A new $3 million gift from leading automotive supplier Magna is helping to support Humber graduates and employees for an evolving workforce. 

The gift will be distributed over five years through 22 scholarships and other initiatives to develop, attain and enhance the skills needed for the future workforce, particularly in the advanced manufacturing sector. This recent commitment also builds on more than 20 years of collaboration between Humber and Magna. 

“The way we can stay ahead in a competitive and constantly changing world is to plan and invest in the future,” said Aaron McCarthy, Magna’s chief human resources officer. 

Magna’s gift will help to support equipment needs and special initiatives at the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation, including skills competitions, applied research projects, apprenticeship training, continuing education, and traditional and digital skills training programs. 

The investment will also create new upskilling opportunities, which will benefit Magna employees. 

“At Magna we’re committed to providing students and working people with opportunities to further their education, gain new skills, and bring out the best in themselves. This is a core part of the Magna culture and we’re grateful for the opportunity to continue our partnership with Humber College,” said McCarthy. 

‘Shared vision’ 

Magna’s donation will address solutions for the current skills gap by providing students with unique learning experiences and training them to use the industry’s newest tools and technology. As employers expand Smart Factory and Industry 4.0 technologies, those skills are in high demand. 

“Magna has chosen to invest in our shared vision for addressing the skills gap and providing the experiential learning needed to succeed in the skills economy,” said Chris Whitaker, president and CEO of Humber College.  

“We are immensely grateful for Magna’s generosity and we look forward to working together to provide students with new learning and employment opportunities.” 

Magna’s gift is one of the largest donations to Unlimited, Humber’s first-ever fundraising campaign. Humber’s ambition is to ignite discovery and innovation, accelerate student potential and transform the learning experience.  

With this gift, Humber has raised more than $39 million towards the $50 million campaign.