Sault College will use more than half a million dollars in funding to bump up its innovation game.
On Nov. 12, the federal government announced the college is receiving $597,473 for two projects that will help the college engage in applied research, improved training opportunities, and industrial outreach.
The first chunk — $378,000 from FedNor — will fund the salaries of an automation project manager and a business development officer.
Together, they'll develop and coordinate projects with students, staff and other resources at the college.
The remaining $219,473, which comes from Employment and Social Development Canada, will go toward the purchase of an augmented reality welding simulator system, which will be used to train students in welding techniques.
Employing up-to-date training techniques will help prep students to “meet the evolving skills requirements and technological developments of the labour market,” the government said in a news release.
“There is a lot of fantastic innovation occurring in Algoma region right now, and opportunity for a lot more,” Sault MP Terry Sheehan said in the release.
“This investment will help ensure that our local industries and businesses are implementing and supporting that innovation. Every development in our region starts with a spark, and I’m proud to say these funds will feed the fire that drives us forward.”
