Ontario Investing in Advanced Machinery for Students in Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes

Funding will Help Train High School Students for the Jobs of the Future

NEWS                                                                                                    February 14, 2023

BROCKVILLE – The Ontario government is investing $76,800 to purchase high-tech machines for high schools in the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville helping young people gain the skills they need to prepare for careers in tooling and machining.

Details were announced today by Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes on behalf of Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

“Today’s announcement is the latest evidence of our government’s commitment to providing students with the skills and support they need to succeed,” said MPP Steve Clark. “I’d like to thank Minister McNaughton for his advocacy and leadership on this file, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of today’s announcement for students at Athens District High School.”

Equipment deliveries for 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.

“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.

“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 that 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.

Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes High Schools Receiving Machines

Athens District High School

$76,800.00

QUICK FACTS

• The Canadian Tooling & Machining Association (CTMA) can be contacted via phone at (519) 653-7265, and email: rcattle@ctma.com
• 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.

MEDIA CONTACTS                                                                                   Constituency Office 613-342-9522 steve.clark@pc.ola.org