Career-Ready with CTMA Program Invests $50,000 in Local Skilled Trades Training with Major Equipment Donation
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Listowel District Secondary School (LDSS) is excited to announce a significant enhancement to its Manufacturing Technology classroom, thanks to a generous donation from the Canadian Tooling & Machining Association (CTMA) through its Career-Ready with CTMA program. The donation consists of two brand-new, industry- standard lathes, valued at over $50,000.
This investment is part of an initiative by the CTMA to bridge the skills gap in the Machine, Tool & Die and Mould sector by providing students with a hands-on learning experience on the same high-precision machinery used by modern machine shops. Over the first 5 phases of the Career-Ready with CTMA program, numerous AMDSB Manufacturing programs across the district have received precision machining equipment such as CNC Milling Machines and Routers. The second part of the program provides training for teachers in CNC Machining, Fusion CAD/CAM and conventional lathe training, to ensure they are up-to-date on new machinery to better prepare the students.
As the manufacturing industry continues to evolve, the demand for highly-skilled CNC and manual machinists has reached a critical point. By integrating these new lathes into the curriculum, students aren't just learning theory, they are mastering the practical skills required to pursue a career in the skilled trades.
"Having access to modern, reliable equipment is the difference between a student who understands the concepts and a student who is ready to hit the shop floor running," said Tyler Campbell, Manufacturing teacher at Listowel District SS. He also stressed the importance of learning on a manual machine - “Before you program a computer to do the work on a CNC machine, you need to understand the work itself. Starting with manual equipment like these lathes allows students to internalize the process through touch and sound. We are incredibly grateful to the CTMA for their commitment to our students and the future of our trade."
More information about AMDSB pathways programs that support the skilled trades can be found at amdsb.ca/pathways. More information about the Career-Ready with CTMA program can be found at ctma.com/about-the-program.
For more information, please contact:
Chera Longston, Communications Manager
519-301-6363 (cell); [email protected]
PHOTOS: Manufacturing Teacher Tyler Campbell and student Kenzy Sage check out one of the new lathes at LDSS.
