TL;DR:
- University of Guelph’s CARE-AI launches micro-learning platform to foster interest in AI and machine learning in automotive and mobility sectors.
- Provincial funding supports the program as part of the Regional Future Workforce (RFW) and Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) initiatives.
- Aim is to bridge the gap between students and the auto industry, reducing stigma around skilled trades.
- Non-profit organizations and educational institutions receive funding to lead automotive-focused programs for at least 500 students.
- CARE-AI partners with Linamar and the Vector Institute to connect expertise in AI, machine learning, and data science with industry needs.
- Program utilizes advanced technology and adaptable learning methods for an engaging and scalable experience.
- OVIN drives the commercialization and adoption of next-gen automotive and mobility technologies, supporting Ontario’s role as a manufacturing hub.
- Regional Future Workforce program encourages students across Ontario to pursue automotive and mobility careers.
Main AI News:
In a bold move to shape the future of Ontario’s automotive and mobility sectors, the University of Guelph’s Centre for Advancing Responsible and Ethical Artificial Intelligence (CARE-AI) is set to revolutionize the landscape with its cutting-edge micro-learning platform. This groundbreaking initiative aims to ignite a passion for AI and machine learning among high school and post-secondary students, paving the way for a skilled and dynamic workforce in the industry.
Backed by provincial funding from the Regional Future Workforce (RFW) program and the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) at the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), the program holds great promise for the future of the region. Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Vic Fedeli, emphasizes the importance of empowering students and connecting them with exciting opportunities in the sector. The automotive industry in Ontario has been attracting billions of dollars’ worth of investment from companies worldwide, poised to create thousands of new jobs.
The RFW program seeks to bridge the gap between students of all ages and the auto industry while tackling the stigma associated with careers in the skilled trades. According to Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development, the auto sector in Ontario presents life-changing prospects, offering attractive remuneration packages, pensions, and benefits. The government remains committed to investing in innovative projects that equip workers and jobseekers with the skills necessary to thrive in the automotive industry, leading to higher-paying jobs.
Under the program, non-profit organizations, school boards, and post-secondary institutions will receive substantial funding, up to $500,000 each, to spearhead eight-month-long automotive-focused programs aimed at engaging at least 500 students. These carefully tailored programs cater to the unique needs of each region and its students, ranging from play-based learning for young children to workshops on manufacturing, robotics, and mining for older students.
Kevin Matsui, managing director of CARE-AI, expresses gratitude for the support and investment from the Government of Ontario. He affirms their commitment to providing the necessary skills training in artificial intelligence and machine learning, paving the way for a thriving automotive and mobility industry in the province. CARE-AI collaborates with industry partners, including Linamar and the Vector Institute, to harness the University of Guelph’s expertise in AI, machine learning, deep learning, and data science, aligning it with the evolving needs of the automotive and mobility industry.
CARE-AI, a community of over 90 researchers from the University of Guelph, operates at the intersection of multiple disciplines to tackle real-world challenges through AI and data science. Their work is rooted in the responsible and ethical utilization of AI, and their extensive network of external partners ensures a broad range of expertise and knowledge. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology and learning methodologies, CARE-AI’s pioneering program will be delivered asynchronously through Axonify’s online microlearning and gamification platform. This dynamic and adaptive approach enables students to learn on the go, providing them with a seamless learning experience.
The potential impact of CARE-AI’s learning modules extends beyond the immediate scope of the program, offering scalability for use by all secondary students in Ontario. Furthermore, the modules can be flexibly adapted to meet the ever-evolving needs of industry partners, ensuring that students are equipped with the most relevant and up-to-date skills.
Cameron Schuler, Chief Commercialization Officer and Vice President of Industry Innovation at the Vector Institute, emphasizes the significance of partnering with universities that empower businesses with highly skilled talent and top-notch training. He affirms that this program will drive innovation in the province’s automotive and mobility sectors, further strengthening Ontario’s position as a global leader.
Agostino Zucco, Global Vice President of Linamar’s Innovation Hub, expresses pride in collaborating with CARE-AI, citing Linamar’s status as the second-largest automotive parts manufacturer in Canada. The company recognizes the importance of working with post-secondary partners, such as the University of Guelph, to equip the next generation of talent with the necessary skills for exciting opportunities in the automotive industry.
Amidst a significant shift in the automotive and mobility sectors worldwide, OVIN, the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, stands as the provincial government’s flagship initiative. Focused on accelerating the commercialization and adoption of the next generation of electric, connected, and autonomous vehicles, as well as mobility technologies, OVIN plays a vital role in reducing the environmental and carbon footprint while maintaining Ontario’s position as the manufacturing hub of Canada.
The Regional Future Workforce program, a pilot initiative under OVIN, aims to inspire students of all ages across Ontario to pursue careers in the automotive and mobility sector. Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation, acknowledges the government’s support and highlights three key elements that make the Regional Future Workforce program exceptional: its broad regional reach, its focus on inclusivity for equity-deserving groups, and its ability to resonate across various audience segments.
Raed Kadri, Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, affirms Ontario’s commitment to nurturing a highly skilled and diverse workforce across the province, ensuring the continued success of the automotive industry. As the government attracts record investments to build the electric cars of the future, Parm Gill, Minister of Red Tape Reduction, emphasizes the paramount importance of developing a skilled and experienced workforce. The government proudly supports the investment in the University of Guelph’s CARE-AI program, recognizing the critical role it plays in teaching students AI and machine learning skills vital for the automotive sector.
Conclusion:
The investment in U of G’s CARE-AI program and the development of a micro-learning platform for AI and machine learning signify Ontario’s commitment to fostering a skilled and diverse workforce in the automotive and mobility sectors. By empowering students and reducing the stigma associated with skilled trades, Ontario aims to attract investments and create thousands of new jobs. The collaboration between academia, industry partners, and the government positions Ontario as a global leader in automotive innovation, poised to capitalize on the transformative shifts in the industry. This investment underscores the region’s dedication to remaining at the forefront of the automotive market, driving advancements in electric, connected, and autonomous vehicles, and reinforcing Ontario’s position as a manufacturing powerhouse.
