Ontario’s Durham College Formally Welcomes New Training Center

Durham College in Oshawa, Canada, formally unveiled its CAD35-million (US$26.9-million), 60,000-ft², two-story skilled trades training facility during a grand opening on April 21. Located on the school’s Whitby Campus, the training center is named the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology (CSTT) for OPG’s longstanding financial and other support. One of 24 publicly funded colleges in the province of Ontario, Durham College began offering an elevating devices mechanic (EDM) apprenticeship program in 2002 and now also offers a two-year, postsecondary program. The CSTT includes a double-height shop that allows plumbing students to work underneath and EDM students to train in an easily accessible dual-level elevator shaft. The grand opening featured tours of the facility, an indigenous blessing by Sen. Cecile Wagar from the Oshawa and Durham Métis Council, a ribbon cutting and remarks from students, alumni, employees and community leaders. DC President Don Lovisa said CSTT “provides a launchpad for the next generation of skilled tradespeople,” increasing Whitby training capacity by 750 students.