Colleges very disappointed to be shut out of trades training announcement Posted on March 22, 2023 at 9:10 am. Oshawa, Ont. – Ontario colleges are very disappointed to be shut out of the Ontario government’s announced funding for new skilled trades training centres. “This is hugely disappointing for our students, our colleges and employers in our community,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Colleges provide many of the best opportunities to prepare students for careers in the skilled trades and should have been a major part of this announcement.” The Ontario government announced it is investing $224 million to build and upgrade private training centres and will spend $75 million over the next three years on operations and programming at the centres. It is inexplicable that colleges are excluded from the funding. Colleges play a dominant role in skills training, including the delivery of over 80 per cent of the in-class portion of apprenticeship training. In addition to its support for private training centres, Ontario must start investing in the fiscal sustainability of college programs. The province faces an escalating shortage of qualified people in key sectors, including the skilled trades, technology and health care. The province estimates nearly 300,000 jobs are going unfilled at this time. Ontario’s colleges will be pivotal to producing graduates with the expertise to fill that demand. Colleges are urging the government to improve and expand the existing infrastructure and work with the sector on a more responsible approach to skills training that will bolster the economy and help more people find rewarding careers. “Investing in our students and their future careers has to be a priority,” said Lovisa. “That means Ontario must invest in the high-quality programs at our colleges.” -30- About Durham College With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers over 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 145 programs, including five honours bachelor degrees and nine apprenticeship programs. DC enables students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market by providing an exceptional college education. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge employers need. MEDIA CONTACT Lindsay Holley Communications and Marketing lindsay.holley@durhamcollege.ca SHARE:
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