Centre for Skilled Trades will include a new lab for heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning, major renovations to the lab for carpentry and machining programs, a second and third-floor addition with collaborative spaces, energy-efficient designs, and more. County of Simcoe Warden Basil Clarke discussed why this is important to the region.
“Our $1.5 million investment in Georgian College’s Centre for Skilled Trades isn’t just building up local infrastructure – it’s engineering our future,” said Clarke. “We’re laying the foundation for generations of skilled professionals who will continue to build up and strengthen Simcoe County, right here at home.” The Warden’s announcement brings the County of Simcoe’s total investment in Georgian College to more than $10 million over the past decade. Georgian currently offers over 39 skilled trades programs across its Barrie, Midland, Muskoka and Owen Sound campuses, including a mix of diplomas, certificates and apprenticeship training.
