Conestoga College’s Pursuit of Skilled-Trades Excellence: A Vision for the Future

In the growing landscape of skilled trades education in Canada, Conestoga College stands at the forefront, committed to addressing the escalating demand for skilled tradespeople. With the ongoing construction of Phase Two of its Skilled Trades Campus in Cambridge, Ontario, set to welcome students in the fall of 2026, Conestoga aims to revolutionize trades education and significantly contribute to the national workforce.

Campus Expansion: A Giant Leap Forward

The second phase of the Skilled Trades Campus represents a monumental investment, with a price tag of $155 million. This structure, covering 221,671 square feet, will partner with the already completed Phase One building, which spans 335,000 square feet and opened its doors in fall 2022. Together, these facilities aim to accommodate the urgent need for skilled labor in Canada’s evolving economy.

The goal is clear: to consolidate the majority of Conestoga’s skilled trades and apprenticeship programs into a single, state-of-the-art location, enhancing both accessibility and collaboration among students and faculty.

Addressing Canada’s Workforce Gaps

The urgency behind this project cannot be understated. Suzanne Moyer, dean of Conestoga’s School of Trades and Apprenticeship, highlights a looming crisis: approximately 700,000 skilled trades workers are expected to retire in the coming years. "Conestoga has always been committed to skilled-trades training," she states, emphasizing the need for educational institutions to play an active role in developing a new generation of workers.

Nationally, the situation is critical. A 2024 Statistics Canada report forecasts that over 245,100 construction workers will retire by 2032. Simultaneously, there is stagnation in the number of apprenticeship holders in various fields, prompting organizations like BuildForce Canada to estimate the need for 351,800 new workers by 2033.

To combat this shortage, investments in schools such as Conestoga are vital. The federal government has stepped up with funding for recruitment and training initiatives, all aimed at revitalizing the skilled trades workforce.

A Vision for Integrated Learning

The architectural vision for the Skilled Trades Campus, crafted by Diamond Schmitt Architects, embodies an evolution for Conestoga. Mike Szabo, a principal at the firm, describes the building as a transformation from fragmented educational facilities to a comprehensive “community” for trades students. The new campus will integrate isolated programs, creating a central hub for both learning and collaboration.

Not only does the building facilitate traditional classrooms and workshops, but it also fosters a community atmosphere with amenities such as an athletics facility, fitness area, and an e-sports center. Szabo notes, “To attract and retain students on campus, you need to really foster that community experience and social life.”

The Concept of a Living Lab

An innovative aspect of this project is its ambition to serve as a “living lab.” The architecture is designed to showcase various construction techniques, allowing students to learn by observation. For example, the use of reinforced concrete, structural steel, and mass timber are intentionally visible throughout the design.

The building will feature high-bay workshops on the ground floor, complete with teaching spaces, while traditional classrooms will occupy the second floor. Sustainable design elements, such as triple-glazing and radiant-floor heating, ensure students work in a comfortable and efficient environment.

The Toolbelt Generation: Attracting Gen Z

As the construction progresses, Conestoga College is also attracting a younger demographic. More students from Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) are gravitating towards skilled trades. In recent years, 70% of the college’s trades students have been aged 24 or under. The appeal lies in the blend of hands-on work, job security, and immediate earning potential.

Statistics indicate a significant uptick in apprenticeship registrations, with over 81,000 Canadians making the commitment in 2022—a notable 11.6% increase from the previous year. Moreover, in 2024, nearly 25% of new hires in U.S. skilled trades jobs were in the 18-25 age range, highlighting the rising interest of younger individuals in these fulfilling careers.

Paving the Way for Women in Trades

In addition to fostering a new generation of skilled tradespeople, Conestoga is actively working to challenge stereotypes and promote opportunities for women. Programs such as Engineering, Technology and Trades for Women (ETT4W) and the Jill of All Trades initiative aim to engage young female students in the trades.

The nationally recognized Jill of All Trades event introduces high school girls to hands-on trade experiences, with plans to expand the program across 35 locations in Canada and the U.S. by 2026. Moyer notes, “We bring in about 325 high school-aged women for a day to participate in the Jill of All Trades program, and we have waitlists every year.”

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead

As Conestoga College embarks on this ambitious project, it is not merely constructing buildings but investing in the future of Canada’s skilled workforce. The Skilled Trades Campus symbolizes a commitment to education, community, and innovation, equipping the next generation with the tools and skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing job market.

With an eye on sustainability, diversity, and practical experience, Conestoga is poised to transform the landscape of trades education, ensuring that skilled workers can confidently step into their roles, ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.