Northern Ontario companies will get support to research and develop innovative products and processes thanks to a Government of Canada investment of $228,500.
Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor.
The announcement came Friday morning at the Innovation Initiatives Ontario North (IION) office at Canadore College’s commerce court campus.
“The funding announced Friday will help create high-quality middle-class jobs, while positioning businesses in the region for sustainable growth and long-term success,” said Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming in a release.
The FedNor investment will allow IION, in partnership with Canadore College, to deliver the IION-Canadore Skills Training in Advanced Manufacturing & Production (icSTAMP) initiative, a two-year pilot project aimed at supporting skills training in advanced manufacturing and increasing technology adoption within industry.
“IION is pleased that its collaboration with Canadore College and FedNor has led to the launch of the highly anticipated icSTAMP initiative,” Rob Deline, Executive Director, Innovation Initiatives Ontario North stated in a release.
icSTAMP 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 Center 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.
“We can’t foster innovation in a vacuum, we need to seek out collaborations that create and sustain positive influence and momentum,” stated George Burton, president and CEO of Canadore College.
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.”
