An investment of $3 million will help develop a new training program for workers who are unemployed, underemployed, or at risk of being laid off.
The provincial program is called Rapid Skills. Workers will get high-quality, short-duration training, so their skills keep pace with innovations in the automotive and advanced manufacturing industries.
"Ontario businesses are evolving at a faster pace than our training system," explained Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton. "We're listening to industry's best advice on how we can quickly adapt to meet their needs."
McNaughton also said the government is issuing a call for proposals this year. It will announce early next year how workers can apply.
Rapid skills, also known as micro-credentials, are industry-recognized certifications.
"The Rapid Skills micro-credentials pilot takes a smart, nimble, and collaborative approach to meeting the evolving training requirements of a fast-changing industry," added Vic Fedeli, minister for Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
The auto and auto parts industry employs more than 100,000 people in Ontario, and thousands more in spin-off jobs in their community.
