HAMILTON, Ontario, Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Manufacturing is essential to the Canadian economy, contributing approximately 10% of our GDP. Two of the biggest challenges facing manufacturers is ensuring that their workers have the right skills to support them as they take on new technologies and practices, and onboarding enough new workers to support sustained operations and growth. These challenges will be exacerbated as more of the existing workforce enters retirement. Introducing automation and other digital technologies has been proposed as a solution to address the skills gap, but it poses its own set of unique challenges. Canada’s Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS) contains data on the competencies required to work in 900 different occupations, providing the users with a standardized way to understand how competencies vary by level of proficiency across occupations. With the rapid adoption of technologies, can the OaSIS database support the future needs of the manufacturing sector? Also, is there alignment of skills and competencies across manufacturing subsectors? In one study conducted under NGen’s Future Ready program, funded in part by ESDC’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP), the cluster contracted 6 industry associations (APMA, BioTalent Canada, CMISA, DAIR, FPSC, and SIMSA) to engage their members to help generate a snapshot of the current skills and proficiencies of the Canadian manufacturing workforce, and how those skills and proficiencies are projected to evolve through 2040. In total, 157 Canadian manufacturers participated in this study. Projected skill levels for 2030 and 2040 indicate an emerging emphasis on digital literacy, cognitive skills, and soft skills, with the largest changes in projected proficiencies occurring in Digital Literacy, Problem Solving, and Creativity and Innovation. The results paint a picture of a digitally literate workforce that will require cognitive and soft skill enhancement to be effective in the digital work environment of the future. These findings suggest that manufacturing needs to understand and prepare for changes in competencies across all job functions. This will require a strategy of incorporating continuous upskilling and recruitment within and across the manufacturing sector. Another important finding was that there is a great deal of commonality across the various sectors of manufacturing and across regions, meaning that pan-Canadian, cross-sectoral solutions have the potential to drive tremendous economic impact. To read more about NGen’s workforce research initiatives, visit www.ngen.ca/futureready . Research Papers Decarbonization and its Impact on Canada's Manufacturing Workforce Digitizing Canada's Advanced Manufacturing Sector: Reshaping Jobs and Skills Technological Innovation and Workforce Diversity in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector The Manufacturing Workforce: Trends and Opportunities An Assessment of the Changing Skill Needs of the Canadian Manufacturing Workforce Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing: The Evolution of Technology and Jobs in the Sector Digitizing Canada's Manufacturing Sector Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Toolkit Advanced Manufacturing Skills Catalogue Best Practices for Newcomers Labour Market Intervention Programmes Quotes “We believe that our manufacturing workforce is a critical national asset and must be looked at through a pan-Canadian, cross-sectoral lens. Through our collaboration with six organizations supporting specific manufacturing sectors, we have identified common core competencies as well as common skills challenges facing Canada’s manufacturing sector which provides nearly ten percent of Canada’s GDP.” - Stewart Cramer, Chief Manufacturing Officer, NGen “As the lead skills training organization for Canada's food and beverage manufacturing industry, we know — as do businesses — that upskilling and continuous learning is fundamental to any successful workforce. Skills training values individuals and supports recruitment and retention." - Jennefer Griffith, Executive Director, Food Professing SKills Canada "Transitions aren’t only about innovation and technology. The companies that get it right are the ones that will bet on their current workforce with new skills, patience and direction. The jurisdictions that will lead in the new automotive will be the ones that partner with those companies and workers to chart their path." - Flavio Volpe, President, APMA “The Saskatchewan labour market is very competitive, and the manufacturing market has a difficult time competing with other booming, high productivity markets such as mining, energy and tech. The skill trend analysis we did in partnership with NGen underscores a dynamic shift in occupational competencies, highlighting the move from solely technical skills to a more broadly skilled and adaptable workforce across various