GREEN INDUSTRIES NEWS
The City of Toronto has signed an agreement with the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development for funding through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to support the development of workforce training for Toronto’s micro-mobility industry. Micro-mobility includes bicycles, e-bikes and light electric vehicles (LEVs). Toronto is a Canadian hub of the industry with more than 15 makers and manufacturers of bikes and hardware in the GTA.
Sales of these transportation solutions have increased dramatically since the start of the pandemic with Toronto based companies reporting, according to an industry survey that the City carried out last summer, average sales increases greater that 10% annually.
Micro-mobility has an important role to play in the City’s climate change plan which targets 75% of school/work trips under 5 km will be walked, biked or by transit by 2030. Having theses clean transportation solutions purchased/maintained/made in Ontario will accelerate the transition to a green economy while creating economic growth for local companies and more jobs.
Currently the local industry is reporting severe shortages of skilled workers to both service and build human and electric powered bikes and it is increasingly challenged to attract new workers into the industry. In many parts of the world, including Britain, Holland, Denmark and the US bike mechanics are considered a valuable trade and have extensive training program for the local workforce.
This initiative of the City supported by the province will help develop professional training programs in partnership with the micro-mobility industry and support the industry in being an attractive career option for many new job seekers.
Project Manager Being Hired
The City is currently looking to hire a project manager for the project. If you know of anyone who might be interested please pass this information on.
Deadline to submit job applications is May 10. More information on the position and how to apply can be found here – https://www.goodwork.ca/jobs/economic-development-jobs-sustainable-and-active-transportation-planning-jobs-64187
Interested in Being Involved?
If you’re interested in being involved in this initiative in some capacity please send an email back to greentech@toronto.ca with your name, company affiliation and contact details.