The Ontario government has invested $44 million to fund 2,077 additional seats at the University of Windsor, Lambton College and St. Clair College to connect more students to in-demand careers.
The allocation is part of a broader $1.7-billion investment to support a total of 70,000 new seats. The seats are in programs in STEM, health, education and trades, and are available for student enrolment as early as the fall 2026 academic year.
“Our province’s greatest strength is our highly skilled workforce – and those workers are trained at our world-class colleges and universities,” said Nolan Quinn, minister of colleges, universities, research excellence and security. “This investment is supporting the largest seat expansion in Ontario in more than a decade and will ensure more students have the opportunity to train for good-paying careers that protect and strengthen our communities, industries and province.”
The University of Windsor is receiving 1,672 new seats, including 654 in STEM programs, 549 in health programs and 469 in education programs. Lambton College is receiving 297 seats, including 160 in health, 90 in STEM and 47 in trades. St. Clair College is receiving 108 seats, all for health programs.
The allocation of the first 30,000 seats was announced in May, when a call for proposals was launched for the remaining 40,000. Ontario evaluated proposals based on institutional capacity, local industry needs and student demand.
“As Windsor-Essex works through real economic and challenging changes, this support will help us strengthen and expand the programs that prepare students for the careers and opportunities our region will need,” said Dr. JJ McMurtry, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Windsor.
“This investment supports the continued growth of programs that are directly connected to workforce demand and strong career outcomes for students,” said Rob Kardas, president and CEO of Lambton College.
“This commitment recognizes the vital role colleges play in preparing students for rewarding careers in the industries that are driving economic growth across our communities,” said Michael Silvaggi, president of St. Clair College.
“This is huge news for students across Southwestern Ontario,” said Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. “By connecting more students with in-demand jobs, we are building a highly skilled workforce, strengthening our local economy, and helping ensure Southwestern Ontario has the talent it needs to grow and stay competitive.”
