Durham College welcomes provincial budget's significant investment in the skilled trades Posted on March 25, 2008 at 1:17 pm. March 25, 2008 Province, college both recognize economic importance of skilled workforce OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College is applauding today’s provincial budget and its significant commitment to new skills and education opportunities for Ontarians, particularly the strong focus on skilled trades and training, a key area of focus and expertise at the college. Durham College President Leah Myers welcomed the many new investments announced by Finance Minister Dwight Duncan in the budget, including $355 million for a new Second Career Strategy that will help unemployed workers secure long-term training for new careers and $75 million over three years to expand apprenticeship opportunities. Both initiatives strongly align with Durham College’s focus on the skilled trades and career-focused training. “Having a skilled workforce that meets the requirements of today’s rapidly changing economy is critical to the future of Durham Region and Ontario,” said Myers. “The Second Career Strategy will make a real difference in Durham Region for individuals, who, through no fault of their own, find themselves out of work, yet are eager to begin new and meaningful long-term careers. I believe that with this new funding Durham College will play a key role in providing those learning opportunities in our community.” Myers also welcomed the announcement of $200 million for Strategic Skills Training Capital Investments to expand training centres and capacity across the province; a $60-million commitment over three years for equipment renewal; and $45 million over three years for state-of-the-art equipment for apprenticeship. She noted having up-to-date equipment and outstanding facilities ensures excellence in programming and a positive learning environment for Durham College students. This funding also appears to be ideally suited to growth plans for the Durham College Skills Training Centre (DCSTC) at its Whitby Campus. “We have an exciting new vision for the expansion of the Durham College Skills Training Centre,” said Myers. “Our vision calls for significant growth in apprenticeship and post-secondary programming, and innovations in delivery approaches to better serve our industry partners. Plans to expand the centre by 40,000 square feet will add capacity to launch a new focus on energy, including industry-relevant programs and a retrofit of the centre that supports Durham Region’s energy leadership. I look forward to engaging the government in conversation about how to access these new funds and why the DCSTC is an ideal candidate for meeting the priorities announced today by Minister Duncan.” Today’s budget is even more crucial and timely given the Conference Board of Canada’s estimates that Ontario could face a shortfall of 364,000 skilled workers by 2025. Specific sectors that have identified looming shortages in skilled workers include the automotive, construction and environmental industries, all of which are focuses of training at Durham College. “By working with the provincial government, business leaders and other community partners, Durham College expects to play a leading role in providing the training solutions needed to meet the challenges ahead,” added Myers. “We are thrilled that the provincial government continues to partner with colleges and signal that it has put a priority on helping Ontarians reach their full potential.” Background: Since 1993, the Durham College Skills Training Centre has provided apprentices and post-secondary students in priority sectors with the critical skills and knowledge that drive personal success and economic growth in Durham Region and beyond. The centre is located on 29 acres and offers in excess of 200,000 square feet of classroom and shop floor space. The college offers 17 apprenticeship programs and over the last 15 years more than 20,000 registered apprentices have completed various levels of in-school apprenticeship training in the construction, manufacturing and transportation sectors, including 12,000 within the last seven years. Currently there are 1,600 apprentices enrolled at the centre, 120 Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) apprenticeship students, and 670 students in post-secondary programs. -30- Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations. SHARE:
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