Career-Ready with CTMA: Expanding Opportunities
Delivered by the Canadian Tooling & Machining Association (CTMA) in partnership with the Ontario Council for Technology Education (OCTE), Career-Ready with CTMA: Expanding Opportunities connects employers, students, educators, and job seekers to strengthen Ontario’s precision metalworking sector through experiential learning opportunities.
Applications Open July 6, 2026
Applications will be accepted from July 6, 2026, to April 12, 2027, and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funding has been allocated.
Eligible employers receive $5,000 for each Experiential Work Placement (EWP), with up to $15,000 available per participant.
Participants must have a start date on or after June 30, 2026, to be eligible.
Employers are encouraged to contact Robin as soon as they have identified a candidate, as delaying may result in a missed opportunity to participate.
Career-Ready by the Numbers
1,650+
Experiential Work Placements completed
160+
Ontario high schools equipped with new CNC equipment & other advanced manufacturing technology
25,000+
Students exposed to technology used in today’s precision metalworking sector
4,000+
Students who have gone on to industry-related co-ops and/or apprenticeships
About the Program
Career-Ready with CTMA: Expanding Opportunities is designed to strengthen Ontario’s precision metalworking workforce by connecting students, educators, job seekers, and employers through experiential learning opportunities.
Since its inception, the program has helped thousands of individuals gain valuable skills and hands-on experience while supporting employers in attracting, training, and retaining talent.
The program consists of three interconnected components that help bridge the gap between education and industry.
Part One: Experiential Work Placements
Helping employers attract, train, and retain talent.
The program provides a non-repayable wage subsidy to eligible employers to support the training of new employees or upskilling current employees.
Eligible employers receive:
✔ $5,000 for each Experiential Work Placement (EWP)
✔ Up to $15,000 per participant
✔ Support for up to four candidates
✔ All EWPs will run for 16 weeks
✔ Assistance finding candidates
Eligible participants include:
- Apprentices
- High School Graduates
- Post-Secondary Graduates
- Post-Secondary Co-op Students
- Current Employees Developing New Skills
- Job Seekers
Part Two: Advanced Manufacturing Equipment for Schools
Providing Ontario secondary schools with modern manufacturing equipment and technology.
Through Career-Ready with CTMA, schools receive advanced CNC machinery, tooling, and equipment that allow students to gain experience using the same technology found in today’s manufacturing facilities.
Impact
✔ 160+ Ontario high schools equipped
✔ 25,000+ students reached
✔ 4,000+ students who have pursued co-ops and apprenticeships
By investing in classrooms, the program helps inspire the next generation of skilled workers and strengthens the connection between education and industry.
Part Three: Teacher Training
Empowering educators with the skills and confidence to teach on industry-standard equipment.
Teacher training opportunities help ensure that classrooms remain current with evolving technologies and provide students with relevant, hands-on learning experiences.
Through collaboration with educators and industry partners, Career-Ready with CTMA helps prepare students for rewarding careers in advanced manufacturing.
Why Career-Ready Matters
Ontario manufacturers continue to face significant workforce challenges.
Career-Ready with CTMA helps address these challenges by:
- Building a strong talent pipeline
- Supporting talent growth and attracting the next generation of workers
- Providing practical, hands-on learning experiences
- Strengthening connections between secondary schools, post-secondary institutions, job seekers, and employers
- Helping offset the costs associated with hiring and workforce development
How It Works
Step 1: Identify a Candidate
Have someone in mind or contact Robert to help you find one.
Step 2: Confirm Eligibility
Guidelines and eligibility criteria for Employers can be found here.
Guidelines and criteria for Candidates can be found here.
Contact Robin to determine employer and participant eligibility.
Step 3: Apply
Applications are accepted from July 6, 2026, to April 12, 2027 Participants must have a start date on or after June 30, 2026, to be eligible.
Contact Robin@ctma.com.
Step 4: Learn by Doing
Participants complete a 16-week Experiential Work Placement while gaining valuable hands-on experience. Employers will develop a list of industry-specific Technical Learning Outcomes (TLOs), permit on-site monitoring visits during the work placement, and pay each candidate at least minimum wage for the duration of the work placement.
Step 5: Build the Future
Participants develop skills and employers strengthen their workforce.
How It Works
Candidates
Interested in a career in machining, tool & die, mould making, automation, robotics, engineering, CAD/CAM, or advanced manufacturing?
Contact Robert Cattle
📞 416-301-6224
Brought to you by the CTMA in partnership with:
