“We are going to see the roaring 2020s, I firmly believe that we are going to see that. We’re already experiencing it now. All kinds of different companies are currently talking to Chris {King} and the team here at QEDC about filling vacant buildings or even greenfield builds in the region to create more manufacturing opportunities and more really good employment for people in the Quinte region.”
“I don’t think manufacturing gets the attention it deserves, and we certainly recognize it at Quinte Economic Development. It’s our largest employment sector. Half of our economic output is manufacturing. Some of the highest paying wages in the community, there’s innovation, there’s automation, advanced technologies, great equipment, robotics; and it’s a wealth creator. A lot of our companies are making products here.”
The funding is already earmarked for a couple of cohorts with Loyalist College for the new hire through Elevate Plus, and there will also be funding for existing manufacturers to provide third party training for their workforce.
Quinte Manufacturers Association Chair Chandy Davis says the support allows them to do more for employees.
“And help us adopt new technology to train them, and keep them satisfied and growing and learning more. So we really appreciate this to train over 800 people.”
QEDC will also engage Loyalist College’s corporate training division and the Loyalist Training and Knowledge Centre to train participants.
