The Elevate Plus program will continue in the region thanks to a $1,275,400 million cash infusion from the Ontario government.
Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp announced the funding, coming from the Skills Development Fund, at Belleville City Hall on Thursday.
Allsopp says the investment will allow 24 job seekers to enter careers in manufacturing and support 325 current manufacturing sector employees to upgrade their skills.
Elevate Plus, delivered by the Quinte Economic Development Commission (QEDC) in collaboration with Loyalist College and the Quinte Manufacturers Association, provides four weeks of in-class soft-skills learning with an on-the-job training placement with a local manufacturer.
Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp announces funding for Elevate Plus at Belleville City Hall, September 11, 2025. (Photo: John Spitters/Quinte News)
QEDC Chair Brad Little welcomed the investment saying, “We’re proud to help grow the Bay of Quinte’s manufacturing sector by delivering programs that truly make a difference. Elevate Plus shows what’s possible when QEDC, Loyalist College, manufacturers, job seekers, and community partners come together. With provincial support through the Skills Development Fund, we’re building careers, strengthening workers, and helping manufacturers thrive.”
Mark Kirkpatrick, Loyalist College president says, “We are grateful for the Quinte Economic Development Commission’s partnership in delivering this essential pathway to job readiness, and for the province’s financial support, which allows us to continue strengthening our workforce and building a prosperous future for Eastern Ontario.”
Quinte Manufacturers Association President Chandy Davis says the continuation of the program will assist the sector to remain competitive.
