News Release
AERO-SAFE TECHNOLOGIES INC. RECEIVES 2009 PASSPORT TO PROSPERITY EMPLOYER CHAMPION AWARD
Local manufacturing company recognized for outstanding development of school-work programs
TORONTO (April 28, 2009) – Aero-Safe Technologies Inc. of Fort Erie, Ont., today received the 2009 Passport to Prosperity Employer Champion Award in recognition of its outstanding commitment to providing meaningful work experiences for local high school students.
"By providing valuable workplace experiences to high school students, these employers are helping young Ontarians make some of the most important decisions in life, including setting career goals and choosing what type of postsecondary education and training to pursue," said Minister of Education Kathleen Wynne. "School-work partnerships are critical to boosting student achievement and helping more kids graduate."
Aero-Safe Technologies Inc. specializes in the manufacture and assembly of components for the aerospace, defence, optical and medical industries. The company provides a variety of mentoring, job shadowing and apprenticeship training programs, so students from a range of educational backgrounds and aptitudes can gain practical experience. Through the program, students are exposed to various aspects of the manufacturing industry, including quality control, mechanical device assembly and testing, as well as laboratory work.
“At Aero-Safe, we are committed to helping our customers succeed by providing components of the highest quality and reliability. The students who participate in our apprenticeship program help us deliver on this commitment by becoming an integral part of our workforce,” said Anthony Rodway, president and CEO of Aero-Safe Technologies Inc. “We are extremely proud of the students who have chosen to offer us their enthusiasm, time and dedication.”
Aero-Safe’s long-standing apprenticeship program stands out for its versatility as it offers placement to students who may be uncertain of their career goals as well as employment for those going directly from high school into the workforce. Approximately 40 per cent Aero-Safe’s current employee base has emerged directly from the program.
Now celebrating its tenth year, the Passport to Prosperity initiative continues to encourage Ontario employers to provide experiential learning opportunities for high school students. Aero-Safe is among five Ontario employers who were honoured at the 2009 Passport to Prosperity Employer Forum and Champion Awards Ceremony held at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto.
“Aero-Safe is an example of a forward-thinking leader that recognizes the value of experiential learning as an effective way to recruit, train and retain young workers,” said Tom Flanagan, co-chair of the Provincial Partnership Council.
“We applaud the dedication of the staff at Aero-Safe in helping local students develop real-life work and leadership skills through dynamic assignments that best suit their educational backgrounds and learning styles,” added Jon Hamovitch, fellow co-chair of the Provincial Partnership Council.
Today, there are 26,000 employers in Ontario participating in experiential learning programs, but more are needed. Without the commitment and dedication of employers, including the Employer Champion Award winners, high school students would have limited opportunities to explore their career options and gain valuable training as they prepare for the working world.
About Passport to Prosperity
Now celebrating its tenth year, Passport to Prosperity is a province-wide initiative led by the Provincial Partnership Council (PPC) that encourages and supports Ontario employers in providing high school students with experiential learning opportunities. The PPC works closely with the Ontario Ministry of Education; the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities; and the Ontario Business Education Partnership, representing business-education councils and local training boards across the province.
For learn more about Passport to Prosperity, please visit www. Employer Registry.ca
About Aero-Safe Technologies Inc.
Based in Fort Erie, Ont., Aero-Safe Technologies Inc. and specializes in the manufacturing of life support oxygen regulators, missile pneumatic actuators, deployment systems, pressure vessels, microwave switch and multiplexer components. Aero-Safe’s 25,000 square foot, climate controlled facility employs 50 skilled trades, engineers and management personnel with an in-house apprenticeship training program. The company provides its manufacturing solutions to the aerospace, defence, life support, satcom and optical industries and operates two subsidiaries, Aero-Safe Processing, which provides protective chemical finishing and plating; and Aero-Safe Devices, which specializes in the design, assembly and testing of mechanical release devices. For more information please visit www. aerosafe.ca.
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For more information please contact:
Martine Mangion
Hill & Knowlton
martine.mangion@hillandknowlton.ca
Phone: 416-413-4743