MARKHAM —The Ontario government is investing nearly $6 million to support 14 innovative projects to connect the next generation of workers to the province’s growing auto sector.
These projects, part of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network’s Regional Future Workforce (RFW) program, will introduce students to opportunities in the auto sector and help them develop the skills they need to secure good-paying jobs after graduation.
“As we continue to grow Ontario’s auto supply chain, it’s important that we empower students and connect them with exciting opportunities in the sector,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We’re attracting billions of dollars worth of investment from companies worldwide that will create thousands of new jobs.”
The RFW program aims to bridge the gap between students, of all ages, and the auto industry, while also focusing on reducing the stigma associated with careers in the skilled trades.
Non-profit organizations, school boards and post-secondary institutions will receive up to $500,000 each to lead eight-month-long automotive-focused programs to at least 500 students. Each program is designed to address the unique needs of the region and the ages of the students. Programs can range from play-based learning for young children, to manufacturing, robotics, and mining workshops for older students.
The 14 projects will be led by:
- Actua
- Georgian College
- K2i Academy, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University
- Lambton College
- Laurentian University
- Mathstronauts
- Mohawk College, Marshall School of Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship
- Ontario Council for Technology Education
- Ontario Tech University
- St. Clair College
- University of Guelph
- University of Ottawa, Kanata North
- University of Toronto, Scarborough
- University of Waterloo
“Careers in Ontario’s auto sector offer life-changing opportunities, with good pay, pensions and benefits,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Our government will continue to invest in innovative projects that help workers and jobseekers get the skills they need to land better jobs with bigger paycheques in the auto industry.”
Over the last two and a half years, Ontario has attracted over $25 billion in automotive and electric vehicle battery related investments, including a $7 billion investment from Volkswagen to build their first overseas EV battery manufacturing facility in St. Thomas.