The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, today announced an investment of more than $1 million to strengthen the provincial manufacturing sector through artificial intelligence training for workers.
This funding is being provided through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement.
The investment will enable the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Newfoundland and Labrador to train its members using a customized micro-credential program developed by Keyin College focused on the use of artificial intelligence in a manufacturing environment.
Artificial intelligence adoption can help bolster the local manufacturing sector by reducing costs and improving efficiencies during a time of significant economic uncertainty caused by international trade disruption. Artificial intelligence is an emerging technology with the potential to enable business growth by assisting in optimizing supply chains, diversifying markets and strengthening customer relations.
This initiative will expand access to specialized artificial intelligence training across the province, with a particular focus on supporting rural, small and medium-sized manufacturers. The curriculum is designed to ensure workers gain the skills required to operate, maintain and optimize artificial intelligence-powered systems.
The Newfoundland and Labrador manufacturing sector contributes more than $3.8 billion to provincial gross domestic product and employs approximately 9,500 workers.
Quotes
“Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we all work. It’s critical that our local workforce has the skills needed to adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving labour market. This timely initiative will help local manufacturers stay competitive and build a more resilient economy. By supporting our manufacturing sector, we are investing in a stronger, more innovative Newfoundland and Labrador”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
“Our government understands that the manufacturing sector is leading the way when it comes to adopting new technologies such as data analytics, AI, and cloud computing. Manufacturing and exports are such a crucial part of our economy and we are proud to support CME in its delivery of programming and services to the manufacturing sector within the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“The Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Newfoundland and Labrador deeply appreciates the Provincial Government’s commitment to fostering innovation and workforce development. Through their support of initiatives like our AI for Manufacturing micro-credential program, they are empowering local manufacturing SMEs to embrace digital transformation, enhance productivity and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global market. This partnership underscores the government’s dedication to strengthening Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy, ensuring sustainable growth and creating opportunities for workers and businesses across the province. Our organization, in collaboration with Keyin College, have built an artificial intelligence for manufacturing program that will raise the awareness and understanding of AI in boosting productivity, efficiency and effectiveness of the manufacturing sector.”
David Haire
Divisional Vice-President of CME NL
“This program is about empowering business leaders — especially those who don’t come from a technical background — to understand and embrace artificial intelligence in a way that’s practical, accessible, and immediately applicable to their operations. This isn’t just about learning AI. It’s about leveraging it and doing so in a way that fits the unique context of Newfoundland and Labrador’s manufacturing sector. Ultimately, it’s about helping drive productivity and competitiveness — not just here at home, but across Canada.”
Steve Taylor
Co-Owner of Keyin College
“As PolyUnity looks to establish ourselves as a global manufacturer and health technology company, we are very excited to see a program like this. The responsiveness to the emerging needs of our growing manufacturing and technology sectors by our Provincial Government is deeply appreciated and will help foster a thriving economy. Keyin College has designed an incredibly comprehensive and applicable program to enable our businesses to immediately incorporate artificial intelligence in a meaningful way.”
Jacqueline Lee
CEO of PolyUnity
-30-