As the Niagara Region becomes an engine for growth in the automotive industry, Niagara College has the expertise to train students for in-demand jobs in EV sector.
On Tuesday, May 14, NC President Sean Kennedy and members of the Niagara College team joined local, provincial and federal government representatives – including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Doug Ford, and a number of Ministers – as well as organizations from across the Region, to welcome Japanese electric vehicle technology manufacturer Asahi Kasei to the Niagara Region and foster continued collaboration.
In 2027, the Japanese multinational company will open an EV battery component manufacturing facility in Port Colborne, a transformational foreign direct investment that will significantly contribute to the long term economic and employment growth of the Region.
The College played a key role in attracting Asahi Kasei to the Region given recent investments in technology, program offerings, and a proven track record training graduates for careers of the future. In 2018, the College opened the Green Automotive Technology Lab where students in the Motive Power program have been training for the ever-evolving automotive sector by giving them access to the latest tools and technology in electric and hybrid vehicles. There are also synergies with the College’s Engineering Technician and Technology programs. The potential for co-op, internships, apprenticeships and work-integrated learning opportunities will be explored.
“As a key partner in the economic development and growth of our region, Niagara College is pleased to have played a role in securing this historic investment in our community,” said NC President Sean Kennedy. “We look forward to providing the highly skilled, knowledgeable graduates and access to technology and innovation that will contribute to Asahi Kasei’s success in Niagara.”
The news follows the federal government’s April 25 announcement that Honda will break ground on Canada’s first comprehensive electric vehicle supply chain in Ontario. As the country positions itself to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles, the Asahi Kasei plant will greatly support that demand and create lucrative opportunities for current NC alumni, current students, and those seeking careers in the skilled trades.