sectors. Research of this kind is essential to our ability to build the workforce that we will need to compete and grow not only against our global competitors, but also in the fierce competition for talent in our home province of Saskatchewan. SIMSA greatly appreciates the support of and invaluable work by NGen!” - Eric Anderson, Executive Director, SIMSA About NGen NGen is the industry-led not-for-profit organization that leads Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing. Its mandate is to help build world-leading advanced manufacturing capabilities in Canada for the benefit of Canadians. NGen works to strengthen collaboration among its membership of more than 5,000 manufacturers, technology companies, innovation centres, and researchers, and provides funding and business support to industry-led initiatives that aim to develop, apply, or scale-up transformative manufacturing solutions in Canada for commercialization in global markets. www.ngen.ca/membership . Media Contact Robbie MacLeod Robbie.macleod@ngen.ca 613-297-3578
FILE – Charging bays are seen at the new Electrify America indoor electric vehicle charging station in San Francisco, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File) FILE – California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a press conference in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer, File) FILE – Charging bays are seen at the new Electrify America indoor electric vehicle charging station in San Francisco, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File) SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California could offer rebates for electric vehicle purchases if the incoming Trump administration eliminates a federal tax credit for people who buy electric cars, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday. Newsom, a Democrat, will propose creating a new version of the state’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program , which was phased out in 2023 after funding 594,000 cars and saving 456 million gallons of fuel, Newsom’s office said. “Consumers continue to prove the skeptics wrong – zero-emission vehicles are here to stay,” Newsom said in a statement. “We’re not turning back on a clean transportation future — we’re going to make it more affordable for people to drive vehicles that don’t pollute.” Newsom’s proposal is part of his plan to protect California’s progressive policies ahead of Republican President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. He called the state Legislature to convene in a special session to help “Trump-proof” state laws by giving the attorney general’s office more funding to fight federal challenges. But a budget shortfall could complicate California’s resistance efforts. Early budget projections show the state could face a $2 billion deficit next year, according to a report released last week by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office. That’s an improvement from an estimated $46.8 billion deficit the state faced last year, but the shortfall could still curtail the state’s ability to expand new programs and fight federal legal challenges. Legislative leaders in both chambers have said the state needs to stay prudent in anticipation of future budget deficits. Money for the new rebate system could come from the state’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which is funded by polluters under the state’s cap-and-trade program, the governor’s office said. Officials didn’t say how much the program would cost or how the rebates would work. Newsom is expected to offer more details of the possible rebate program during an appearance in Kern County later Monday. California has surpassed 2 million zero-emission vehicles sold, according to Newsom’s office. The state has passed policies in recent years to transition away from fossil fuel-powered, cars , trucks , trains and lawn mowers . Related Articles Business | The rising price of paying the national debt is a risk for Trump’s promises on growth and inflation Business | ‘Busiest Thanksgiving ever’: How the TSA plans to handle record air travel Business | Starting a small business is hard. Exiting can be even harder, but planning early is the key Business | How to get started with Bluesky Business | When is Cyber Monday? Everything you need to know Trump previously vowed to end federal electric vehicle tax credits , which are worth up to $7,500 for new zero-emission vehicles. There’s also a $4,000 credit for used ones. But Trump later softened his stance as Tesla CEO Elon Musk became a supporter and adviser. Newsom said at a news conference last week that he called Trump after the election and the incoming president hasn’t returned his call. California’s defunct Clean Vehicle Rebate Program offered rebates on electric cars as high as $2,500. Any new rebate program “would include changes to promote innovation and competition” in the zero-emission vehicles market, the statement said.
