After recently signing a Memorandum of Understanding, Brock University and MTechHub Innovations Inc. are teaming up to help employers boost the skills of their workforce in the area of manufacturing optimization and data analytics.

MTechHub, a Burlington-based organization that supports digital transformation for Canadian manufacturing, has received $203,150 through the Ontario government’s Skills Development Fund to launch a pilot program in partnership with Brock University’s Professional and Continuing Studies department.

The Manufacturing Optimization and Data Analytics training program will work with members of MTechHub and industry partners to reskill and/or upskill jobs and advance technology adoption in the field.

“The partnership with MTechHub is another example of how Brock is working strategically with industry to meet the needs of employers and employees by expanding corporate training and professional learning opportunities,” says University Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lynn Wells. “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to supporting local economic vitality.”

The program will strengthen the relationship between the University and MTechHub as well as with their industry partners. Both parties see this as an opportunity to support the manufacturing industry as it continues to evolve.

“This program will help Canadian manufacturers accelerate their adoption of smart factory technology and improve their ability to compete,” says Mark Corker, MTechHub Executive Director.

The specialized pilot training program is being designed to address skilled labour shortages in deploying Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0 technologies, a growing need towards automation and data exchange in technology and processes within the manufacturing industry.

The advanced manufacturing program will combine online, hands-on and work-integrated learning components that will help participants understand and define the IoT as it relates to data analytics; understand the technology stack of IoT, including sensors, gateways, cloud and data analytics; summarize the types of data captured in the cloud; explore and analyze the data; apply data insights from analyzed data; explain what cybersecurity means; and apply cybersecurity principles.

“Across southwestern Ontario, employers are struggling to find the skilled digital workers needed to grow their businesses and the economy,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “That is why our government is investing in innovative training programs like this, which will help workers gain the skills local employers are looking for, so they can launch meaningful careers and earn bigger paycheques in a 21st-century economy.”

The Manufacturing Optimization and Data Analytics program will be developed in conjunction with Brock over the next several months, with the first cohort of workers set to begin training this fall.

April-Dawn Blackwell, Brock’s Associate Vice-President, Professional and Continuing Studies, said the program is an opportunity for the University to further develop and expand its customized industry and professional learning solutions in collaboration with industry partners.

“This pilot program is one example of how Brock’s expertise in training and skills development can support the needs of employers in attaining their goals for optimization in their organization,” she said. “We always welcome ideas for potential partnerships and programming opportunities that support the Professional and Continuing Studies needs in our community.”

To learn more about how industry focused training and skills development solutions can support your organization’s strategic goals, email CE@brocku.ca

This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.