Better jobs and larger paycheques; Ontario might be onto something here!

BY PAUL JUNOR

There has been attention directed to the critical shortage of workers in the automotive industry in Ontario. This has prompted the Ontario government to invest $5 million toward providing training for individuals to pursue manufacturing jobs.

The announcement was made in a press release from the Ontario government on Wednesday, August 3^rd, 2022, which can be seen on the website: news.ontario.ca. It notes, “Free Program Will Help 500 People Start Better Jobs and Earn Bigger Paycheques.” Participants from certain underrepresented groups are able to obtain training in: machine operation, assembly, quality control and logistics. Information provided at the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association (AMPA) website: apma.ca indicates that funding is provided through the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Fund.

There are no educational requirements and previous experience required in order to be eligible to participate in this program. It is open to individuals who self-identify as:

• Indigenous (First Nations, Metis or Inuit)
• Racialized (non-Caucasian)
• Women
• Youth (15 -29 years old at start of agreement)

The requirements for employer and community partner are

• Employers must have operations in Ontario’s automotive sector
• Community partners must have operations in Ontario
• Employers must provide a minimum 3-month placement

There are four things that employers and/or community partners must give to participants:

• Experiential learning opportunity
• Participate and complete skills training
• Employment (placement)
• Increase in employability skills

Premier Doug Ford states in the press release, “Our government is securing game-changing investments in the province’s auto sector that will ensure electric vehicles and batteries of the future are made here in Ontario by Ontario workers. 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.”

AMPA has access to over 300 small and medium-sized businesses and after the three-month paid job placements, participants will be guaranteed a job from a local employer.

Flavio Volpe, President of AMPA states, “The exciting future of the automotive sector in Ontario will benefit from welcoming new faces, voices and perspectives. This investment creates a sustainable platform for communities that haven’t historically participated in the sector to become integral to success.”

Applications are currently being accepted and are open until March 31^st, 2023.