Sheridan celebrates $2M gift from Magna in support of Skilled Trades

Earlier today, Sheridan announced a $2 million gift from automotive technology supplier Magna. The gift will allow Sheridan to update labs with state-of-the art equipment, create much-needed scholarships, provide resources for training, and fuel important learning beyond the classroom through student participation at skills competitions – all in support of learners in the Skilled Trades.

In honour of the gift, Sheridan has re-named its suite of Skilled Trades programs as the Magna School for the Skilled Trades. The Skilled Trades Centre at Sheridan’s Davis Campus in Brampton has also been re-named the Magna Skilled Trades Centre. This 130,000 square-ft. facility, which opened in 2017, brings students and expert faculty to the heart of Brampton’s manufacturing sector.

“I want to thank Magna for this incredibly generous gift. It’s a direct investment in the labour force of tomorrow that will benefit our local economy by supporting the manufacturing sector,” says Dr. Janet Morrison, Sheridan’s President and Vice Chancellor. “Our Skilled Trades programs embody the best of Sheridan, bringing students together with industry for applied, hands-on learning guided by the best instructors. One of Canada’s leading manufacturing companies, Magna has a longstanding reputation for innovation, entrepreneurship and a commitment to excellence.  Sheridan is honoured to have Magna’s name associated with ours.”

Magna’s gift comes at a time when there’s an urgent need to support industry by developing labour pipelines. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has reported the province’s skills gap will result in 560,000 vacant jobs by 2030, a trend that will be most pronounced in the skilled trades. Magna’s donation will ensure Sheridan can help fill that gap by providing a well-rounded approach to education that ensures graduates are ready to engage in a labour market that’s rapidly changing.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to support Sheridan and address an important issue not only for businesses and industry, but also for the communities where we live and work,” says Magna Chief Human Resources Officer Aaron McCarthy. “Working together, we can provide students with opportunities to learn the skills needed, bring out the best in themselves, and help strengthen our society overall.”

Magna’s focus on using technology to advance manufacturing is deeply valued at Sheridan, where applied research is a fundamental part of the learning experience and faculty members work directly with industry to find technical solutions to real world problems.