Georgian College is making exciting improvements to help train more skilled workers by expanding its Centre for Skilled Trades at the Barrie Campus. Thanks to a $1.5 million investment from the County of Simcoe, this project will create more space and provide better training for students pursuing careers in trades like carpentry, machining, and heating and refrigeration.
Project Highlights
More Space and Modern Facilities
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Expansion Size - 20,000 square feet will be added to the facility
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Upgraded Training Areas
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A new lab for heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning
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Renovated carpentry and machining labs
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Second and third-floor additions featuring collaborative learning spaces
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Energy-efficient designs to promote sustainability
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Supporting Students and Industry Growth
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Capacity to train about 1,000 students each year
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Prepares students for modern careers, including robotics and artificial intelligence
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One in six jobs in Ontario will be in skilled trades by 2026
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Georgian’s region is seeing a 27% growth rate in skilled trades—more than double the provincial rate of 12%
Funding and Community Support
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$1.5 million from the County of Simcoe
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$1 million from the Gene Haas Foundation for the machining lab
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County of Simcoe has invested over $10 million in Georgian College over the past decade
Smart Design and Industry Collaboration
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Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects Inc.
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Incorporates eco-friendly features to save energy and reduce environmental impact
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Programs developed with input from industry experts to ensure real-world relevance
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Offers over 39 skilled trades programs across multiple Georgian College campuses
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Machining lab supports five postsecondary programs and three apprenticeship programs
Hands-On Training with Advanced Technology
ReNew Canada reports that the expanded Centre for Skilled Trades will offer students hands-on learning experiences using the latest tools and technologies. With updated facilities for digital manufacturing, CNC machining, and advanced construction techniques, students will gain practical skills that prepare them for in-demand jobs.
“For almost 60 years, Georgian has been an experienced and trusted workforce development partner, and we know how important the skilled trades are to a variety of sectors in our region. The skilled trades are one of our areas of strength and to continue being responsive to industry needs and to offer our students an unrivaled skilled trades learning environment, we need to modernize our centre to meet the challenges of Industry."
President & CEO Georgian College | Kevin Weaver
Shaping the Future Workforce
This expansion will create better training opportunities and access to cutting-edge industry tools, helping students learn more efficiently and secure strong career prospects in skilled trades. Industry leaders are also backing this initiative, ensuring that students are well-prepared to enter the workforce.
By modernizing its training spaces, Georgian College is strengthening the pipeline of skilled professionals for the construction and manufacturing industries. This investment benefits both students and employers by ensuring that the workforce keeps up with industry advancements.
With skilled trades jobs in high demand, projects like this are essential for building a strong, sustainable workforce. The expanded Centre for Skilled Trades will play a vital role in preparing the next generation of workers, ensuring a thriving construction industry for years to come.
