Oshawa, Ont. - Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology have been awarded a grant of more than $2 million from the Ontario government's Strategic Skills Investment (SSI) program. The Hon. Jim Flaherty, minister of enterprise, opportunity & innovation, made the announcement at the college and university campus in Oshawa today.
The grant will be used to purchase automated manufacturing equipment for the state-of-the-art Integrated Manufacturing Centre, a key training facility for students in a number of college programs in engineering technology and operations management, as well as the university's Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Manufacturing Engineering program. The facility will also be used for research by university engineering faculty and students.
"A skilled labour force plays a significant role in improving Ontario's economic climate," said Flaherty. "The benefits of investing in training are endless. Our businesses remain at the forefront of their respective industries, while Ontario continues to be one of the most prosperous jurisdictions in North America."
The 10,000-square-foot centre, whose first phase was completed in September 2002, is a flexible, working manufacturing facility. In addition to serving as a student lab, the centre will help industries find solutions to their manufacturing problems, and offer innovative re-skilling programs to industrial workers and professionals. By 2006, the centre expects to serve 500 students and industrial employees annually.
"We are extremely thankful to minister Flaherty and the Ontario government for recognizing the value of our Integrated Manufacturing Centre and its role in education and industry," noted Ross Stevenson, director of strategic programs at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. "The grant enables us to take a significant step forward in the high-tech education and training of our students. It will also be a tremendous benefit to companies wanting to improve their operations, as well as industry employees who want to advance their skills and careers."
The grant will be used to buy a range of equipment including a computer numerical control (CNC) milling machine, a CNC lathe, a plastic injection molding machine, a rapid prototype machine, and related manufacturing controllers and automation devices. Most of the equipment is expected to be in place this year.
About Durham College
For 35 years, Durham College has been committed to providing job-focused programs, accomplished professors, quality-driven innovation, student success and superior accountability. More than 5,600 full-time students and 23,000 part-time students are enrolled at Durham College. The college employs approximately 2,300 full- and part-time staff. For more information, visit the Web site at www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.
About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology
As Canada's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology will provide a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research and hands-on skills. The university will offer nine degree programs initially and will share selected facilities with Durham College. Currently under development in Oshawa, Ontario, the university will welcome its first students in September 2003. For more information, visit the Web site at www.uoit.ca or call 1.866.844.8648.
media contact:
Heather Middleton
(905) 721-3111, ext. 2513
e-mail: heather.middleton@durhamc.on.ca
or
Catherine Shearer-Kudel
(905) 721-3111, ext. 2162
e-mail: catherine.shearer-kudel@durhamc.on.ca
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