Humber Polytechnic opens expanded Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology
The facility aims to help address Ontario’s skilled trades shortage with hands-on training and new technology.
October 11, 2024 | By MRO Magazine
Premier Doug Ford shakes hands with Beverley McIntosh in Humber Polytechnic's Industrial Woodworking program [Photo: Humber Polytechnic] On Oct. 10, Humber Polytechnic’s held the grand opening of its expanded Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology. The facility 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 reportedly 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 aim to provide support by adding 500 new skilled trades training opportunities across apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship, and post-secondary levels.
“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,” said Ann Marie Vaughan, President and CEO, Humber Polytechnic.
“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.”
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.
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 also includes flexible lab spaces that can adapt to new industry technologies.
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