City School receives funding for supply chain training program

City School by Mohawk has received $1.95 million in funding to launch a new industry training program in the supply chain sector as part of a nationwide announcement today by the Future Skills Centre.

The Material Handling 4.0 pilot project has been developed to help people transition into new jobs within the supply chain sector. Employers in this important sector are suffering from labour shortages. As well, the introduction of many disruptive technologies in the supply chain system now requires that workers in the field have 21^st century skillsets.

Working with companies in Hamilton, Material Handling 4.0 will leverage the success of Mohawk College’s City School initiative to deliver training for entry-level supply chain careers for an initial group of 144 people who receive Ontario Works social assistance, as well as newcomers and youth. With input from local employers, in collaboration with the Mohawk College Student Success Innovation Centre, the project will develop and implement a series of skills assessment criteria that will serve as the foundation for a Mohawk College micro-certification for participants. Mohawk will also develop a replication strategy to share with partner institutions to benefit other communities across the country.

Material Handling 4.0 is one of 30 innovation projects announced today by the Future Skills Centre as part of a $37-million investment to provide essential solutions to support Canadians transitioning to new jobs or industries.

“City School training builds bridges for people to post-secondary education and to meaningful work. We are grateful to the Future Skills Centre for its generous support as we help people gain the skills necessary to fill the workforce gap experienced by local companies. Mohawk College looks forward to working together with our partners to restore and support a strong and healthy community in Hamilton.”

– Ron McKerlie, President, Mohawk College

“Disruptive technologies have become part of the supply chain system, creating a need for resilient and adaptive personnel. This program helps bridge material handlers’ skills gaps as well as redefining the skills workers, and their employers, need.”

– Pedro Barata, Executive Director of the Future Skills Centre

“Mohawk College is always innovating. They are consistently producing graduates with the skills necessary to meet the rapidly changing needs of Hamilton employers, and employers across Canada. The funding announced today from Future Skills Canada is part of our government’s commitment to young people to help them develop the necessary skills to succeed in the job market – today and for tomorrow.”

- Honourable Filomena Tassi,Minister of Labour, Member of Parliament for Hamilton-West Ancaster Dundas

The Material Handling 4.0 project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Centre. Le projet Material Handling 4.0 est financé par le Centre des Compétences futures du gouvernement du Canada.

The media release issued by Future Skills Canada can be found  here.

An overview of the 30 funded projects is available here.