• The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce launches pilot program to introduce business owners and students to opportunities in advanced manufacturing

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    Atlantic Chamber
    Wednesday, February 26, 2020

    The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce launches pilot program to introduce business owners and students to opportunities in advanced manufacturing

     
    For Immediate Release
    Moncton, NB (February 26, 2020) – The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is launching an Atlantic Canadian pilot program aimed at helping business owners adopt smart technological solutions, and helping students understand the immense career opportunities within advanced manufacturing.
     
    Advanced Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 refer to the growing use of smart technologies in factories around the world, including the digitization and automation of manufacturing processes.
    By adopting Industry 4.0 solutions, companies can boost productivity and competitiveness, reduce operating costs and improve the quality of their products and processes. Companies around the world are benefitting from advanced technologies but Atlantic Canada has been slow to embrace this transition.
     
    “Atlantic Canadian manufacturing companies risk losing global competitiveness and will fall behind if they do not embrace advanced manufacturing,” said Sheri Somerville, CEO of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce. “Manufacturing today is a rapidly developing sector, driven by technology and employing highly qualified and well-paid workers.”
     
    “Our company has benefitted greatly from implementing advanced manufacturing technologies,“ said Apex Industries CEO, Keith Parlee. “With the expanded demands being placed on manufacturers today, you have to be willing to make the tough decisions to invest in things like automation, robotics and artificial intelligence.” 
     
    “It has been assumed by many that these types of activities lead to fewer jobs. Our experience is that by giving our teams the opportunity to work with new technology, we are actually in a far better position to grow the number of jobs, because by doing so, we improve our ability to compete across global markets,” said Mr. Parlee.
     
    Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald is the President and CEO of Holland College and also represents Atlantic Canada on the federal government’s recently formed Future Skills Council. “The world of work is changing, and students need to be equipped to seize the opportunities this presents,” said Sandy. “Graduating students should consider careers in advanced manufacturing when evaluating future options. Industry 4.0 has opened up numerous exciting career opportunities for students interested in a technical environment.”
     
    Advanced manufacturing does not have to be complex and costly, in fact there are many off-the-shelf solutions that are easy to implement and will generate a clear return on investment. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) has many programs that support companies as they take advantage of this opportunity and make the transition to advanced manufacturing processes.

    This bilingual pilot program is funded by ACOA and is focused on the Atlantic Provinces.

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    For more information: ForgeAheadAtlantic.com
     
    Media Enquiries
    Tracey Stephenson
    506.866.8516
     
    For comments on the educational implications of advanced manufacturing:
    Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald
    Future Skills Council
    902.566.9511
     
    For first-hand stories of SMEs in Atlantic Canada who have been adopting advanced technological solutions:
     
    New Brunswick  
    Nova Scotia  
    Prince Edward Island  
    Newfoundland and Labrador  
     
    About the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
    As the strong, credible and unified voice that influences an environment where business in Atlantic Canada succeeds, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC) represents more than 16,000 businesses through its network of 93 chambers of commerce and boards of trade in the four Atlantic provinces. ACC is a catalyst to influence, educate and advocate on policy-related issues to support business, deliver high-value services and opportunities to our members, and to support and promote initiatives that contribute to sustainable economic growth in the region.

  • Business Truth & Reconciliation Business Truth & Reconciliation

    The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is taking proactive steps to promote reconciliation and respect for Indigenous rights within the corporate sector. In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 92, the Chamber urges its members to embrace the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a guiding framework. This entails a commitment to meaningful consultation, fostering respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples before embarking on economic projects. Moreover, the Chamber advocates for equitable access to employment, training, and educational opportunities for Indigenous communities, ensuring they reap sustainable benefits from economic development initiatives.

     

    Recognizing the importance of education, the Chamber encourages businesses to provide comprehensive training for management and staff on the history of Indigenous peoples, including the legacy of residential schools, Indigenous rights, and Aboriginal-Crown relations. Emphasizing intercultural competency, conflict resolution, and anti-racism, these efforts aim to foster a more inclusive and harmonious corporate environment rooted in mutual understanding and respect.

    Learn more click here