Conestoga College's Guelph campus is about to offer two free courses for automotive manufacturing professionals, and those looking to get into the trade.
Premier Doug Ford announced in London Wednesday over $4.7 million for two projects.
One project is the launch of two free training programs being managed by the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada), and will run out of Conestoga's Guelph location, along with St. Lawrence College in Cornwall and Fanshawe College in London.
Ford said the programs "will provide workers with classroom and shop training, to get the skills they need to transition and launch their careers in the electric vehicle industry."
One is a career exploration course for those looking to get into the automotive trade sector. AIA Canada said this course will allow them to show people "how technology has changed the type of work that automotive tradespeople do."
"Upon completion, participants are well-positioned to find an employer sponsor to pursue an apprenticeship," it said in a news release.
The other course is for those already in the sector, and looking for training on modern vehicles like electric and hybrid vehicles.
"The module-based program will provide employers with free training in modern vehicle technologies that they can offer their workers," AIA Canada said. "It is also open to high-level apprentices, the industry’s future workforce."
The other part of the announced funding will include a paid three-month job placement for 300 workers that are part of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association network.
The province said after workers complete the placement, they'll transition to full-time employment.
