TORONTO, ONTARIO, November 27, 2023 – Today, Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR) is announcing the launch of the Aerospace Structural Assembly Program, in partnership with delivery partner Centennial College. The program is powered by Upskill Canada and is part of the first wave of partnership agreements that are taking an industry-oriented approach to supporting Canadian workers. These agreements will help thousands of workers find new careers through skills training and job placement in some of the fastest-growing industries in Canada.
There is a huge demand for skilled workers in the aerospace industry across Ontario and Canada. This hands-on Aerospace Structural Assembly training program will provide trainees with the knowledge and skills needed to perform complex structural assembly, as required by the aviation manufacturing industry.
Supported by funding from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s (ISED) Upskilling for Industry Initiative, more than 15,000 Canadian workers will benefit from an innovative approach to skills training. Central to the Upskill Canada initiative is the role of community training providers, who work closely with local and national employers to identify precise suites of skills being sought by industry. Equipping workers with these skills will create new career pathways for Canadians and better position Canadian companies to compete both domestically and internationally.
Quick Facts
First envisioned in 2012 DAIR incorporated in 2020 with the appointment of a Board of Directors and a full-time Executive Director to continue the growth of the organization.
With a vision to be a world leading aerospace innovation hub, DAIR collaborates with academic and industry members and partners to strengthen Ontario’s aerospace ecosystem to the benefit of the Canadian sector as a whole.
Initiatives, such as upskill and workforce development, greening and sustainability, R&D collaboration and supplier development are integral elements that DAIR is focused on to advance Ontario and Canadian aerospace.
Quotes
“We’re so proud to formally launch Upskill Canada with our inaugural class of workers and training service providers. This is a big first step – but it’s only the beginning. We’re looking forward to working with our supporters in government and industry to upskill many more Canadians, so they can transition into high-demand roles in the modern workforce – and help fast-growing companies achieve their full potential.”
– Rhonda Barnet, CEO of Palette Skills, which was chosen by ISED to run the Upskill Canada initiative
“DAIR is proud to have been selected as a delivery partner for Upskill Canada, providing training critical to the aerospace industry here in Ontario and across Canada. Through this program and with the support of our training partner Centennial College, we will be able to help put trainees in a position to start an exciting career in aerospace.”
– Maryse Harvey, Executive Director of DAIR
To learn more, visit https://paletteskills.org/upskillcanadaprograms.
About DAIR
DAIR, a not-for-profit organization, is committed to revolutionizing collaboration and innovation within the aerospace domain and beyond. DAIR facilitates its members with advanced equipment, infrastructure, and training solutions for cutting-edge research and technology adoption. By fostering partnerships between industry, academia, and government, DAIR advocates for the aerospace industry locally, nationally, and globally.
About Upskill Canada
Upskill Canada is a national talent platform that helps fast-growing companies access the talent they need to compete and succeed globally while creating new career pathways for workers to rapidly transition into high-demand roles. Upskill Canada will target all regions of the country and support Canadian-based employers, with a particular focus on small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It will focus on strengthening key growth sectors, including digital technology, cybersecurity, agricultural technology, advanced manufacturing, clean technology and biomanufacturing.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Media Contact:
Phil Arthurs
Director of Operations,
phil.arthurs@dairhub.com
