Innovative small- and medium-sized manufacturers will benefit from a new initiative to provide southern Ontario workers with advanced technological education and skills training.
Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, announced a $12-million investment in the Yves Landry Foundation’s Achieving Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence (AIME) Initiative today at the Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.
Through the AIME Initiative, the Yves Landry Foundation will fund up to 75 per cent of a project’s total direct and indirect eligible cost up to a maximum of $50,000. Examples of eligible skill training projects include developing new engineering skills, training in the use of new software, hardware or other tools to support innovation; and retraining to use new technologies, new manufacturing methods, or new processes or procedures that improve competitiveness.
These new funds will benefit eligible small- and-medium-sized manufacturers in southern Ontario by accelerating commercialization, attracting and retaining talent, developing growth for new and existing firms, and creating leading-edge jobs.
“We are delighted to be working with the Government of Canada on this important partnership project,” said Michael Sherrard, Yves Landry Foundation Chair. “This is vital funding, which will promote and support innovation within the manufacturing sector, and the adaption of new technologies in southern Ontario. We are grateful to the federal government for its outstanding commitment and vision.”