The provincial government has allowed for new funding for training in in-demand careers at three southwestern Ontario postsecondary institutions.
The Ontario Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security (MCURES) has committed $44-million to fund 2,077 additional spots at the University of Windsor, St. Clair College, and Lambton College.
The spots will be in programs for high-demand careers, including STEM, health, education, and trades.
"Our province’s greatest strength is our highly skilled workforce, and those workers are trained at our world-class colleges and universities," said MCURES Minister Nolan Quinn. "This investment is supporting the largest seat expansion in Ontario in more than a decade and will ensure more students have the opportunity to train for good-paying careers that protect and strengthen our communities, industries and province."
At the University of Windsor, there will be 1,672 seats in STEM, education, and health programs. All of St. Clair College's 108 new seats will be in health programs.
"As the proud home of the University of Windsor and St. Clair College, our community plays a leading role in developing the skilled workforce Ontario needs to grow and compete," said Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie. "These new seats will help more students access world-class education close to home, prepare for in-demand careers, and support the continued growth and prosperity of our region."
At Lambton College, there will be 297 new seats in STEM, trades, and health programs.
"For decades, Lambton College has played a vital role in preparing students for careers that support the economic strength of Sarnia-Lambton and Ontario," said Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey. "These 297 new funded seats will create more opportunities for students to gain in-demand skills while strengthening the workforce needed by local businesses and industries. I am proud to see our government continuing to invest in the people, institutions and opportunities that help our region thrive."
The investment is part of an ongoing effort by Queens Park to fund 70,000 new student places at publicly funded colleges and universities in Ontario. This set of funding is part of the second stage of 40,000 seats.
