The University of Guelph’s Centre for Advancing Responsible and Ethical Artificial Intelligence (CARE-AI) is on the brink of introducing an innovative micro-learning platform tailored for high school and post-secondary students. This platform aims to kindle interest in AI and machine learning within the automotive and mobility sectors.
This groundbreaking program recently secured provincial funding on May 30 through the Regional Future Workforce (RFW) program and the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) under the umbrella of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). Vic Fedeli, the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, emphasized the importance of connecting students with opportunities in this thriving sector.
The RFW program’s primary goal is to bridge the gap between students of all ages and the automotive industry, while dispelling misconceptions about skilled trades careers. Monte McNaughton, the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development, highlighted the lucrative opportunities in Ontario’s automotive sector and the government’s commitment to equipping workers with the necessary skills.
Through this initiative, non-profit organizations, school boards, and post-secondary institutions will receive funding of up to $500,000 each to run eight-month programs tailored to the automotive industry, serving at least 500 students. The curriculum caters to students of various age groups, covering everything from play-based learning for young children to manufacturing, robotics, and mining workshops for older students.
Kevin Matsui, Managing Director of CARE-AI, expressed enthusiasm for the government’s investment in the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, emphasizing their role in providing essential AI and machine learning training for the automotive and mobility industry.
Collaborating closely with Linamar, a Guelph-based manufacturer, and the Vector Institute in Toronto, CARE-AI is merging the University of Guelph’s expertise in AI and machine learning with the automotive industry’s evolving needs.
CARE-AI, comprised of over 90 University of Guelph researchers, is dedicated to applying AI, machine learning, deep learning, and data science to address real-world challenges while emphasizing responsible and ethical AI use. They work closely with a range of partners.
CARE-AI’s novel program will be delivered asynchronously via an online microlearning platform enriched with gamification features, powered by Axonify. This approach enables dynamic and adaptive learning, accommodating the educational needs of secondary students throughout Ontario and adapting to industry demands.
Cameron Schuler, Chief Commercialization Officer and Vice-President of Industry Innovation at the AI Institute, recognized the program’s potential to foster innovation in the automotive and mobility sectors.
Agostino Zucco, Global Vice-President of Linamar’s Innovation Hub, emphasized Linamar’s commitment to preparing the next generation for opportunities in the automotive industry.
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