Durham College in Oshawa has kicked off a $15-million fundraising campaign to buy modern equipment for hands-on job training across its programs. The “Equipped” campaign, announced June 29, 2026, aims to ensure students learn on the same tools they will use in their future careers.
The campaign will support programs in all nine of the college’s academic faculties, focusing on three key areas: Health, Wellness, and Community Service; Skilled Trades and Sustainability; and Creative Expression and Intelligent Technologies. President Dr. Elaine Popp said the initiative connects hands-on education directly to the skilled professionals communities rely on every day.
The fundraising push comes as Ontario faces a significant shortage of skilled trades workers. BuildForce Canada estimates shortfalls in key trades such as electricians, carpenters, plumbers, and heavy equipment operators. By investing in up-to-date training equipment, the college hopes to produce graduates who are ready to step into these in-demand jobs.
Durham College currently has over 13,700 full-time students and offers more than 145 programs, including six bachelor degrees and eleven apprenticeship programs. The “Equipped” campaign follows a $151.5-million provincial funding announcement on June 10, 2026, which will provide an additional $35 million in the first year and $38.8 million annually over the next three years. The college also received its largest-ever philanthropic gift in May 2026 from the Barrett Family Foundation to support sustainable urban agriculture.
Alumnus Lleyton Williams, now a fire alarm technician at Vipond, spoke at the launch about how access to hands-on equipment during his studies prepared him for his career. Ariel Sully, Associate Vice President of Advancement and Alumni Relations, is the contact for the campaign and can be reached at [email protected].
