Fleming College

EaRTH District has been awarded $500,000 in funding from the Ontario Government, through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)’s Regional Future Workforce Program, for its EaRTH Switch Program.

EaRTH Switch will introduce 600 students in grades 10-12 and 500 post-secondary students to new career opportunities in the automotive and mobility sector, with a focus on vehicle innovation and electric vehicles.

The primary aim of the EaRTH Switch program is to provide students with accessible information and fun and innovative learning tools to expand their understanding of career possibilities in Ontario’s emerging electric vehicle and mobility sector. The program will consist of industry tours, trade events, problem-solving hackathons and internships offering industry-led work-integrated learning opportunities.

“As we continue to grow Ontario’s auto supply chain, it’s important that we empower students and connect them with exciting opportunities in the sector,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. We’re attracting billions of dollars worth of investment from companies worldwide that will create thousands of new jobs.”

The EaRTH Switch program will take place in three main geographic nodes—Scarborough, Durham Region, and Peterborough & the Kawarthas—and has been developed in conjunction with key partners including the Toronto District School Board, Toronto Catholic District School Board, Durham District School Board, Durham Catholic District School Board, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, Armada Automotive, Team Eagle Ltd, eCampusOntario, Toronto Zoo, Canadian Urban Transit Research & Innovation Consortium, Climate Positive Energy, University of Toronto, UTSC/EaRTH District, Solv4x Inc, and Quickmill Inc.

“Careers in Ontario’s auto sector offer life-changing opportunities, with good pay, pensions and benefits. Our government will continue to invest in innovative projects that help workers and jobseekers get the skills they need to land better jobs with bigger paycheques in the auto industry,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

EaRTH Switch draws on the extensive resources of the EaRTH District consortium with its expansive network of community and industry partners and proven track record of successful program implementation for young people.

Get Started

High school and post-secondary students in Ontario are invited to learn more about emerging careers in electric vehicles and other automotive and mobility innovations. Visit the EaRTH District website and follow @earthdistrictca for the latest Switch events.

About EaRTH District

The Environmental and Related Technologies Hub (EaRTH District), established in 2021, is a consortium comprising five Ontario post-secondary institutions: Centennial College, Fleming College, Ontario Tech University, Trent University, and University of Toronto Scarborough. EaRTH District’s goal is to fuel sustainable, resilient communities locally and around the world. By spanning its reach from the eastern Greater Toronto Area to Peterborough and the Kawarthas, EaRTH District will develop the region’s sustainable technology sector through research, academic programming and commercialization of advanced technology. An EaRTH-commissioned study projects the District to generate $8.4 billion in total direct cumulative output, $1 billion in taxes and more than 4,000 jobs over the next two decades*. *Data drawn from an EaRTH-commissioned study conducted by Stiletto Consulting in 2020.

About OVIN and The Regional Future Workforce Program

The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is an Ontario government initiative, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) is driving innovation and collaboration in the automotive and mobility sector to build safer, cleaner, and more efficient transportation. The Regional Future Workforce Program (RFW Program) is an initiative introduced by OVIN to support the development of a highly skilled workforce in automotive and mobility. The RFW Program is allocating over 6 million dollars to 14 projects carried out by Ontario non-profit organizations, post-secondary institutions, and school boards to deliver automotive and mobility-focused programs connecting students from kindergarten to post-secondary to the sector. The program aims to create a robust talent pipeline and ensure Ontario remains a leader in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.

EaRTH Website & Social Media

www.EaRTHdistrict.ca @EaRTHdistrictca
#EaRTHDistrict
https://www.linkedin.com/company/earthdistrictca/

Quotes

“OCI is grateful for the support from the Government of Ontario. The three core elements that make the Regional Future Workforce program stand out are its regional reach, the inclusion of equity-deserving groups, and the reach across multiple audience segments.” – Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO, Ontario Centre of Innovation

“Ontario has emerged on the global stage as the jurisdiction that will usher in the future of the automotive sector as it transitions through electrification, connectivity, autonomy and mobility solutions. The Regional Future Workforce program is another example of Ontario’s commitment to ensuring that we have a highly skilled and diverse workforce across the province to power this industry for years to come.” – Raed Kadri, Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network(OVIN), Ontario Centre of Innovation

“Switch is already generating excitement. It’s immensely rewarding to help young people explore the many opportunities this sector offers as it innovates and transforms.” – Irena Creed, Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation, U of T Scarborough, and Principal Investigator for Switch

“I am proud of the innovative work being done through the EaRTH Switch Program, showing how government and higher education can create unique career opportunities in expanding sectors of the economy.  As we focus on building a thriving automotive industry right here in Ontario, there is no doubt that this program will provide our next generation in Scarborough with the tools to innovate the industry while pursuing a meaningful career right here at home.”-Vijay Thanigasalam, Member of Provincial Parliament for Scarborough – Rouge Park