Siemens, CME partner for youth skills training plan

Automation technology company Siemens has partnered with the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) and the federal government to create a project that provides better skills training for young workers.

The initiative will include a new training and certification program to better equip young people with the skills needed for a career in advanced manufacturing.

CME will recruit 40 second-year college and university students to work at Siemens Canada as part of their schooling. Both CME and Siemens will work with participating colleges and universities to better align curricula with the specific skills needs of the labour market.

“Empowering students to learn hands-on manufacturing skills and the most advanced manufacturing technologies not only equips our manufacturing workforce of tomorrow, it strengthens the overall competitiveness of Canadian manufacturing and Canada’s economy,” said Jayson Myers, the CME’s president and CEO. “Our partnership with Siemens Canada will provide opportunities for 40 students to gain insights and practical experience in a world-class manufacturing environment. This is the future of education.”

The training model will replicate key elements of Germany’s youth skills development model, where students complete their training at both companies and schools at the same time. The model aims to encourage employers to recruit workers at an earlier age to take an active role in their training.

This project is being funded by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program, which addresses current and future skills shortages.

“Our Government’s top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity. This project will help youth develop the skills Canadian employers are looking for, while providing the manufacturing sector with the workers it needs to support growth and innovation,” said Bal Gosal, Member of Parliament for Bramalea–Gore–Malton Minister.