Written By David Gomez
STRATHROY – On February 19, community leaders, educators, and industry partners gathered at Strathroy District Collegiate Institute and Holy Cross Secondary School to inaugurate the new Skilled Trades Hub, a pivotal development in local education tailored for the trades sector.
Bill Dakin, Director of IT & Financial Services and Treasurer, expressed his enthusiasm for the project’s potential impact. “Today we celebrate the grand opening of an incredible Skilled Trades Centre. This state-of-the-art facility would not be possible without strong partnership between the two local school boards, the Province of Ontario, our municipal leaders, and our valued training partner, Technical Training Group,” Dakin stated.
The centre, which focuses on high-demand skills like welding and metal fabrication, represents a significant provincial investment. “The investment of the province is just under 3 million dollars, specifically 2.9 million in tools and equipment,” Dakin continued, highlighting the hub’s role as more than a mere educational facility but a beacon of growth and future potential for the community.
Strathroy-Caradoc Mayor Colin Grantham emphasized the strategic role of skilled labour in the region’s development. He stated, “Here in Strathroy, we recognize our competitive advantages and this project adds another: skilled labour. Its presence in our community means that our young people have the opportunity to learn and work without having to leave home.”
In addition, Mayor Grantham expressed gratitude towards those who contributed significantly to the project’s success. He specifically thanked Bill Dakin for his persistent effort. “Bill has been instrumental from the outset, managing the financial aspects to keep the project on track,” Grantham acknowledged.
Gabe Pizzuti, Chair of the London District Catholic School Board, highlighted the collaborative effort in transforming the facility. “Welcome to an exciting chapter in skilled trades education today at Holy Cross Catholic school,” Pizzuti shared, detailing the technical advancements, including “state of the art welding booths, upgraded manufacturing equipment and enhanced infrastructure.”
The Skilled Trades Hub in Strathroy is set to provide critical training opportunities for both students and apprentices, ensuring that the next generation of skilled trades professionals is well-prepared to meet the needs of a growing and evolving industry.
This collaboration between educational institutions and the municipality not only enriches the local educational landscape but also positions Strathroy-Caradoc as a leader in rural skilled trades education in Ontario.
