College manufacturing technology project gets $500,000

Niagara College has received $500,000 to launch a new project to support technological and workforce development in the region’s growing advanced manufacturing sector.

The funding was secured by the college’s media, technology and trades division through the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development’s Skills Catalyst Fund, which supports projects that build stronger links between skills development and the demands of the new economy.

A media release said the project will provide training for current industry professionals in Niagara on state-of-theart equipment and simulators, and attract and recruit new talent into the industry from among Niagara’s high school and post-secondary students.

“Niagara’s robust advanced manufacturing sector is already a defining feature of the region’s economic identity, and will continue to grow in its significance,” said Marc Nantel, the college’s interim dean of media, technology and trades.

Nantel said the past several years have seen Niagara College take a strong leadership role in the development of “this key industry, and through this project will be able to further enhance and support the development of this vital workforce …”

Over the next year, the college will purchase 25 cutting-edge manufacturing simulators, including robotic training simulators, CNC milling machine simulators, and 3D rapid-prototyping printers.

“This equipment will be used to train industry employees, adding to Niagara’s competitiveness in a sector that is being transformed by advancing technology,” the release said.

The project also aims to encourage students to enter the industry and provide them with the skills to do so.

Some of the simulators and training equipment will be used to showcase advanced manufacturing skills at Niagara’s elementary and high schools, with a focus on encouraging women and other traditionally under-represented groups to pursue a career in the industry.

“The college will also adapt the curricula of its own technology and business programs to make use of the simulators, bringing new technological skills to over 800 students annually.”

An advisory committee will be established to guide the project, comprising college faculty and staff, as well as area employers and industry partners like the Niagara Industrial Association and the Niagara Workforce Planning Board.