Canadore College continues to promote employment opportunities in electric vehicles

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(NORTH BAY) – The Innovation Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Prototyping (ICAMP) at Canadore College has opened its doors to more than 100 high school students from Nipissing, Parry Sound and West Nipissing. teach about electric vehicles, sustainable energy and key mineral mining/processing sectors. Canadore received $108,825 from the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network’s (OVIN) Regional Future Workforce in Critical Minerals program to teach students about electric vehicles, sustainable energy and the extraction and processing of critical minerals.

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“It is critical that young people across Ontario, particularly those from Indigenous communities and underrepresented groups, are aware of the rewarding career opportunities available in the critical minerals sector,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labor, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

“From mining to manufacturing, the Regional Future Workforce – Critical Minerals pilot program has provided the next generation with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in these high-demand fields. I commend OVIN for its commitment to ensuring that our province’s supply chain is supported by a diverse and skilled workforce prepared to support Ontario’s transition to an electric and sustainable future.”

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“This funding has provided Canadore College with the opportunity to introduce students to the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the growing automotive and mobility industry,” said Brad Gavan, ICAMP director, corporate, community and alumni partnerships.

“Ontario is the only jurisdiction in the Western Hemisphere that contains all the critical minerals needed to build electric vehicle batteries,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

“As we look to the future and continue to position Ontario as a top investment destination, the Regional Critical Minerals for the Future Workforce Pilot Program will serve as a foundation for expanding workforce opportunities in the automotive, mobility and cleantech sectors. We congratulate OVIN on the launch of this initiative and look forward to seeing their efforts strengthen our province’s end-to-end vehicle supply chain.”

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Combining technical skills, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education and craft training with hands-on industry experience, students gained the knowledge and experience necessary to thrive in the rapidly changing automotive and mobility sectors.

Workshops included critical minerals, electric vehicle battery materials and testing, and the Motive Power Zero Emissions Training Center in Canadore. They were conducted by automotive, electrical and innovation experts from Canadore College as part of ICAMP and employees of Miller Technology, a North Bay company that develops advanced technologies for modern mining operations. As part of the Canadore/ICAMP experience, students discussed the requirements of a functional EV while creating a functional EV model.

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“Careers in STEM fields, as well as in skilled trades, are in high demand but often underexplored,” said Sylvain Vachon, associate director of the student success team and head of experiential learning at Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord. “As educators, it is critical to expose students to these emerging career paths, helping them better understand the opportunities available while also sparking lasting interest in careers they may not otherwise consider.”

“This experience allows students to make informed decisions about their future. Careers in electric vehicles (EVs) are growing rapidly as the world moves towards sustainable energy solutions. By exploring cutting-edge electric vehicle technologies during the workshops, Franco-Nord students gained valuable information about this innovative field that combines both STEM knowledge and skilled expertise, opening up a range of exciting career opportunities in the electric vehicle industry,” said Vachon.

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“ICAMP engaged students in learning about key minerals and electric vehicles,” said George Burton, president and CEO of Canadore. “Canadore will play a key role in meeting growing labor demand and providing opportunities in Ontario’s key minerals, electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing sectors. These students now know what Canadore can offer them in terms of career preparation.”

“Ontario is leading the way towards an electric future, built on two strong foundations: the province’s wealth of key minerals in northern Ontario and a highly skilled, diverse and future-ready workforce prepared to meet the rapidly changing demands of the automotive and mobility sectors,” said Raed Kadri , director of OVIN. “Through key workforce development initiatives that engage talent from across the province, Ontario is empowering current and future generations of the workforce to support the province’s transition to electrification and strengthen our position as the world’s premier automotive and mobility jurisdiction.”

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