OVIN’s Regional Future Workforce – Critical Minerals Pilot Program introduced students from Indigenous communities and underrepresented groups to future careers that will power the province’s electric future
(North Bay, ON – September 27, 2024) The Ontario government, through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is laying the groundwork for building the automotive and mobility workforce of the future and powering the province’s shift to electrification. With a nearly $1.7M investment, the Regional Future Workforce – Critical Minerals Pilot Program engaged students, particularly those from Northern Ontario, underrepresented groups, and Indigenous communities, and introduced them to future careers in the critical minerals space for electric vehicle and battery production.
“It’s crucial that young people across Ontario, especially those from Indigenous communities and underrepresented groups, are made aware of the rewarding career opportunities available in the critical minerals sector,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
“From mining to manufacturing, the Regional Future Workforce – Critical Minerals Pilot Program has provided the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in these high-demand fields. I commend OVIN for their dedication to ensuring that our province’s supply chain is supported by a diverse and skilled workforce, prepared to drive Ontario’s transition to an electric and sustainable future.”
Building on the key findings from Ontario’s Critical Minerals Talent Strategy – Impact Report and Strategic and Policy Insights Report announced in May, OVIN launched the Regional Future Workforce – Critical Minerals Pilot Program. With a focus on addressing the demand for over 3,000 new workers in Ontario’s critical minerals sector by the year 2040 and the importance of engaging talent from underrepresented and equity-deserving communities as early as possible, OVIN collaborated with the following postsecondary institutions and non-profit organizations to develop and deliver educational programs across Ontario:
- Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology
- CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals
- College Boreal
- Dexterra Community Initiatives – Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP)
- Lakehead University
- Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology
- NORCAT
- University of Toronto
“Ontario is the only jurisdiction in the western hemisphere with all of the critical minerals required to build electric vehicle batteries,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “As we look towards the future and continue to position Ontario as a top tier destination for investment, the Regional Future Workforce Critical Minerals Pilot Program will serve as a foundation for advancing workforce opportunities across the automotive, mobility, and clean technology sectors. We congratulate OVIN on the launch of this initiative, and look forward to seeing their efforts boost our province’s end-to-end vehicle supply chain.”
Within this program, postsecondary institutions and non-profit organizations hosted workshops, day camps, and other similar educational and training activities in partnership with mining and EV battery technology industry leaders, school boards, Indigenous communities and other stakeholders in Ontario’s critical minerals sector. Delivered over a two-month period, these eight projects engaged approximately 5,000 students, primarily in Northern Ontario, providing them with a foundational opportunity to learn about electric vehicle and battery technologies and explore future career opportunities in mining industry.
“Ontario is leading the charge towards an electric future, one that is built on two strong foundations: the province’s wealth of critical minerals in Northern Ontario, and its highly skilled, diverse and future-ready workforce that is primed to meet the rapidly evolving demands of the automotive and mobility sector,” said Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN. “Through key workforce development initiatives that engage talent from across the province, Ontario is empowering the current and future generations of the workforce to power the province’s shift to electrification and reinforce our position as the world’s foremost automotive and mobility jurisdiction.”
About the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)
The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is the Government of Ontario’s flagship initiative on the future of advanced automotive technology and smart mobility solutions – including connected vehicles autonomous vehicles, and electric and low-carbon vehicle technologies. OVIN is led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), and supported by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, the Ministry of Transportation, and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
Through resources such as research and development (R&D) support, talent and skills development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports, and demonstration grounds, OVIN reinforces Ontario’s position as a global leader in the automotive and mobility sector. For more information visit:
For more information:
Alicia Pereira
apereira@oc-innovation.ca
416-888-4088