Ontario Construction News staff writer
Barrie — Georgian College is planning an expansion of its Centre for Skilled Trades at the Barrie Campus.
Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects Inc., the expansion will add 20,000 square feet of state-of-the-art space, modernizing existing facilities and introducing new labs for heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, carpentry, and machining programs.
“This investment isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about building futures,” said Simcoe County Warden Basil Clarke. “We’re ensuring generations of skilled professionals can thrive and contribute right here in Simcoe County.”
With skilled trades in high demand—one in six job openings in Ontario is expected to be in the trades by 2026—the timing of this expansion is crucial. Georgian College’s catchment area already boasts a 27 per cent growth rate in skilled trades, more than double the provincial average of 12 per cent.
Through this project, the college will modernize the existing building and add approximately 20,000 square feet of additional space. Once complete, the state-of-the-art facility will support the development of a future-ready skilled trades workforce that is capable in robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced digital technologies.
The timing of this investment is critical as the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development estimates one in six job openings will be in the skilled trades by 2026. Also, according to Lightcast – a global labour market analytics firm – the growth rate for skilled trades in Georgian’s catchment area is outpacing the provincial rate. The Georgian catchment rate is 27 per cent, compared to the provincial rate of 12 per cent.
Major industry partners are supporting the project. The Gene Haas Foundation has pledged $1 million toward the creation of an advanced machining lab, the largest immersive learning space in the new facility. “This partnership ensures more students can access top-tier training and launch successful careers in manufacturing technologies,” said Kathy Looman, Director of Education Grants at the foundation.
Currently, Georgian offers 39 skilled trades programs across four campuses, serving about 1,000 students annually in Barrie.
