Yves Landry Foundation

Why did the YLF decide to embark on this initiative?

The Yves Landry Foundation, since its inception in the late 1990's, has had a mandate that encourages, supports and promotes technical education. Specifically, focused at bringing educators, industry and all levels of government together to progress the skill sets of the employed, under employed and youth in Ontario, and Canada at large. 

This initiative, which is named the Achieving Innovation and Manufacturing Excellence (AIME) initiative, clearly aligns the mandate of the Foundation, to a tangible activity.  The AIME initiative puts up to $50,000 into the hands of small and medium sized manufacturers.  This program is in partnership with the Province of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development.  Specifically the AIME program is to support up-skilling or retraining of current manufacturing employees in order to progress the organization forward through implementing new innovations within the facilities.  Ultimately we, along with our partners, want Ontario to continue to be a strong and prosperous province, with a highly skilled workforce.  We see the AIME initiative as a key component to achieving that goal.

What are your expectations for the AIME program?

When we were designing and developing the grant initiative, we spent a great deal of time looking at what needed to be done, and what this program could realistically achieve. 

Our target audience is manufacturers in Ontario that have between 15-1500 employees. And our program allows for up to $50,000 per company to support training that will support the innovations that are taking place within those facilities.  We expect to be able to reach over 500 companies throughout Ontario.

Who do you hope will apply for the AIME grant program?

We hope every manufacturer in Ontario, that meets the basic criteria, will apply.  This program is a one-of-a-kind that rapidly, can get funds into the hands of the manufacturers in Ontario, to support training at their facilities.  The training must be linked directly to an innovation that is being undertaken at the manufacturing location.

The program was announced in October 2008, was that also the official launch? If not, when will it be launched?

The program was officially launched in October 2008.  We are accepting applications through to September 30 of 2009 or when the funds are completely allocated, whichever comes first.
 
How many applications have been received and for what kind of training projects?

We are receiving a wide range of applications from right across Ontario and from a great variety of manufacturers.  We've had applications from furniture manufacturers, aerospace, food, pharmaceuticals, auto parts and biofuels to name a few.  To date, we have supported over 200 applications.

How does the AIME initiative fit in with the Foundation's goal to develop a skilled workforce?

AIME provides the Foundation with a project that clearly fits to YLF's goals. We specifically fund programs with manufacturers that support training of current workers.  Through the reach of the AIME initiative we are developing a more skilled workforce in Ontario.

How much money is available in total and how long will it run for?

This is a $25 million initiative. The program began in October 2008 and we are accepting application through to September 30, 2009.  Or when the funds are completely allocated; whichever comes first.  The entire program runs through to March 31, 2010.