Province launching new training to help auto workers get and keep good jobs

Ontario is supporting the province’s automotive and advanced manufacturing industries by investing $3 million in training to help workers upskill to ensure they keep pace with innovations in those sectors. The province’s new Rapid Skills pilot will provide high-quality, short duration training. It is designed to help workers who are unemployed, underutilized, or at-risk of being laid off. “Ontario’s businesses are evolving at a faster pace than our training system,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “Today’s announcement is a sign that our government is committed to the auto and advanced manufacturing sectors. We’re listening to industry’s best advice on how we can quickly adapt to meet their needs.” Today the government issued a call for proposals to organizations interested in developing and delivering this training. Funding will support a diverse range of training projects that address the needs of auto industries and employers, equip participants with in-demand skills and are recognized with a credential. To learn what types of organizations are eligible for support and to apply, visit Rapid Skills 2019-20. The idea of rapid skills, also known as micro-credentials, was introduced in Driving Prosperity: The Future of Ontario’s Automotive Sector, the government’s 10-year vision for the sector. “Ontario auto workers are among the most productive anywhere, with the province’s assembly plants excelling in industry awards for new vehicle quality manufacturing. The Rapid Skills micro-credentials pilot takes a smart, nimble and collaborative approach to meeting the evolving training requirements of a fast-changing industry,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Today’s announcement is another step in our open for business approach that is creating the conditions for growth, benefiting workers and job creators alike.” Organizations that apply to develop and deliver training through the Rapid Skills call for proposals will be selected in late 2019. More information about how individuals can participate in the training will be shared in early 2020.