CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Conestoga receives funding to train more students for in-demand jobs in construction

The Government of Ontario will invest close to $6.9 million over three years to support eligible expanded enrolment in Conestoga programs across the School of Trades & Apprenticeship and the School of Engineering & Technology. The funding is part of the province's plan to ensure a highly skilled workforce to build stronger, more prosperous communities. 

"Our government has bold plans to build the Ontario of tomorrow, and it is critical that we have the homegrown, highly skilled workers to get it done," said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, in a news release. "From designing roadways to building homes, this investment will ensure our students have the training they need to launch rewarding, in-demand careers that protect and strengthen Ontario's future in the face of economic uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs."

Ontario is investing $75 million to train up to 7,800 additional students at colleges, universities and Indigenous institutes across the province for in-demand jobs in construction and urban planning. The investment is part of a ten-year infrastructure plan to build homes, highways, hospitals and community infrastructure needed to support the province's growth.

The funding will support nine programs at Conestoga: Construction Techniques - Carpentry, Construction Techniques (multi-trade), Electrical Engineering Technician - Industrial, Electrical Techniques, Mechanical Techniques - Industrial Millwright, Mechanical Techniques - Plumbing, Powerline Technician, Welding Techniques, and Woodworking Technician.

"We are grateful for the Government of Ontario's continued investment in skilled trades education and the critical role skilled trades play in building our communities and economy," said Pejman Salehi, Executive Dean, Computer Science, Engineering Technology, Trades and Creative Industries. "With expanded enrolment across critical trades and technology programs, Conestoga can help meet the growing demand for skilled professionals to build the workforce that will shape Ontario's future."

As a leader in polytechnic education, Conestoga plays a pivotal role in addressing Canada's skilled trades shortage with hands-on, career-focused training that meets the needs of both learners and industry. The School of Trades & Apprenticeship provides comprehensive training that includes a wide range of programs that provide pathways to employment in trades careers, as well as pre-apprenticeship training and in-school training for apprentices.