Rae Announces Funding for High-Tech Machinery for Local Schools 

[Perth-Wellington] – Today, Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington, announced over $185k in funding to bring high-tech machinery to four schools in Perth and Wellington Counties.  

“Our government will continue to invest in skilled trades education,” Rae said. “These are in demand, good paying jobs. By 2025, 1 in 5 jobs will be in the skilled trades, we need to ensure our students have industry leading machinery to learn on.”  

Equipment deliveries for the program began in November 2022, and range from CNC milling centres, lathes, and plasma cutters to CNC desktop milling machines, high precision conventional milling machines, lathes with readouts, and more. In addition, each school will receive tool kits and cutting tools. 

“Our goal is to expose high school students to technology at an earlier age to engage their interest for a career within our industry,” said Robert Cattle, Canadian Tooling & Machining Association (CTMA) Executive Director. “Not only does this expose students to newer technology at an earlier age, but also gives teachers up-to-date equipment to implement in their classrooms.” 

This project by the CTMA and the Ontario Council for Technology and Education (OCTE) is funded through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, Skills Development Fund.  

“Our government is proud to be funding projects that expose high school students to the skilled trades early on,” said Minister McNaughton. “Ontario needs more skilled workers, and that starts with attracting more young people to these rewarding, well-paying and life-long careers. I want to congratulate the CTMA and OCTE for this incredible initiative.” 

“This funding and equipment are great additions to our rural schools,” Rae added. “It is vital that our students are prepared for the jobs of the future.” 

The Skills Development Fund allows organizations to apply for funding to deliver in-demand training programs. Since the Fund was launched in 2021, more than $660 million has been invested to help more than 400,000 people upgrade their skills. 

Recipient High Schools Funding 
Wellington Heights Secondary School $ 25,780 
Stratford District Secondary School $ 69,752 
St. Marys District Collegiate and Vocational Institute $ 78,400 
Pathways Innovation Centre $ 11,400 
Total $ 185,332