Owen Sound, Ontario — Some much needed skilled trades training funds are on their way to the area around Owen Sound, Ont., after local MPP Bill Walker announced an injection of $3,639,511 through the Skills Development Fund.
Representing his riding of Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, Walker said that $2.8 million of the investment will go toward the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium of Canada (EMC), which is based in Owen Sound.
With this cash influx, the EMC is proposing the launch of the Expanding Skills and Paths to Employment for Youth in Advanced Manufacturing program, which aims to meet the increasing demands for labour in the manufacturing sector.
Walker’s office says the EMC’s plan is “Informed by a successful and validated proof-of-concept.” The EMC’s website says its total manufacturing audience includes over 40,000 employers and 600,000 manufacturing employees.
The remaining $788,000 will be given to Owen Sound Family YMCA to coordinate and support the training of 22 Incumbents and 22 job seekers through personal support worker training.
“Thank you to both EMC and the Owen Sound Family YMCA for implementing these programs which will help local residents improve their skills,” adding, “This is a great program that makes a real difference in our communities and I want to thank Minister McNaughton for his continued support,” Walker said in a statement.
