Closing skills gap in Hamilton

Closing the skills gap through the power of partnership: Fruitland Manufacturing CEO Chris White, Mohawk President Ron McKerlie, Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger and Industry Education Council of Hamilton Executive Director Cesare DiDonato in the Mohawk CNC shop where students will train for jobs with advanced manufacturers.

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INDUSTRY EDUCATION COUNCIL LAUNCHES PROGRAM TO CLOSE SKILLS GAP IN HAMILTON

HAMILTON, ON (Oct. 6, 2016) -- The Industry Education Council of Hamilton (IEC) is launching a new program to train youth for high-demand jobs with local manufacturers.

The Employer Skills Training Advantage to Employment (ESTATE) program was developed by IEC in direct response to the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Workforce Development and the Premier’s Highly Skilled Workforce Expert Panel.

Up to 48 high school graduates will be enrolled in the 28-week program at Mohawk College’s Stoney Creek campus starting in January 2017. Students will train for jobs in advanced manufacturing / computer numeric code (CNC) and mobile industrial / hydraulics. Registration is $350 with a $200 refund on successful completion of the program.

The ESTATE program is being delivered by IEC in partnership with Mohawk College, Mohawk College Enterprise, Express Employment Professionals, the City of Hamilton, the Government of Ontario and several local companies.

The Ministry of Economic Development and Growth has invested $627,500 in the ESTATE program with an additional $627,426 in in-kind services from participating community partners.For more on the ESTATE program, email estate@iechamilton.ca or call 905.529.4483 ext. 226.

QUOTES

“The ESTATE Program will support the Hamilton workforce by creating unique training and employment opportunities for our youth with local employers. This is an effective experiential learning program, made possible through the support of our strong educational and community mentors, who guide and shape the training.”

- Cesare Di Donato, Executive Director, IEC of Hamilton

“The funding support for the ESTATE Program from the Ministry of Economic Development and Growth is another vote of confidence in Hamilton by the Province, recognizing that we are doing great things here in our community. The work of the Blue Ribbon Task Force has provided relevant information to inform this project, which is one of several positive outcomes.” – Mayor Fred Eisenberger, City of Hamilton

“Closing the skills gap is a priority for Mohawk and our industry partners. We’re proud to be working with IEC on developing and delivering the curriculum for a program that will meet the workforce needs of employers and open up a world of opportunity for young people.” – Ron McKerlie, Mohawk College President and Chair of the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Workforce Development

“Fruitland Manufacturing recognizes the need to excite and engage students for the CNC machinist trade. We are committed to developing a strong relationship with all stakeholders of the ESTATE program with the intent to provide stable career employment opportunities.” - Chris White, President & COO, Fruitland Manufacturing

For more information, contact:

Cesare Di Donato, Industry Education Council of Hamilton Executive Director, Cesare.didonato@iechamilton.ca, 905.529.4483 ext. 225.