FedDev unveils advanced manufacturing training initiative

The Federal Economic Development Agency for southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) has announced a $5-million investment to help manufacturing workers in Ontario get access to advanced training.

The money will expand the agency’s Achieving Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence (AIME) Global initiative, which is designed to meet the needs of exporting and “export-ready” manufacturers in southern Ontario.

The training, offered by the Yves Landry Foundation, is intended to upgrade the skills of small and medium-sized manufacturing company’s employees, and help manufacturers uncover innovative productivity improvements and to diversify products.

The program will focus on using new or more advanced software, implementing a new process, or investigating new materials or processes and how apply them.

The AIME Global program contributes up to half of eligible project costs to a maximum of $50,000 per business.

“This investment will provide the specialized skills training that workers need, which will help manufacturers improve productivity and tap into new markets at home and abroad,” said Bev Shipley, Member of Parliament for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex.

For more info on eligibility requirements and other details, go to the Yves Landry Foundation’s AIME Global website, at this link.

Funding is available for projects that enhance productivity by accelerating the adoption of new technologies, processes and skills, diversify the regional economy by increasing the number of new industries or opportunities with the potential to have long-term impacts, or build a competitive advantage in the region by creating or expanding economic clusters.

Applications for funding are being accepted and assessed on the FedDev Ontario website, here.

Created in 2009, FedDev Ontario supports the southern Ontario economy by building on the region’s strengths and creating opportunities for jobs and economic growth.