Invest WindsorEssex/Media Release
Invest WindsorEssex launches EV worker registry tool supporting workforce development in the growing EV supply chain supported by Government of Canada
WINDSOR-ESSEX, ONT. (Nov. 15, 2023) – As the country moves toward more sustainable solutions, southern Ontario has emerged as a prominent hub for automotive manufacturing and innovation, specifically in the electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing sectors. Windsor-Essex and its surrounding communities are at the forefront of this exciting new chapter for southern Ontario’s automotive sector.
Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), along with Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh, visited Invest WindsorEssex to celebrate the launch of EV Careers, a new digital tool that will enhance the immediate regional workforce development needs in Windsor-Essex.
With Government of Canada support through FedDev Ontario, Invest WindsorEssex (IWE), together with Workforce WindsorEssex, the University of Windsor, St. Clair College and WEtech Alliance, launched EVCareers.ca: an online worker registry tool designed to connect job seekers with employers in the Windsor-Essex EV sector. With a user-friendly interface, this website will provide job seekers with the resources and information they need to build successful careers in this growing industry and is part of a larger, regional workforce development and talent program led by Invest WindsorEssex.
With billions of dollars in recent investment across Windsor-Essex and available job postings on the rise, it is now more important than ever to have a strategy and tools in place to ensure an adequate and sustainable workforce not only to accommodate emerging supply chains but also to ensure existing companies have the required talent to operate at full capacity.
With a total investment of $7.7 million from FedDev Ontario to establish Canada’s first world-class automobility accelerator and to support the long-term growth of the EV sector in the Windsor-Essex region, IWE and regional ecosystem partners will lead the charge on workforce and talent development in Windsor-Essex. In addition to the launch of EVCareers.ca, this strategy will include a dedicated talent attraction specialist to coordinate regional talent attraction efforts together with a targeted marketing campaign promoting career opportunities and highlighting Windsor-Essex as a desirable location to work and live.
The continued support from the federal government is working to help ensure that Canadian companies have the talent they need to build their workforces and that individuals have the opportunity to contribute to this growing and important sector.
Quotes
“Workers are what drive our country forward, and without them we simply wouldn’t be here today. EV Careers is a crucial step forward in continuing to make the Electric Vehicle industry stronger. By connecting workers with the job that fits their needs and the needs of the EV supplier, we are ensuring a strong industry for years to come. Thank you to Invest WindsorEssex for their tireless efforts in ensuring our workers have what they need to succeed.” – The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“Windsor-Essex is a pillar of the automotive industry in Ontario. Congratulations to the team at Invest WindsorEssex on the launch of EV Careers, a critical tool that allows job seekers to showcase their professional experience and connects them to careers in the electric vehicle sector right here in Windsor-Essex.” – Irek Kusmierczyk, Member of Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh
“Workforce and talent development are a top priority for our community to ensure an adequate and strong labour force to support our growing economy. We are thrilled to receive this funding allowing us to develop the strategy and tools required to build a local workforce that will bolster emerging supply chains and existing industry. Thank you to Minister Tassi and FedDev Ontario for your continued support for Windsor-Essex.” – Stephen MacKenzie, President and CEO, Invest WIndsorEssex
“Workforce WindsorEssex is pleased to support the development process and launch of EVcareers. Utilizing our job posting data, this platform will share our region’s message with workers and young people interested in participating in our area’s growing electric vehicle industry and help us stay in touch with them. The website will personalize the content based on your areas of interest, skills, and whether you live in or out of the region.” – Justin Falconer, CEO, Workforce WindsorEssex
Additional Information
ABOUT INVEST WINDSORESSEX – Invest WindsorEssex is the lead economic development agency for the Windsor-Essex region. The focus of the organization is to develop and execute strategies to retain, expand, attract and help new businesses start-up in the Windsor-Essex region. Invest WindsorEssex is led by a board of distinguished community leaders. A team of professional staff will assist you with all your location and investment decisions by working one-on-one with businesses, to facilitate the process of starting, growing or locating in Windsor-Essex.
ABOUT EVCAREERS.CA – EVcareers.ca is an online worker registry for job seekers interested in pursuing careers in the electric vehicle sector in Windsor-Essex. The tool is a comprehensive resource that offers job seekers access to a database of job listings, a library of resources and information to help them build their skills and a platform to connect with employers. EVCareers.ca
- Local employers that wish to have their job postings added to EVCareers.ca are encouraged to contact IWE’s Talent Attraction Specialist to learn how to be added to the system:
Jessica McCarthy
Talent Attraction Specialist
Invest WindsorEssex
3475 Wheelton Drive
Windsor, Ontario, Canada N9W 0A6
Mobile: 416-559-4178
Email: jmccarthy@investwindsoressex.com
investwindsoressex.com
ABOUT FEDDEV ONTARIO – For 14 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Media Contacts
Gina Meret-Dybenko
Director, Marketing and Communications
Invest WindsorEssex
Mobile: 519-791-6223
Email: gmeret@investwindsoressex.com
Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Email: edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca