The Regional Future Workforce – Empowering Equity in STEM Pilot Program will equip students of all ages from underrepresented and equity-deserving groups with essential skills for future careers in the automotive and mobility sector
(May 10, 2024—Toronto, ON) The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is launching Regional Future Workforce – Empowering Equity in STEM, a new pilot program designed to support young people from underrepresented groups in developing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skills in preparation for emerging careers in the automotive and mobility sector. Under this program, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, school boards, and other relevant organizations can apply to receive up to $300,000 to develop and deliver educational STEM programs in Summer 2024.
“As Ontario’s end-to-end automotive and EV supply chain continues to grow, it is vital that we empower students through training so they can access the many new emerging career opportunities within the sector,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Thank you OVIN, for building on the success of the Regional Future Workforce program by helping to provide the next generation of workers with the skills they need to secure the jobs of the future.”
Building on the success of the first Regional Future Workforce Program and its learnings, the Empowering Equity in STEM Pilot Program aims to reach students ranging from kindergarten to postsecondary, across all regions in Ontario, and increase their exposure to careers in the automotive and mobility sector. Guided by the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the program aims to strengthen the province’s talent pool by increasing the number of students from diverse backgrounds exploring skills development and career opportunities in the sector.
“Under Premier Ford’s leadership, Ontario is not only attracting investment in our auto sector and creating good jobs, we’re helping people prepare to fill them,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Our government will continue to ensure workers have the opportunity to develop their skills and land well-paying, highly in-demand careers in the automotive sector and beyond.”
Applications for the Regional Future Workforce – Empowering Equity in STEM Pilot Program are now open and will close on June 1st. For more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit the program page.
“Ontario’s young people are the engine driving the province’s connected, autonomous, and electric future,” said Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN. “As we continue to lead the charge towards this future, we are committed to fostering the next generation of talent, creating new learning and training opportunities for emerging careers, and empowering youth across diverse backgrounds to succeed in the automotive and mobility sector.”
About the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)
The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is an Ontario government initiative, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) that aims to drive innovation and collaboration in the automotive and mobility sector to build safer, cleaner, and more efficient transportation. The Regional Future Workforce Program (RFW Program) is an initiative introduced by OVIN to support the development of a highly skilled workforce in automotive and mobility. The RFW Program is allocating over 6 million dollars to 14 projects carried out by Ontario non-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions, and school boards to deliver automotive and mobility-focused programs connecting students from kindergarten to post-secondary to the sector. By investing in organizations like ours, the program aims to create a robust talent pipeline and ensure Ontario remains a leader in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.
For more information visit: www.ovinhub.ca
For more information
Alicia Pereira
apereira@oc-innovation.ca
416-888-4088