Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: Expression of Interest Issued for Proposed Trades & Technology Training Centre
February 24, 2026
Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: Expression of Interest Issued for Proposed Trades & Technology Training Centre
NEW TECUMSETH, ON – The Town of New Tecumseth is taking an important step toward strengthening the local workforce by issuing an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a proposed Trades & Technology Training Centre in the community.
At its meeting on February 23, Council approved the release of the EOI to invite accredited post‑secondary institutions to propose partnership opportunities to develop or co‑develop and deliver skilled trades and technology training locally. The EOI is intended to identify institutions with the capacity, interest, and vision to work collaboratively with the Town, Simcoe County, and industry partners to help meet the region’s growing workforce demands.
The proposed training centre would support the Town’s long term economic development goals while responding to skilled trades shortages affecting manufacturing, automotive, construction, and emerging trades. Through the EOI, institutions are asked to outline potential program models, partnership approaches, facility requirements, and implementation plans aligned with local and regional labour market needs.
“This is the first time the Town of New Tecumseth is formally exploring a postsecondary partnership for a Trades and Technology Training Centre,” said Mayor Richard Norcross. “Across Canada, skilled trades shortages are affecting employers at every level, and those pressures are being felt right here in our community. By launching this Expression of Interest, we are taking a proactive step to build strong local talent pipelines and position New Tecumseth as a regional leader in skilled trades training.”
In 2025, Town staff met with six postsecondary institutions, alongside an industry partner, to better understand skilled trades programming and assess early interest in a training centre within New Tecumseth. These site visits helped inform the Town’s approach and provided insight into successful training models, while respecting the confidentiality of institutions and industry partners involved in early discussions.
The EOI will formally launch on March 2, 2026, and is open to any accredited postsecondary institution. No site has been selected at this stage. Subject to future funding approvals, the Town plans to undertake a feasibility study following the EOI process to assess labour market demand, infrastructure requirements, community readiness, and potential locations. Findings from the study will help inform program design, capacity, and next steps toward implementation.
“We want our young people to see a future for themselves right here. A local trades school would open doors to meaningful careers while keeping talent, skills, and opportunity in our community,” added Mayor Norcross.
Accredited post‑secondary institutions interested in learning more about the Expression of Interest and applying are encouraged to visit newtecumseth.ca/BuildingTomorrowsWorkforce starting March 2, 2026.
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Julia Jackson
Manager, Corporate Communications
Town of New Tecumseth
705-435-3900
communications@newtecumseth.ca
