Those in certain groups considering careers in the auto industry are getting help from the Ontario government.
Ontario Labour Minister Monte McNaughton announced on Friday a $7-million commitment from the provincial government for training and paid job placements in the automotive manufacturing sector. The funding will support up to 800 people from underrepresented groups.
The project, led by the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association (APMA), will help create a new flow of talent to support an industry with an ageing workforce and help those from traditionally marginalized groups find and keep good-paying jobs.
"This program will help ensure people who face multiple barriers get access to free training and get on track to promising careers in assembly line work, machine operation or quality assurance, to name a few," said McNaughton. "This will energize our economy, workforce and, just as importantly, create great, local jobs that make our communities stronger. We will once again make Ontario’s automotive sector one of the most competitive in the world."
APMA will begin working with community, employment, and temp agencies to place up to 100 trainees a month into jobs with small and medium-sized auto part manufacturers. The three-month placements will result in up to $8,000 to employers per trainee for support. The placements will run from now till March 2022, with training tailored to each applicant and APMA member and including on-the-job training, classroom or online learning, or a combination thereof.
Training will cover essentials such as problem-solving, document use, basic math, project management, as well as oral communication, critical thinking and interpersonal skills, according to the Ministry of Labour.
The program is part of Ontario’s $115-million Skills Development Fund. Applications are now being accepted via APMA's official website.
