Ontario Investing in Apprenticeship Training in Durham Region

May 15, 2026

Grant funding supports upgrades to training facilities and equipment at Durham College, to support in-demand jobs in the skilled trades

DURHAM – The Ontario government is investing $1,282,800 to expand apprenticeship training at Durham College, which will equip more people in the Region of Durham with the tools and resources they need to land good paying, in-demand careers in the skilled trades. The funding is part of the government’s annual $29-million investment in the Apprenticeship Capital Grant program to improve and modernize equipment and training facilities that support hands-on learning for students and apprentices. “Ontario’s skilled trades are vital to our economy and offer meaningful and well-paying careers,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “These investments in Durham College will help more students in Whitby and other parts of the Region of Durham access hands-on training for in-demand jobs, while supporting local employers and strengthening Durham Region’s growing economy.”


Durham College in Whitby has been approved for funding for the following courses:

  • Cook – $388,007
  • Electrician Construction and Maintenance – $352,303
  • Welder – $337,490

In addition to this investment, the Ontario Government is also providing $205,000 to Durham College to support their efforts to enhance training capacity and improve the quality of apprenticeship programs. The project includes purchasing electronic system trainers, a scissor lift, an alignment machine, and tool storage cabinets to support hands-on learning aligned with industry standards. Minor facility modifications will support the equipment and allow the relocation of electrical training from the automotive lab, doubling lab capacity from 20 to 40 apprentices per session.


“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is proud to invest in programs that modernize training and strengthen Ontario’s apprenticeship system,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “At a time when many people are looking for stability and opportunity, these investments are helping more people train for rewarding, in-demand careers close to home, while ensuring employers can find the skilled workers they need to fill critical labour gaps.”


“This $1,282,800 investment is about investing in our youth and giving them the skills, confidence and hands-on experience they need to succeed,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Member of Provincial Parliament for Pickering-Uxbridge. “By strengthening apprenticeship training today, we are opening doors for young people in Pickering-Uxbridge and across Durham, to build rewarding careers and contribute to a stronger Ontario for generations to come.”


“Investing in apprenticeship training is a crucial strategy toward building a stronger Ontario through a skilled workforce and this investment for Durham College will provide students with enhanced training and development to succeed in the workforce” said Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham. “Apprenticeship turns talent into certified skill, and our government will continue to invest in building the careers of apprentices while they build the future of Ontario.”


These improvements will strengthen hands-on training and give more people access to equipment that reflect current employer needs. The upgraded facilities will help prepare people for careers as Cooks, Electricians, and Welders, and support training providers in keeping pace with evolving technologies and industry demands.


Ontario continues to take action to protect workers, businesses and communities by investing in skills training that responds to labour market needs. This investment will continue to develop our world class workforce, connect employers to skilled workers, support economic growth and build a stronger, more competitive and resilient Ontario.

Quotes

“The Ontario government’s investment in Durham College will have a significant impact on our students, apprentices and communities, strengthening our capacity to deliver high-quality skilled trades training and reinforcing our ability to support key sectors that drive Ontario’s economic growth. This funding allows us to modernize our facilities and expand hands-on learning with industry-standard equipment, ensuring our learners are well prepared to enter the workforce. We value our ongoing partnership with the province and its continued support in helping Durham College respond to labour market needs in Durham Region and across Ontario.”

— Dr. Elaine Popp, President, Durham College

Quick Facts

  • There are 144 skilled trades in Ontario.
  • Ontario will need an additional 400,000 skilled trades workers over the next decade to meet demand for housing, infrastructure, transit, energy and industrial projects.
  • One in six jobs in Ontario is expected to be in the skilled trades by 2034, underscoring the need to continue growing apprenticeship pathways and training capacity.
  • There are currently over 95,000 registered apprentices in Ontario.
  • In 2025, nearly 10,000 youth registered for an apprenticeship.
  • The Apprenticeship Capital Grant is supported by labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

Additional Resources