Ontario Investing in Advanced Machinery for Students in Windsor-Essex
Funding will Help Train High School Students for the Jobs of the Future
The Ontario government is investing over $748,000 to purchase high-tech machines for high schools in Windsor-Essex, helping young people gain the skills they need to prepare for careers in tooling and machining.
Details were announced by MPP Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor Tecumseh and MPP Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex, on behalf of Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
“Careers in the skilled trades are lucrative, well-paying, and rewarding. This investment will help put young students on the path to critical and rewarding careers, and I am thrilled to see that in our
Anthony Leardi, MPP for the Riding of Essex
region.”
Equipment deliveries for this latest round of the program began in November 2022, and range from CNC milling centres, lathes, and plasma cutters to CNC desktop milling machines, high precision conventional milling machines, lathes with readouts, and more. In addition, each school will receive tool kits and cutting tools.
“Advanced manufacturing is the backbone of our economy in Windsor and Essex County, and there are incredible opportunities available today to establish rewarding careers in the sector right here at home in Windsor-Essex,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor—Tecumseh. “This investment by our government to bring industry equipment right into our neighbourhood’s schools will greatly support our youth and young adults in their path to a tremendous and prosperous future.”
“Our goal is to expose high school students to technology at an earlier age to engage their interest for a career within our industry,” said Robert Cattle, Canadian Tooling & Machining Association (CTMA) Executive Director. “Not only does this expose students to newer technology at an earlier age, but also gives teachers up-to-date equipment to implement in their classrooms.”
This project by the CTMA and the Ontario Council for Technology and Education (OCTE) is funded through the ministry’s Skills Development Fund.
Windsor-Essex High Schools Receiving Machines
- BELLE RIVER DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL $113,000
- GENERAL AMHERST HIGH SCHOOL $ 59,000
- KINGSVILLE DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL $ 75,000
- NORTH STAR HIGH SCHOOL $ 29,000
- RIVERSIDE SECONDARY SCHOOL $ 44,000
- VINCENT MASSEY SECONDARY SCHOOL $ 97,000
- HERMAN ACADEMY SECONDARY SCHOOL $ 80,000
- FREEDOM ACADEMY SECONDARY SCHOOL $ 99,000
- ST. ANNE’S HIGH SCHOOL $ 67,000
*approximate dollar value
“Our government is proud to be funding projects that expose high school students to the skilled trades early on,” said Minister McNaughton. “Ontario needs more skilled workers, and that starts with attracting more young people to these rewarding, well-paying and life-long careers. I want to congratulate the CTMA and OCTE for this incredible initiative.”
The Skills Development Fund allows organizations to apply for funding to deliver in-demand training programs. Since the Fund was launched in 2021, more than $660 million has been invested to help more than 400,000 people upgrade their skills. Windsor-Essex schools have realized over $748,000 in the last year through the CTMA and OCTE project, to help prepare students for in-demand careers in tooling and machining.
QUICK FACTS
• Each participant will work alongside experienced tradespeople, skilled workers, and other professionals who will provide them with an opportunity to gain real world experience.
• Eligible employers could receive a wage subsidy of 50% of wages paid, up to $5,000 per placement.
