NGen, MFI partner on advanced manufacturing resources for Indigenous students

A new partnership between Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) and the Martin Family Initiative (MFI) will help promote the advanced manufacturing sector to Indigenous students.

NGen, the industry-led not-for-profit group leading Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster, will develop resources, support services and information about careers in the sector to complement existing Indigenous education and entrepreneurship programming facilitated by MFI.

“MFI is very proud to partner with NGen as it will create a variety of strategies for Indigenous students to learn about manufacturing and business, says Paul Martin, former prime minister of Canada and founder of MFI, in a statement.

“Manufacturing is a cornerstone of our modern economy. The sector relies on a highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce that includes designers, researchers, programmers, engineers, technicians and tradespeople. MFI believes that this partnership provides a tremendous opportunity for Indigenous People to contribute to the Canadian economy.”

MFI works together with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation People to support education, health, and overall wellbeing for children, youth, and adults, recognizing that despite incremental progress, Indigenous People in Canada still face barriers to essential services such as education and healthcare.

“The future of Canadian manufacturing will be built on the skills and entrepreneurial talent of today’s student generation,” said Jayson Myers, CEO of NGen.

“Manufacturing offers exciting career opportunities for Indigenous youth to work with new technologies, design, develop, and make new products, and help solve many of our greatest challenges like health care, food and water security, climate change, and stewardship of our environment.”

Following the launch of NGen’s Careers of the Future campaign, the Supercluster will continue to work closely with partner organizations to improve awareness and attract more young Canadians into careers in advanced manufacturing.