OVIN’s Regional Future Workforce Program to connect Ontario’s Automotive and Mobility Sectors with the Next Generation of Talent

October 20, 2022

New initiative advances equity, diversity, and inclusion, while promoting collaboration between industry, non-profit organizations and academic institutions.

The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network’s (OVIN) newest initiative will help to bridge the gap between students and the automotive and mobility sectors.

Today, as part of the Talent Sourcing & Attraction objective outlined in its Talent Strategy and Roadmap, OVIN has launched the Regional Future Workforce (RFW) Program. The program is a key part of Ontario’s Driving Prosperity auto plan, which is helping to equip workers with the skills they need to secure rewarding, high-paying jobs in the auto sector and broader supply chain.

The RFW Program offers up to $500,000 in funding to Ontario non-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions, and school boards to deliver eight-month-long automotive and mobility-focused programs that connect students from elementary to post-secondary to the sectors.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, Ontario’s auto sector is attracting unprecedented investment and growth. Jobs in the auto industry are rewarding and well-paying, and we need to ensure we have the skilled workers to fill them. I applaud OVIN’s leadership in preparing the next generation for these purpose-driven careers,” says Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

Recently, there have been several exciting announcements impacting the automotive sector including a  joint venture between Stellantis and LG Energy Solution to build the province’s first large-scale battery manufacturing plant in Windsor, the launch of the Critical Minerals Strategy, which will help integrate northern Ontario’s mining industry with southern Ontario’s automotive manufacturing strengths, and the provincial government’s investments in accessible training programs for people from equity-deserving groups.

As outlined in OVIN’s Talent Strategy and Roadmap, there are currently more than 160,000 direct and 730,000 indirect jobs associated with the automotive and mobility sectors. In the face of rapid technological advancement, the sectors (and by extension Ontario’s economy) expects continuous growth which paves the way for exciting new employment possibilities. The Regional Future Workforce Program represents a significant step in preparing the next generation of talent for the opportunities that await them.

“The program is focused on reducing the stigma associated with automotive industry careers and aims to increase awareness and opportunities for students from equity-deserving (underrepresented) groups. At the heart of the program lies a requirement for cross-ecosystem collaboration including industry, non-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions, schools, and school boards,” says Raed Kadri, VP Strategic Initiatives, Business Development & Head of Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN).

To learn more about the Regional Future Workforce Program, view the Program Page.

To read the full Talent Strategy & Roadmap, and associated initiatives for each objective, click here: 
English | French. To view the OVIN video, click here. 

About OVIN
The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is the Government of Ontario’s flagship initiative on the future of automotive and mobility.  OVIN is led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), and supported by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, the Ministry of Transportation, and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. OVIN aims to be the global leader in accelerating the development, testing, commercialization, and deployment of the next generation of electric, connected, and autonomous vehicle and mobility technologies. 

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Media Inquiries
Alicia Pereira, Director of Communications, Ontario Centre of Innovation 
apereira@oc-innovation.ca