Canadore College’s Innovation Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Prototyping (ICAMP) recently opened its doors to over 100 secondary school students from Nipissing, Parry Sound, and West Nipissing, providing them with an invaluable glimpse into the future of the automotive and mobility industries. The workshop, funded by the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) through the Regional Future Workforce – Critical Minerals Pilot Program, focused on educating students about electric vehicles (EVs), sustainable energy, and critical mineral extraction and processing.
This initiative is crucial in equipping the next generation with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. “It’s crucial that young people across Ontario, especially those from Indigenous communities and underrepresented groups, are made aware of the rewarding career opportunities available in the critical minerals sector,” stated David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
The workshop provided students with hands-on experiences, combining technical skills, STEM education, and skilled trades training. They explored critical minerals, EV battery materials and testing, and even assembled a functional electric vehicle model at Canadore’s Motive Power Zero Emission Training Centre. Expert instructors from Canadore College and Miller Technology, a North Bay company specializing in advanced mining technologies, led the interactive sessions.
The program has been lauded by key figures in the industry. “Ontario is the only jurisdiction in the western hemisphere with all of the critical minerals required to build electric vehicle batteries,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, highlighting the province’s strategic position in the global EV market. Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Ontario’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands of the automotive and mobility sector.
The workshop served as a powerful tool for encouraging students to consider careers in STEM fields and skilled trades, often overlooked career paths. “As educators, it is crucial to expose students to these growing career paths, helping them to better understand opportunities available while fostering a lasting interest in careers they might not have otherwise considered,” said Sylvain Vachon, Vice-Principal of the Student Success Team and Lead in Experiential Learning at Conseil scolaire catholique Franco-Nord.
Canadore College, with its commitment to applied learning, leadership, and innovation, is well-positioned to play a vital role in filling the growing workforce demands in the critical minerals, electric vehicles, and advanced manufacturing sectors. The success of this workshop demonstrates the importance of early engagement in shaping a future workforce prepared for the exciting challenges and opportunities presented by a world transitioning to sustainable energy solutions.
