Drive Ability – Opening Doors Fuel Your Talent Pipeline

Funded by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD), The Drive Ability program aims to address the skilled labour needs of automotive and advanced manufacturing employers in Ontario. This initiative is a collaborative partnership between seven post-secondary institutions (George Brown College, York University, Georgian College, Mohawk College, Fanshawe College, Conestoga College, and Sheridan College) that leverages broad expertise to address talent shortages and provide quality work integrated learning opportunities for students, apprentices, and new graduates.

Work placements are typically four-month terms, depending on the discipline, and begin in May, September, and January. The ministry requires the length of a placement to be at least 10 weeks and can last up to four months. Employers may be eligible for multiple work placements during the program lifecycle.

Employer Eligibility

The following employers are eligible for the work placement incentive:

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the auto sector.

Manufacturers in the automotive supply chain to OEMs. At least 50 per cent of the company’s total sales revenue must come from the automotive supply sector.

Advanced Manufacturers with a footprint in the auto sector. At least 30 per cent of their company’s total sales revenue must come from the automotive supply sector. Advanced manufacturing employers may fall under one or more of the following areas: production activities dependent on ICT (Information and Communications Technology), automation, computation, software, sensing, and data transfer networking (Internet of Things, or IoT) technology developers/suppliers.

Participant Eligibility

Students – diploma, certificate and degree students – in any year of study and including graduate and international students.

Recent Graduates – individuals who completed their academic program of study (a minimum of a one-year program) at a publicly-assisted postsecondary institution within the previous eighteen months and currently have no full-time job/employment.

Apprentices – individuals who, at the beginning of their work placement under this program, have signed new Registered Training Agreement (RTAs). Pursuant to an RTA, the Apprentice will receive training in a trade required as part of an apprenticeship program in Ontario. The individual may have worked with the employer prior to starting the RTA, but not as an Apprentice.

Funding

$3,000 per eligible and completed work placement by an eligible participant (i.e. student, recent grad or apprentice).

$5,000 per eligible and completed work placement by an eligible participant with one or more disabilities.

Wage support from all sources (e.g. the employer, Co-op Education Tax Credit and Career Ready Fund’s Auto Stream) cannot exceed 100% of the wages paid to a participant.

The Grand Erie Virtual Job Fair & Skills Exploration Event will be held entirely online Oct. 6, 2020 for the communities of Brantford, Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Six Nations and New Credit.

Organized by the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie and the regional Skilled Trades Alliance, this event will allow job seekers to login remotely and connect with local employers using cell phones, tablets or computers.

People will have an opportunity to learn about exciting careers in the skilled trades and other major sectors, as well as learn about local training, apprenticeships, and future job trends.

Participants can “meet” and chat with employers in need of workers, now or in the future. They can do this in real time via chat, email or Zoom video-conferencing.

Over 40regional companies and organizations will be exhibiting their programs and job opportunities.

The day-long virtual event running from 9AM to 8PM will take place on vFairs, a virtual event platform that uses advanced 3D technology to create a live event experience complete with exhibitor booths in a hall, panel discussions, webinars and an auditorium.

Celebrity trades promoter Mandy Rennehan will be the keynote speaker for the event.

TORONTO — The Ontario Government is investing $43 million in expanded youth training programs to give young people exposure to more employment options. The programs will help increase awareness and encourage youth to acquire the skills that will start them down the path to lifelong success while supporting Ontario's economic recovery and future prosperity.

Today, Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, and Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, announced the investments and the appointment of three industry leaders to advise on attracting youth to the trades, in London at the Children's Museum.

"Ontario's demand for workers in the trades is on the rise, and we want to attract more young and talented people into the exciting and challenging world of trades," said Minister McNaughton. "Becoming an ironworker or a sprinkler fitter should be as obvious as becoming a firefighter or a lawyer. Our government is committed to ensuring that all young people across the province have the resources they need to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to get good jobs."

The government's investments to attract and train youth in the trades include: