CTMA, OCTE begin delivering metalworking machinery to Ontario high schools

A student is eager to test out the new metalworking equipment. CTMA

The Canadian Tooling & Machining Association (CTMA), Cambridge, Ont., and the Ontario Council for Technology Education (OCTE), in partnership with 22 district school boards, has purchased and delivered new machine equipment to 40 high schools throughout Ontario.

“Our goal is to expose high school students to technology at an earlier age to engage their interest for a career within our industry,” said Robert Cattle, CTMA executive director. “Not only does this expose students to newer technology at an earlier age, but it also gives teachers up-to-date equipment to implement in their classrooms.”

The equipment deliveries began in November 2022 and include CNC milling centres, lathes, and plasma cutters; CNC desktop milling machines; and high-precision, conventional milling machines and lathes with readouts. In addition, each school receives tool kits and cutting tools.

“This exciting partnership is providing much-needed support for our manufacturing technology high school programs and will go a long way in reducing the skilled trades gap in this important industry,” said Dave Lewis, OCTE past chair.

The other half of the program provides experiential work placements for high school co-op students, with a focus on the precision metal cutting sector. Each student will be paid an hourly rate while earning co-operative education credits.

“Our government is proud to support projects that expose high school students to the skilled trades early on,” said Monte McNaughton, minister of labour, immigration, training, and skills development. “Our province needs more skilled workers, and attracting more young people into these rewarding careers is crucial to that objective. I want to congratulate the CTMA and OCTE for this incredible initiative.”

Each participant works alongside experienced tradespeople, skilled workers, and other professionals who provide them with an opportunity to gain real-world skills and knowledge.

Eligible employers can receive a wage subsidy of 50 per cent of the paid wages, up to $5,000 per placement.

More information about the Career-Ready with CTMA program is available at www.ctma.com.