Bison Video Blog: The fallout from the loss in Vermillion and an early-look at the playoff bracketWASHINGTON: Donald Trump learned a long time ago that photo opportunities could get him attention and that slapping his name on everything from skyscrapers to steaks could make him money. As a second-time presidential candidate and now the president-elect, he is marrying the two concepts faster than ever, tying the high-profile visuals of his political life to perfumes, watches, sneakers and digital trading cards. Everything around Trump has become something to monetize, including a moment of comity with Jill Biden, the first lady, at Notre Dame over the weekend. “Here are my new Trump Perfumes & Colognes!” Trump wrote on social media Sunday, along with a picture of his interaction with the faintly smiling first lady. “I call them Fight, Fight, Fight, because they represent us WINNING. Great Christmas gifts for the family.” Under the photo was another caption, an apparent dig at Biden: “A FRAGRANCE YOUR ENEMIES CAN’T RESIST!” Trump, in essence, used a civil moment with the first lady, a frequent critic, to sell fragrances that are “curated to capture the essence of success and determination,” according to the perfume website. Office Productivity Microsoft Word Mastery: From Beginner to Expert By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Web Development Java 21 Essentials for Beginners: Build Strong Programming Foundations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Master RESTful APIs with Python and Django REST Framework: Web API Development By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development JavaScript Essentials: Unlock AI-Driven Insights with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By - Study At Home, Quality Education Anytime, Anywhere View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Learn InVideo AI: Create Videos from Text Easily By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Data Analysis Animated Visualizations with Flourish Studio: Beginner to Pro By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Entrepreneurship From Idea to Product: A Startup Development Guide By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Marketing Future of Marketing & Branding Masterclass By - Dr. David Aaker, Professor Emeritus at the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, Author | Speaker | Thought Leader | Branding Consultant View Program Finance Financial Literacy for Non-Finance Executives By - CA Raja, Chartered Accountant | Financial Management Educator | Former AVP - Credit, SBI View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Tabnine AI Masterclass: Optimize Your Coding Efficiency By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Before Trump was first inaugurated, his sons moved to take over the family business, to at least create the perception of separation between a moneymaking enterprise and the highest office in the land. (Trump still maintained more 50 licensing deals in his name, according to an analysis by The Washington Post.) This time, there is no such presumption of distance, only the churn of a conveyor belt spitting out one Trump product after another. On Monday, officials working for Trump did not immediately reply to a question about whether Trump would continue promoting products after being sworn in. With weeks until he takes office, Trump is capitalizing on the attention of his election victory, hawking fragrances and footwear to supporters who are in the mood to celebrate. There have been $299 “Trump Crypto President” sneakers on offer, along with $119 “Victory” cologne and $299 “First Lady” shoes. There is little information available about what materials the products are made from or where they are manufactured. And according to the products’ website, sales are final. When Trump ran in 2016, several of his branded products sold through the Trump Organization were made overseas, including sport coats made in India, suits made in Mexico and neckties made in China — business practices that were and are at odds with his current embrace of tariffs against economic competitors like Beijing. Trump’s daughter Ivanka was also criticized for selling products manufactured overseas. Trump does not appear to be a manufacturer of the perfumes, watches, sneakers and other items he has lent his name to. The playbook goes like this: Trump creates companies that function like bank accounts, allowing the people or companies making the products to pay him royalties for the cost of licensing his name. On his 2023 financial disclosure form, for example, a company Trump owns called “CIC Ventures LLC” reported income of $4.5 million for a book published by conservative publishing company Winning Team, which is owned, in part, by his son Donald Trump Jr. Also according to the disclosure, the elder Trump made $300,000 from a licensing partnership with LMA Productions, a company that produced a Bible endorsed by “God Bless the USA” singer Lee Greenwood. But unlike some of Trump’s earlier efforts, the identities of his current merchandise business partners are shielded through the creation of limited liability companies, which are structured to allow those partners to remain anonymous. At least two of the companies selling recently created Trump products were formed in Wyoming, a state home to strict privacy laws that shield the identities of LLC owners. 45Footwear, the company behind the $499 “Trump Won” sneakers and the “Fight Fight Fight” fragrances, was set up in January by Cloud Peak, a law firm based in Sheridan, Wyoming, that has formed more than 100,000 such businesses around the world. In July, Cloud Peak also set up a Sheridan-based LLC called TheBestWatchesOnEarth, which hawks gold-plated watches. For $899, supporters can buy one with an etching of the president-elect’s face. Reporters who have visited the Sheridan addresses for those companies have reported finding rural strip malls or buildings populated by unrelated businesses. Jordan Libowitz, vice president of communications for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, said that this practice posed several ethical issues. “It’s a bit of a black box where the money’s coming in from,” he said, adding that people hoping to influence Trump could dump money toward one of his products. “We worry a lot about all the time he spends at Mar-a-Lago, around people trying to influence policy,” Libowitz said. “You show up and show him like, ‘Hey, I spent $100,000 on Trump watches.’ That’s going to get his attention.” Another concern is the speed and frequency with which Trump has unveiled new products before he assumes the presidency in just over a month. Without more information from the president-elect and his team, there is no way to know if Trump will try to monetize big moments in his presidency and where the money to produce those goods will come from. “Whatever norms he was responsive to before,” Libowitz said, “he does not seem particularly interested in them now.” (This article originally appeared in The New York Times) (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Jaipur, Dec 9 (IANS): A special session on sustainable mining was held on Monday at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC) in Sitapura, on the inaugural day of the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024. The session, titled ‘Sustainable Mining: Safeguarding the Future,’ brought together leading experts and policymakers to discuss the latest trends and challenges in resource conservation, decarbonisation, and the adoption of eco-friendly practices. Key topics included the role of AI-driven innovations and renewable energy in transforming the mining sector. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma highlighted the importance of the mining sector in the state, stating: "Our mining industry currently employs around 35 lakh people. We've also introduced a new M-Sand policy that is environmentally friendly and offers an alternative to high-quality building materials. This policy removes previous constraints such as the three-year experience requirement and a three-crore turnover condition for establishing units. "To support these units, we’ve introduced provisions for benefits under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme 2024." Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, emphasised the Government of India's commitment to self-reliance on mineral resources, stating: "Self-reliance on minerals is a central goal of Vision 2047. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, transformative reforms in the minerals sector have boosted production and enabled states to realize their full potential." Kishan Reddy praised Rajasthan's leadership in mineral extraction and technology, noting: "Rajasthan is a key player in India's mineral security, producing 52 out of 82 commercial minerals. It is the sole producer of critical minerals like zinc and silver, underscoring its national importance." He also lauded Rajasthan's forward-looking Minerals Policy 2024, which focuses on exploring critical minerals and streamlining the auction process, saying: "This progressive policy will strengthen resource security and promote sustainable exploration, aligning with India’s vision for a self-reliant, resource-secure future." T. Ravikanth, Principal Secretary, Mines & Petroleum, government of Rajasthan, shared the state's commitment to sustainable mining through policies like the Sand Policy 2024, Star Rating for Minor Minerals, and incentives for recovering metals from mining tailings. The session focused on advanced technologies and practices that minimise mining's ecological impact, with panelists discussing AI-driven predictive analytics, autonomous mining trucks, renewable energy integration, and mineral waste recycling. Topics also included decarbonisation initiatives, resource conservation, and sustainable social infrastructure development. Prominent personalities attending the event included Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Ltd & Executive Director at Vedanta Ltd.; Dr. Ranjit Rath, Chairman & Managing Director of Oil India Ltd.; David Joseph Finn, GM, Head of HZL GEOTECH Mining Operations; Andrew Hall, Director/CEO of Australian Mining Consultants; and Akshaydeep Mathur, Secretary General of the Federation of Mining Associations of Rajasthan.
No. 14 ASU, No. 17 Iowa State front-runners for possibly wild Big 12 finishNoneProminent road in Hayling Island to be closed for much-needed repairs
CARSON, Calif. — The LA Galaxy finished 26th in the 29-team Major League Soccer standings just one season ago, and their biggest supporters boycotted certain matches to protest a decade of poor performance. The most successful club in league history seemed light years away from its luminous prime. When the Galaxy raised the MLS Cup again Saturday amid confetti and fireworks, their spectacular transformation was complete. In only one year, a team that was profoundly lost had rediscovered its peerless championship pedigree. "We won this trophy, and it's finally back where it belongs," striker Dejan Joveljic said. Joseph Paintsil and Joveljic scored in the first half, and the Galaxy won their record sixth MLS Cup championship with a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls. After striking twice in the first 13 minutes of the final, the Galaxy nursed their lead through a scoreless second half to raise their league's biggest trophy for the first time since 2014. MLS' most successful franchise struggled through most of the ensuing years, but everything changed after LA spent smartly in the offseason to build a high-scoring new lineup topped by Paintsil, Joveljic and Gabriel Pec. The Galaxy finished second in the Western Conference and streaked through the postseason with an MLS playoff-record 18 goals in five games to win another crown. "I'm just so proud of this group after the challenges that we (had) and the way they bounced back and competed as a group," Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. "We