Building Tomorrow’s Trades campaign
Creating a sustainable workforce together
You can help make a significant difference in recruiting, educating and launching the next generation of skilled tradespeople for our region.
A skills shortage in desperate need of repair
At Georgian College we educate students for in-demand careers in our region. They not only meet the needs of employers, communities and society at large, but exceed them – graduating with skills to be changemakers, innovators and leaders in their chosen fields.
Nowhere is this needed more acutely right now than in skilled trades.
Our economy requires tradespeople to drive new growth and prosperity.
In Ontario, the need for skilled tradespeople has risen dramatically across a wide range of sectors.
- More than 700,000 workers in skilled trades are expected to retire by 2028
- With technological advances, the landscape of skilled trades is shifting to include sustainability, automation and advanced manufacturing
Mobilizing solutions to the talent shortage and ensuring skills for the future requires intentionally ambitious investment. Enter Georgian’s Building Tomorrow’s Trades campaign.
Here at Georgian, we know that tackling the widening gap in the skilled trades workforce can only be solved through innovative initiatives that provide both short-term and long-term sustainable results.
Constructing a solution
In Barrie, the existing Centre for Skilled Trades will be transformed. Half of the existing building will undergo a major renovation. Close to 30,000 square feet will be added in purpose-built expansion and the result will be more than 70,000 square feet of hands-on, industry-relevant unrivaled learning spaces.
The renovated and expanded Centre will maximize every square foot of space, directly boosting skilled trades training opportunities and expand our capacity to meet the region’s evolving and critical needs.
In January 2025, Georgian broke ground on a significant renovation and expansion project to revitalize and modernize the Centre for Skilled Trades.
The renovation and expansion of the Centre for Skilled Trades here at the Barrie Campus will greatly enhance students’ ability to succeed. With state-of-the-art equipment and a modern learning environment, students will be better prepared for the demands of the industry.— Jeanette McCron, second-semester student, Cabinetmaking Techniques program and Schulich Builder Scholarship recipient
Skilled Trades by the numbers
Being industry-connected with our partners is essential to building a strong economic future in our region,” said Dr. Rebecca Sabourin, Dean, Engineering and Environmental Technologies, Skilled Trades. “Georgian’s community partners play a critical role in helping our students and graduates further develop their skills and pave the way for fulfilling careers. We work closely together to ensure curriculum relevance for today and the future. Together, we’re helping to create diverse pathways that will ensure the optimal talent pipeline for thriving communities.”— Dr. Rebecca Sabourin, Dean, Engineering and Environmental Technologies and Skilled Trades, Georgian College
Building the future of skilled trades, together
Philanthropic investment and industry partnership is crucial to harness this limitless potential at the Barrie Campus.
Help ease the critical talent shortage and contribute to building a regional future-ready skilled trades sustainable workforce.
Help shape the collective future – a thriving and sustainable economy bringing growth and prosperity to individuals, communities and society at large in our region.
To learn more about the Building Tomorrow’s Trades campaign at Georgian, contact a member of our team.
David K. Bell
Associate Vice President
Advancement and Alumni Relations
Email: david.bell@georgiancollege.ca
Marjorie Cook
Partnership Officer, Strategic Initiatives
Advancement and Alumni Relations
Email: marjorie.cook@georgiancollege.ca
