NEWS RELEASE
ANDREA KHANJIN, BARRIE-INNISFIL MPP
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The Ontario government is working for workers by investing $5 million to provide free training to 500 people from underrepresented groups to prepare them for well-paying jobs in the province’s thriving automotive manufacturing sector.
The project will provide participants with the necessary skills for rewarding careers in machine operation, assembly, quality control, and logistics. The program will also help address a critical shortage of workers in a vital industry as Ontario positions itself as a North American leader in auto manufacturing.
“Our government is providing equal opportunity when it comes to securing high-paying jobs in the province’s auto sector that will ensure the batteries and electric vehicles are made here in Ontario by Ontario workers,” said Andrea Khanjin, MPP for Barrie-Innisfil. “This investment will assist our local manufacturers in finding the skilled workers they need to grow our economy and connect job seekers with meaningful careers with more opportunities to support themselves and their families.”
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.
The program features a combination of online and on-the-job training, where participants learn critical 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, a more than $200-million initiative that supports innovative programs that connect job seekers with the skills and training they need to find well-paying careers close to home.
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