WINDSOR, ON, November 15, 2023 via Invest Windsor Essex – 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.

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“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