KAWARTHA LAKES-The Ontario government says it is investing $5 million to provide free training to 500 people from “underrepresented” groups to prepare them for jobs in the province’s automotive manufacturing sector. Underrepresented groups include youth, women, newcomers and racialized communities. The first round on training had 800 participants.
There were over 96,000 people employed in Ontario’s automotive manufacturing sector in 2021 according to the government.
Officials say the project will provide participants with the necessary skills for rewarding careers in machine operation, assembly, quality control, and logistics and will also help address a shortage of workers.
“Our government is securing game-changing investments in the province’s auto sector that will ensure the electric vehicles and batteries of the future are made here in Ontario by Ontario workers,” said Premier Doug Ford. “As we do, we’re investing in training the next generation of Ontario’s automotive workers and connecting hundreds of them with good-paying jobs at local businesses in immediate need of their world-class talent and expertise.”
Led by the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association (APMA), training includes three-month paid job placements through APMA’s network of more than 300 small and medium-sized businesses. After completing the program, each participant will receive a job offer from a local employer according to the province.
“Our auto workers are heroes, and we need more of them to deliver our ambitious plan to build Ontario,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “This investment will help local manufacturers find the skilled workers they need to grow our economy and connect job seekers with meaningful careers where they can proudly earn bigger paycheques for themselves and their families.”
The program features a combination of online and on-the-job training, where participants learn skills such as manufacturing essentials, project management, and troubleshooting. Training is tailored to the needs of each participant and employers can receive up to $4,600 in wage subsidies for each trainee.
“The exciting future of the automotive sector in Ontario will benefit from welcoming new faces, voices and perspectives,” said APMA president Flavio Volpe. “This investment creates a sustainable platform for communities that haven’t historically participated in the sector to become integral to its success.”
This project is funded by Ontario’s Skills Development Fund and runs until March 31, 2023. Individuals and employers interested in the program can apply through APMA’s website.
