The governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing $500,000 in the AeroTrace Workforce Pilot program to train workers on the use of digital traceability, production data and applied artificial intelligence (AI) in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors.
“Workers are at the heart of a strong economy,” said federal Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu. “Through the AeroTrace Workforce Pilot program, we are helping more Manitobans build the skills they need to succeed in a changing world of work. This investment will create new opportunities for workers while helping Manitoba’s aerospace and manufacturing sectors grow and innovate. When workers have the tools to adapt and grow, our communities and economy are stronger for it.”
The new pilot program, is funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada-Manitoba Workforce Tariff Response Program. It will be delivered by Manitoba Aerospace and Defence through the demand-led training stream of the tariff response program, in partnership with mode40, a Manitoba-based enterprise data intelligence firm.
“Targeted training for aerospace and manufacturing workers is what it will take to continue building Manitoba’s success in these industries,” said Manitoba Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses. “This pilot program is about helping companies adapt to changing market demands. While Manitoba businesses are navigating a new and challenging production and market environment, supply-chain disruptions and changing procurement requirements, we want to provide the tools for growth.”
The pilot builds on AeroTrace, mode40’s traceability and supplier-readiness platform for aerospace and defence supply chains. AeroTrace is supported by the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program’s defence industry assist initiative. AeroTrace helps suppliers prove where a part came from, how it was made and what standards it met, so they can demonstrate compliance to prime contractors, original equipment manufacturers and defence customers.
This pilot program will also help foster a business climate that will support productivity growth and align with the priorities outlined in the new Manitoba-Canada Defence Alliance.
“This investment is about strengthening Manitoba’s aerospace and defence sector by investing in the people who power it,” said Beverlie Stuart, CEO, Manitoba Aerospace and Defence. “As digital traceability, data intelligence and AI become increasingly important to global supply chains, we need to ensure Manitoba companies and their workers have the skills to adapt, compete and grow. Through the AeroTrace Workforce Pilot, we are bringing industry, technology and workforce development together to build capability here at home, strengthen our supply chain and position Manitoba for the opportunities ahead.”
“Manitoba’s aerospace and defence suppliers already make parts that major programs depend on. More and more, those customers also want proof: where a part came from, how it was made and what standard it met,” said Cameron Bergen, founder and CEO, mode40. “This pilot gives the people on the floor the skills to produce that proof from data they can trust and to use AI responsibly in work they already know best.”
Earlier this year, the governments of Canada and Manitoba launched the Canada-Manitoba Workforce Tariff Response Program, supported by a three-year, $18.2-million investment from the Government of Canada. The program is designed to support workers, businesses and communities directly and indirectly affected by tariffs, including those in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, transportation and warehousing, and wholesale trade.
The Demand-Led Training Program supports partnerships among employers, industry groups, community organizations, unions and training providers to identify workforce needs and deliver training solutions to help workers move into in-demand occupations while supporting employers to develop the skilled workforce needed to adapt and compete in a changing economy.
Funding for the Canada-Manitoba Workforce Tariff Response Program is provided by the Government of Canada through the Employment Insurance-funded Canada-Manitoba Workforce Tariff Response Agreement.
