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Unifor staff and leaders were applauding in the audience as the first cohort of Battery Manufacturing Certificate graduates walked across the stage on January 26 at St. Clair College in Windsor, Ont.
“Canada succeeds because we invest in workers, building a globally unmatched skilled workforce ready to tackle emerging trends and sector movements,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “I congratulate the St. Clair College graduates and look forward to seeing them build their futures — and Canada’s — in the EV auto manufacturing sector.”
Unifor, in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development developed a project for Unifor automotive Independent Parts Supplier (IPS) workers to access upskilling and training through a grant application process.
St. Clair College’s second cohort began their courses in late 2024 with a third cohort starting in February 2025 - and the program is currently under review with the provincial government to continue for another year.
“It’s wonderful to witness the students’ success and to know how this amazing initiative will benefit individual workers and help transform, strengthen and grow our domestic manufacturing capabilities,” said Unifor Area Director Mike Byrne, who spoke on behalf of the union at the convocation ceremony. “The Unifor upskilling and training program is helping to build the next generation of great union jobs that will add so much to our communities.”
All 23 graduates of the first cohort earned a 4.0 GPA or higher, demonstrating their commitment and ability to meet the highest standards.
For more information about the Unifor EV Auto Sector Upskilling Training Project and other initiatives Unifor is leading, read the union’s policy paper Navigating the Road Ahead: Rebuilding Canada’s Powerhouse Auto Sector at policy.uniforautohub.ca.
To learn more about the convocation ceremony and the graduates’ experiences, read the article on the St. Clair College website.
