Human Resources Development Working Group

Report for CAPC Meeting
MAY 30, 2003

Executive Summary

The Human Resources Development Working Group (HRDWG) reported at the December 18, 2002 CAPC meeting its mission, objectives and key short and long-term strategic initiatives. As a recap, the mission and objectives are listed below:

Mission:

"Foster a results orientated partnership among Government, Education, Industry and Labour to address the current and future human resource requirements of the automotive industry in Canada".

Objectives:

1)  Increase the availability and enhance the capabilities and credentials of technically qualified people in Canada;

2)  Promote and enhance the image and awareness of automotive career opportunities to parents, students and educators;

3)  Create the necessary balance between applied and academic learning opportunities in the education system and workplace.

4)  Encourage increased investment in the education & training of the existing automotive workforce.

Since the last meeting, the HRDWG has been diligently engaged in addressing the strategies that have been identified, and has met with tremendous success with initiatives outlined in this report.

CAPC HRDWG Action and Success

• Increased committee membership - CVMA, JAMA, AIA, Georgian College, CONNECT, University of Windsor
• Four formal meetings since last CAPC meeting
• One strategy committee, two action committees
• Training & Skills Development (C. Hughes, D. Robertson, Chairs)
• Lobbying & Marketing (P. Frise, G. Fedchun, Chairs)

Training & Skills Development Highlights

Sector Council Development

• Progress continues. Formal update at meeting.
• Proposal submission made to HRDC for developmental phase
• Create Automotive Manufacturing Sector Council by 2004
• Will include a national Situational Analysis of the automotive industry
• Much thanks to John Mavrak of Yves Landry Foundation (YLF) for leading this effort and to active partners CAW, AIA, APMA, MEOI, GM and Toyota.

Developing & submitting an Automotive Training Program to Strategic Skills Initiative (SSI) with Ontario college system

• Focus on both existing and future workforce
• Three initial strategic programs suggested
• Skilled Trades, Automotive Proficiency Certificate and Enlightened Production Leadership & Management
• July 14, 2003 submission deadline
• Great partners - APMA, YLF, Georgian College, CONNECT and MEOI

Developing & submitting an Automotive Engineering Program to Strategic Skills Initiative (SSI) with the University of Windsor in collaboration with colleges

• Focus on enhancing and enlarging Windsor's existing Automotive Engineering program and educational facility,
• Provides additional places for transfers from community colleges to accredited Engineering program

Initiate study of current status of automotive related technological education

• Project will be complimentary to the national Situational Analysis
• Province-wide study
• Excellent leadership of this project by CAPC partners - APMA and CONNECT

Lobbying & Marketing Highlights

New Ontario budget responded significantly to CAPC HRDWG objectives and strategies

• $90 million to renew technical equipment and provide qualified staff and partnerships in high schools
• Increased tax credits for apprenticeships
• Continued tax credits for employment of co-op students
• Much thanks to committee member partners - MEDU, MTCU, MEOI, APMA and YLF

Immigration - Temporary Foreign Worker Agreement

• Several meetings to expand the existing program in quantity and scope
• APMA and MEOI taking a strong lead for committee

Lobby & Position Papers

• Have developed several position papers to improve value and perception of technical education
• Very comprehensive agenda & targets designed to achieve committee goals and strategies
• Much thanks to entire Action Committee and particularly to Peter Frise of AUTO21