The City of Barrie in partnership with Georgian College is offering free RapidSkills micro-credentials to provide industry-focused training to address the needs of local manufacturers and develop skills within the workforce.
The training is designed specifically for three groups: those who are unemployed and looking to join the manufacturing workforce, those who are looking to gain in-demand advanced manufacturing skills, and those who are already employed in the manufacturing sector and are wanting to upgrade their skills.
In April, the provincial government announced the City of Barrie would receive $1.08 million through the Skills Development Fund. The fund is a way to address skills development and labour shortages within the manufacturing sector by offering educational opportunities at no cost to the participant.
"Manufacturing is a key sector in Barrie and the surrounding area. According to the City's 2021 Business Data Survey, manufacturing was the number one sector in Barrie for full-time employment," says Stephannie Schlichter, Director of Economic and Creative Development at the City of Barrie. "We are committed to addressing this industry's evolving needs through innovative and effective partnerships, like the extension of the RapidSkills program with Georgian College. This program will not only help foster a resilient workforce by supporting access into the labour market, but will also contribute to a thriving and diverse local manufacturing sector."
The extension of the RapidSkills program offers three new short-term, competency-based, industry-recognized certifications in Computer Numerical Control (CNC), Fundamental Shop Skills, and Quality Management, along with the Leadership in Manufacturing micro-credentials. There are also four other micro-certifications in Hydraulics and Pneumatics, Industrial Automation, Precision Machining, and Robotics.
"The RapidSkills program was developed as an innovative, meaningful and responsive solution to the local labour market challenges," said Mary Johnston, Director, Continuing Education and Corporate Training at Georgian. "We're excited to partner with the City of Barrie to offer these expanded RapidSkills micro-credentials which will equip workers with the in-demand skills to become competitive while providing the manufacturing sector employers with technically trained and motivated workers."
The training will be offered in a flexible, part-time format geared to both employed individuals who can continue working while they train as well as unemployed participants who will benefit from prospective employer engagement.
To be eligible, employees from local manufacturers may be referred by their employer for training. Unemployed individuals can participate and be referred through an Employment Ontario service provider, or self-identify and register through the RapidSkills website.
The RapidSkills micro-credential will start with the Fundamental Shop Skills module on July 16 with the rest of the micro-certificates opening late August and running through until March 2023. They will be offered through a blend of part-time, online and in-person lectures and labs at the Barrie Campus.
For a limited time, RapidSkills micro-credential tuition and training costs are free for eligible participants and employers.
To learn more and to register, visit GeorgianCollege.ca/RapidSkills.
For more information
One Georgian Drive
Barrie Ontario
Canada L4M 3X9
www.georgiancollege.ca
