The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development is providing $881,600 to Science North through the Skills Development Fund. Science North will partner with MineConnect and other essential industry leaders in the North to offer a wide variety of programs that will help build crucial workplace and digital skills for students, Indigenous youth, and underemployed adults.
These partnerships will support the development of a skilled and resilient workforce by providing an estimated 1,000 participants in Northern Ontario with access to skills training and accessible pathways to employment.
Basic digital skills are instrumental for individuals and businesses to effectively engage with communities, suppliers, and clients. As a leader in providing hands-on learning programs in STEM, coding and essential skills training in Northern Ontario, Science North is well-positioned to meet the demand for these programs and deliver these initiatives around the North.
Science North has a multitude of ambitious initiatives to support skills development. It will provide new Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs that will engage an estimated 700 students in grades eleven and twelve — supporting them in obtaining SHSM certifications in various sectors. In addition, Science North is launching a micro-credential program that will engage an estimated 300 underemployed and underskilled adults in Northern Ontario.
This vital funding will also help Science North launch an Indigenous internship program to support the career development of Indigenous participants who face barriers to employment. The program will provide them with on-the-job training and work experience, access to the pilot micro-credential program, and help them create a portfolio of work to support their future career goals.
“Across Northern Ontario, employers are looking for workers in STEM and coding. Every one of these jobs is a good paycheque waiting to be collected, which is why our government is investing in programs like Science North that will prepare job seekers for these rewarding careers.” – Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skill Development
“Science North has been the premier destination for high-quality learning programs and initiatives. We’re excited to share this new programming with our partners, stakeholders, communities, and with the whole North. This funding will help us build a stronger future in the North, ensuring that we stay competitive, with a highly skilled workforce. I want to thank the provincial government, Minister McNaughton, MineConnect and all our industry partners for collaborating on this programming.”- Ryan Land, Science North Director of Education and Northern Programs.
“MineConnect is thrilled to be partnering on this exciting project which will bring additional benefits to our members and the MSS sector in Northern Ontario as a whole. Skills training and employment are key challenges faced by the industry and we are proud to be working with Science North to be a part of the solution.” – Marla Tremblay, MineConnect Executive Director
Science North has over 37 years of experience and expertise in delivering high-quality, hands-on programming in both official languages. These programs engage youth and adult participants in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), coding, digital skills, and essential workplace skills.
These critical initiatives funded by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skill Development will support the development of a stable and resilient workforce in Northern Ontario. Science North is also providing micro-credentials to help adults in the North to prepare for new and better jobs, keep pace with changes in technology, and provides them with skills they need to succeed.
