Lakeshore Catholic High School opens new manufacturing lab

A new advanced manufacturing lab has officially opened at Lakeshore Catholic High School in Port Colborne, marking a major investment in skilled trades education in Niagara. 

The space features a CNC lathe, multiple manual mills and lathes, and six welding booths, with a CNC mill set to arrive soon. 

Built through a partnership with Niagara Catholic, Cappa College, Oskam Steel, and the Canadian Tooling and Machining Association, the facility aims to prepare students for in-demand manufacturing careers. 

Local leaders say the lab will strengthen Niagara’s workforce by giving students hands-on training and pathways into apprenticeships. 

The school also hopes to become a Canadian Welding Bureau test site, fast-tracking graduates into high-skilled, well-paid jobs close to home.

(Written by: Matt Latour)