Humber Polytechnic’s newly expanded Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology is designed to meet Ontario’s growing demand for skilled workers and propel the economy forward as the institution tackles Canada’s productivity crisis.

With industry-relevant labs and modern training spaces, the expanded Centre will provide students with hands-on experiences in fields such as industrial woodworking, electrical techniques, heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning (HRAC), among others.

As Ontario invests heavily in infrastructure, including transit, highways, and housing, Humber Polytechnic’s 16,000 square-foot expansion of the Centre will provide support by adding 500 new skilled trades training opportunities across apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and post-secondary levels. Humber has contributed $2.16 million from its capital priorities fund, with additional funding of over $1 million from Ontario’s Apprenticeship Capital Grant, which brings Ontario’s overall contribution through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant to almost $6 million.

“At Humber Polytechnic we’re committed to doing our part in addressing our country’s productivity crisis while helping students bridge their brilliant dreams with careers that are in high demand. Our mission is to equip graduates with the right skills and experience to build lifelong employability in a workforce that’s constantly evolving. With the expansion of the Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology, we are preparing the next generation of skilled workers to drive Ontario’s economy forward. Skilled trades professionals are the backbone of our economy, and we’re proud to offer facilities to ensure they receive the highest level of training,”  said Ann Marie Vaughan, president and CEO, Humber Polytechnic.

Located near Humber’s North campus at 110 Carrier Drive, the $9.5 million expansion includes specialized labs such as an HRAC lab, a gas and oil lab, and an AR/VR/XR simulation studio. Additionally, a 10,000-square-foot woodworking lab, converted from a former furniture manufacturing plant, will train students in trades such as carpentry and industrial woodworking.

“The expansion of Humber Polytechnic’s skilled trades programs is a major step forward for students pursuing opportunities in the skilled trades. This expanded campus will help young people in Ontario find better jobs with bigger pay cheques and help our province develop the highly skilled workforce that will attract investments and build the roads, highways, schools, hospitals and other critical infrastructure that are essential to our growing communities,” said Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario.

The expansion also includes flexible lab spaces that can adapt to new industry technologies.

“Congratulations to Humber Polytechnic on expanding this state-of-the art facility that will help learners gain the hands-on skills they need to join one of Ontario’s most in-demand workforces. By providing the latest learning tools and equipment and creating 500 new skilled trades training opportunities, Humber Polytechnic is developing the talent we need to build Ontario and connecting students to meaningful careers,”  said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges and Universities .

Featured image: Ann Marie Vaughan, president and CEO, Humber Polytechnic; Genevieve Labbe, a graduate of the Humber Polytechnic 2023 Electrician Pre-Apprenticeship program; Premier Doug Ford; and MPP Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges and Universities.

(Humber Polytechnic)