Innovation Initiatives Ontario North (IION), in partnership with Canadore College, will be offering a new program to train participants in advanced manufacturing skills and increase technology adoption within industry.
Funded with $228,500 in FedNor money, the IION-Canadore Skills Training in Advanced Manufacturing & Production (icSTAMP) initiative will offer six-month paid placements to provide participants with on-the-job experience using new technologies and cutting edge advanced manufacturing equipment available through Canadore College's Innovation Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Production (ICAMP).
The initiative will also feature professional development workshops through IION, ICAMP and other partner organizations. Program participants who successfully complete the placement will receive a college certificate in the field of advanced manufacturing.
“IION is pleased that its collaboration with Canadore College and FedNor has led to the launch of the highly anticipated icSTAMP initiative,” said IION’s executive director, Rob Deline, in a May 4 news release.
“Innovation and a highly skilled workforce is the key to the economy of the future and this pilot project will help us achieve immediate and long-term success as we work to create jobs and modernize our region’s advanced manufacturing sector.”
The funding comes as part of the federal government’s Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario.
“We can’t foster innovation in a vacuum; we need to seek out collaborations that create and sustain positive influence and momentum,” said George Burton, Canadore’s president and CEO, in the release.
“The icSTAMP initiative will combine practical education and experiential learning, applied research and soft skills training for participants, all of which will enhance our current workforce to be more productive and efficient. We thank FedNor for believing in the project for which we are proud to partner with IION to deliver.”
IION and Canadore College are based in North Bay.