spent a lot of energy at the start, but I'm just so proud of these guys. They've cemented themselves as legends in this club." The Galaxy even won this title without perhaps their most important player. Riqui Puig, the playmaking midfielder from Barcelona who ran their offense impressively all season long, tore a ligament in his knee last week in the conference final. Puig watched this game in a suit, but the Catalan catalyst's teammates hadn't forgotten him: After his replacement, Gastón Brugman, set up LA's opening goal with a superb pass in the ninth minute, Paintsil held up Puig's jersey to their roaring fans during the celebration. "I was really waiting for this moment," said Paintsil, who scored his 14th goal of an impressive season. "I'm much more, 10 times faster than them, and Gaston saw the space. ... It was really a good thing. We did it for Riqui, and we did it for our family that came, and our supporters." Just four minutes later, Joveljic sprinted past four New York defenders and chipped home his 21st goal. Brugman was named the MLS Cup MVP after a commanding performance in midfield. The Uruguayan hadn't started a match for the Galaxy since Oct. 5 after an injury-slowed season, playing only as a postseason substitute before the final. "I dreamed of that yesterday, of something I could give to the team," Brugman said of his pass to Paintsil. "Today, it happened." Sean Nealis scored for the seventh-seeded Red Bulls, whose improbable postseason charge ended one win shy of their first Cup championship. With the league's youngest roster, New York fell just short of becoming the lowest-seeded team to win the tournament under first-year German coach Sandro Schwarz. "I love these guys," Schwarz said. "Some guys, they are crying. In the big picture, that's a start. Sometimes when you lose the final, it's tough, but you use this experience to create the next energy, the next intensity." Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy made four saves to win his second MLS title in three seasons, but Nealis beat the 2022 MLS Cup MVP in the 28th minute when he volleyed from the penalty area. The second half was lively: Red Bulls captain Emil Forsberg hit the outside of the post in the 72nd minute, while Pec and Galaxy substitute Marco Reus nearly converted chances a few moments later. The ball got loose in the Galaxy's penalty area in the third minute of extra time, but two Red Bulls couldn't finish. After Galaxy owner Phil Anschutz received the MLS Cup that bears his name because of his steady financial support of the league during its shaky years, Galaxy captain Maya Yoshida carried the trophy to his teammates for the celebration. The Galaxy extended their lead over DC United (4) for the most MLS Cup championships in league history. The Red Bulls remain one of three original MLS franchises never to win the title, along with FC Dallas and the New England Revolution. The Galaxy finished 17-0-3 this season at their frequently renamed suburban stadium, where the sellout crowd of 26,812 for the final included several robust cheering sections of Red Bulls supporters hoping to see their New Jersey-based club's breakthrough. But this season was about the Galaxy's rebirth. The club famous for employing global stars from David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Robbie Keane and Javier "Chicharito" Hernández swiftly turned itself into a contender again by acquiring young talents without international fame. The Galaxy signed Pec from Brazil and grabbed Paintsil, a Ghanaian playing in Belgium. The duo combined with Joveljic to form a potent attack with orchestration from Puig, one of MLS' best players. "Losing a guy like Riqui after the performance he put in all season was devastating," McCarthy said. "Even if he wasn't on the field, we did it for him." Get local news delivered to your inbox!Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way , enabling them to that not long ago seemed like the realm of science fiction. Marketers use AI-powered algorithms to scour vast amounts of data that reveals individual preferences with unrivaled accuracy. This allows companies to precisely target content—ads, emails, —that feels tailor-made and helps cultivate companies' relationships with consumers. As a , I joined several colleagues in conducting new that shows AI marketing overwhelmingly . Our peer-reviewed study reviewed 290 articles that had been published over the past 10 years from 15 high-ranking marketing journals. We found that only 33 of them addressed the potential "dark side" of AI marketing. This matters because the imbalance creates a critical gap in understanding the full impact of AI. AI marketing can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, such as producing , for example. AI can also infringe on the . And it can spread misinformation through and "hallucinations," which occur when AI presents as if it were true, such as . It can also . The prevalence of AI-powered beauty filters on social media, for instance, can and . These concerns loom large, prompting anxiety about the potential misuse of this powerful technology. Many people experience these worries, . As AI apps gain acceptance, beauty standards are moving further from reality. Our research finds there is an urgent need to address AI's ethical considerations and potential negative consequences. Our intent is not to discredit AI. It's to make sure that AI marketing benefits everyone, not just a handful of powerful companies. I believe researchers should consider exploring the ethical problems with AI more thoroughly, and how to use it safely and responsibly. This is important because AI is suddenly being used everywhere—from to self-driving cars to . Understanding its potential negative effects empowers the public to be informed consumers and call for responsible AI use. This article is republished from under a Creative Commons license. Read the .AP Sports SummaryBrief at 4:54 p.m. EST
COP29: Catalyzing Change In Renewable Energy And Climate Justice