Premier Doug Ford has announced two new initiatives, backed by an investment of $4.7-million, that are intended to bring more skilled workers into the automotive manufacturing sector.
Ontario claims that 360 people will be set up with full-time jobs in the industry as a result of these projects.
The first project will be managed by the Automotive Parts Manufacturer’s Association (APMA) will provide participants with a three-month-long paid job placement. Here, they will experience hands-on training in manufacturing essentials, health and safety practices, and quality control, as well as planning, troubleshooting, and effective oral communication.
Those who participate in the APMA program will transition into full-time employment with one of their 300 member organizations.
The AMPA is currently accepting applications from prospective participants and employers. To be eligible for the program, individuals must identify as being either Indigenous or racialized, a woman, or between the ages of 15 and 29.
“Through our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program, we are able to support employers in their efforts to access, train and retain meaningful employment for new hires who may have been historically excluded from these careers,” said Flavio Volpe, president of the APMA.
The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA) will be in charge of the second project. AIA’s Innovation in Automotive Training programs will help 90 existing technicians and 70 jobseekers pivot into the electric vehicle (EV) industry.
In-person courses will be offered at Conestoga College (Guelph), Fanshawe College (London), and St. Lawrence College (Cornwall) with lessons taking place in both the classroom and the shop.
“Getting our workers the skills they need and more people into the automotive trades is essential,” said Jean-François Champagne, president of the AIA. “AIA Canada looks forward to continued collaboration with the Ontario government and our post-secondary partners to ensure the industry is ready to service the vehicles of both today and tomorrow.”
You can find out if you are eligible for AIA’s Career Exploration or EV Up-skilling training programs online.
Both the AMPA and AIA courses will be offered at no cost.
“These new programs will provide more women and men of all ages opportunities for good-paying, in-demand jobs and rewarding careers in the auto industry,” Ford said. “It will also help companies attract and retain workers they need to grow and expand. And, it will help our province create a bigger pipeline of talent so we continue to have the best workforce in the entire world, to keep attracting investments, and build Ontario.
The announcement took place Wednesday at Transform Automotive, an auto parts manufacturer near Highbury Avenue South and Highway 401, an area that serves as one of London’s industrial hubs.
Ford announced these two new projects alongside Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton, each of them touting the Skills Development Fund. Worth $700-million, the funding supported 595 projects and helped almost 522,000 Ontarians with career development, according to the province.
