Celebrating success – $10 million goal achieved for Building for Skills campaign

Thanks to the incredible generosity and support of our donor community, Durham College (DC) has fully funded – and opened – the state-of-the-art Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology (CSTT), shining a spotlight on skilled trades training, innovation and education.

$10 million in community support has been raised through the Building for Skills campaign to complete the funding for the CSTT. We are grateful for the transformative support received from Ontario Power Generation (OPG), the Region of Durham, the Town of Whitby, the Durham College Student Association (DCSA) and the many generous gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations. The new building and the renovated and re-purposed pre-existing spaces increase the training capacity at the Whitby campus and transform the way DC delivers industrial and construction-focused professional and skilled trades training and education.

This project is the latest in the development of the college’s Whitby campus, which has seen a 130 per cent increase in student population over the past 10 years. Growing alongside the increasing number of learners and apprentices has been the location’s physical footprint. This construction marks the fourth phase of revitalization and expansion at this location.

Project background

Given the skilled labour shortage both locally and nationally, the timing of this new project could not have been better. Skills Canada estimates that 40 per cent of occupations in the next decade will be in skilled trades. Colleges Ontario forecasts that by 2030 the province will face a skilled labour shortage of more than 500,000 workers.

In addition, the college continuously hears from its partners that they need more skilled workers and would like new programs developed to focus on emerging industries. Prior to the construction of the CSTT, the ability to keep up with the demand posed a significant challenge due to the previous physical space constraints at the Whitby campus.

Phase IV expansion details

With 60,000 sq. ft. of dedicated new space to focus on high priorities, the phase IV expansion was designed to significantly increase DC’s industrial skilled trades training capacity and create more opportunities to participate in applied research projects to advance innovation and knowledge.

The following programs call the CSTT home:

• DC’s post-secondary Electrical Engineering Technician, Electrical Techniques, Mechanical Technician – Elevating Devices and Mechanical Techniques – Plumbing.
• The Electrician – Construction and Maintenance, Industrial Electrician, Elevating Devices Mechanic and Plumber apprenticeship programs.

The following are some of the unique features of the expansion:

• A double-height shop lab to address the specialized needs of both the mechanical and construction programs. Home to a two-storey building model, the lab allows plumbing students to work underneath, while elevating devices students are able to work in an easily accessible dual-level elevator shaft.
• Classrooms with moveable walls and furniture to accommodate various configurations.
• Training labs with dedicated space and equipment for a range of post-secondary and apprenticeship programs.
• Student touchdown spaces.
• A fitness centre.
• A food services facility.