The new Youth in Manufacturing program aims to fill thousands of expected job openings by offering paid work experience and industry microcredentials.
On Sept. 14, the government announced it signed an agreement to help connect young people with jobs in the manufacturing industry.
The Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour and Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium have entered into a three-year, $2.1-million deal to create the Youth in Manufacturing program.
The consortium will work with schools, employment service providers and community organizations to promote the program and connect eligible youth with manufacturers. Up to 300 young people will access paid employment and training opportunities.
“The manufacturing sector is crucial to our economy and is experiencing persistent labour shortages. Approximately 13,000 job openings are expected between 2025 and 2034. Young people are an essential component for a vibrant province, and good jobs are a great way to keep them here,” said Post-Secondary Education and Training Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours.
D’Amours said the agreement aligns with the province’s economic development strategy, unveiled in the spring. The strategy brings together New Brunswick’s traditional sectors, such as manufacturing, with emerging sectors.
“We’re capitalizing on today’s opportunities and we’re ready for the opportunities of tomorrow by developing skilled labour, attracting investment, increasing productivity and strengthening infrastructure,” said D’Amours.
The partnership with Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium also helps the government support those youth who are not in an education, employment or training stream.
“That population is one of the most crucial groups for the province’s economic development,” said D’Amours.
“Giving young people more opportunities to explore and connect with industries like manufacturing will only strengthen our efforts moving forward. It’s so important that we get youth educated, trained and into a field they’re interested in. The benefits to the individuals who complete this program and the province are substantial.”
Manufacturing accounts for about nine per cent of New Brunswick’s annual gross domestic product, contributing to employment, exports and economic stability. It includes industries such as food processing, wood products, metal fabrication, machinery manufacturing and advanced manufacturing technologies.
“To grow and compete, New Brunswick manufacturers need the next generation of skilled workers, and this initiative will help make that connection,” said Jean-Pierre Giroux, president of Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium.
“By giving young New Brunswickers meaningful workplace experience, valuable skills and a pathway into good jobs, we are helping reduce youth unemployment while strengthening the talent pipeline our manufacturing sector needs. When young people have the opportunity to build careers here at home, businesses, communities and the province all benefit.”
Small and medium-sized manufacturing employers will participate by recruiting and hiring youth with the intention of providing long-term employment. The consortium will help employers:
- Identify entry-level and early-career roles suitable for youth.
- Recruit youth who meet program eligibility criteria through the employer’s own hiring processes.
- Provide youth with access to training modules leading to five industry-recognized microcredentials.
- Confirm readiness to provide paid employment, onboarding and workplace supervision.
- Understand program requirements, supports and reporting processes.
- Provide mentorship and supervisory training for staff who will work with participants.
“This wage subsidy program provides valuable support for manufacturers, enabling companies like ours to strengthen our teams, develop talent and contribute to the province’s economic growth,” said Serge Landry, vice-president and general manager of ALPA Equipment.
