Humber College to Expand Skilled Trades Facility

Humber College has announced expansion plans for the campuses Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology to help address the increasing demand for apprenticeship and trades training.

The $9.5-million expansion will feature simulated worksites for hands-on learning and alternative methods of course delivery, such as online learning and the use of virtual reality and augmented reality in trades, including plumbing, carpentry, electrical, welding, industrial woodworking and renovation labs.

“We have the best skilled tradespeople in the world, right here in Ontario. That is why our government is on a mission to get more people into the trades; we are fully committed to training the next generation of skilled tradespeople,” said Premier Doug Ford.

Humber will receive more than $1-million in funding annually for three years from Ontario’s Apprenticeship Capital Grant (ACG) to support the project. The college will be contributing approximately $2.16 million per year.

The planned 16,620-square-foot addition will improve the following:

• Increase the number of skilled trades training opportunities for pre-apprentices, apprentices and post-secondary learners by approximately 500 students.
• Add additional trades to Humber’s portfolio in the construction, industrial and service sectors.
• Add and improve existing facilities.
• Offer students more choices when it comes to learning style.
• Explore and implement alternative methods of course delivery such as: online and in-person learning and the use of virtual and augmented reality will provide students with multiple choices to support their learning style.
• Create multi-purpose labs/classrooms facilitating better delivery of hands-on and theoretical learning.
• Improve access to in-class training, including removing accessibility barriers and addressing gender equity.

The planned expansion is scheduled to be completed over the next three years and will begin this fall.