CTMA extends Career-Ready program, supports Ontario’s manufacturing future

The Canadian Tooling & Machining Association, (CTMA) Cambridge, Ont., has extended its Career-Ready with CTMA: Expanding Opportunities program for another year with an expanded reach.

The program is designed to help workers increase their skill level for job opportunities in the precision metalworking sector, while providing non-repayable funding to employers to assist with the costs of hiring and training.

Eligible employers can receive 50 per cent of wages paid up to $5,000 for a single placement, up to $10,000 for two placements, and up to $15,000 for three placements to assist with the cost of hiring and training.

Employers must have a candidate before applying and have identified a job title with a corresponding job description.

“We are providing 300 experiential work placements, and these placements can last from 10 to 16 weeks and be consecutive,” explained CTMA Executive Director Robert Cattle.

Residents of Ontario that are eligible for this assistance include those wanting to start an apprenticeship, high school graduates, post-secondary graduates and co-op students, job seekers looking for full-time employment, and existing employees looking to upskill.

“We believe that our members train people every day in their place of business and that this costs them money. You are taking time from usually your most senior, productive employees and they spend time with your new recruits transferring skills to them. We believe that we should compensate these companies for their costs,” said Cattle.

The CTMA and its partner the Ontario Council for Technology Education (OCTE) are in the process of purchasing and installing new manufacturing equipment in high schools throughout the Ontario.

Machine tool technology like Haas Mini Mills, Tormach 3-axis vertical CNC machines with tool changers, desktop mills, CNC lathes, and manual mills and lathes with digital readouts all have been given to schools thanks to this funding. Digital vernier calipers, micrometers, indicators, clamping kits, and carbide tooling also have been provided.

The presentation and tour took place at Hamilton's Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.