Ontario Building the Auto Manufacturing Workforce in Guelph

New program will introduce students to good-paying careers in growing auto sector.

Guelph, ON — Today, Parm Gill, Minister for Red Tape Reduction and Member of Provincial Parliament for Milton announced an investment of over $64,000 to support University of Guelph’s CARE-AI innovative project to connect the next generation of workers to the province’s growing auto sector.

This project, part of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network’s Regional Future Workforce (RFW) program, will introduce over 500 local students to opportunities in the auto sector and help them develop the skills they need to secure good-paying jobs after graduation.

“As our government attracts record investments to build the electric cars of the future, it has never been more important to develop a skilled and experienced workforce,” said Parm Gill, Minister of Red Tape Reduction and MPP for Milton. “That’s why we’re proud to support this investment in the University of Guelph’s CARE-AI program to help teach students critical AI and machine learning skills for the automotive sector.”

The RFW program aims to bridge the gap between students, of all ages, and the auto industry, while also focusing on reducing the stigma associated with careers in the skilled trades.

University of Guelph is one of 14 non-profit organizations, school boards and post-secondary institutions that will receive support through the RFW program. Driving Engagement in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in the Automotive and Mobility Sectors is a special training program designed to inspire and educate students by providing an understanding of the concepts driving AI within the automotive and mobility sectors, so they are motivated to pursue further education, training and ultimately careers in the industry.

“As we continue to grow Ontario’s auto supply chain, it’s important that we empower students and connect them with exciting opportunities in the sector,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We’re attracting billions of dollars worth of investment from companies worldwide that will create thousands of new jobs.”

“Careers in Ontario’s auto sector offer life-changing opportunities, with good pay, pensions and benefits,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Our government will continue to invest in innovative projects that help workers and jobseekers get the skills they need to land better jobs with bigger paycheques in the auto industry.”

Over the last two and a half years, Ontario has attracted over $25 billion in automotive and electric vehicle battery related investments, including a $7 billion investment from Volkswagen to build their first overseas EV battery manufacturing facility in St. Thomas.