The Ontario government has launched the Ontario Shipyard Modernization Project at Heddle Shipyards in Hamilton.

The province announced it is investing $8.7 million in Heddle Shipyards to invest in “cutting edge Shipyard 4.0 technology and train Heddle’s workforce in Hamilton, Port Weller and Thunder Bay on state-of-the-art equipment.”

Ontario says the equipment includes 3D scanning, robotic welding, robotic blasting and coating and virtual and augmented reality training equipment. It says more than 300 Heddle employees and 20 apprentices will be trained.

“The Ontario Shipyard Modernization Project will revolutionize shipyard operations in Ontario and Canada,” said Donna Skelly, MPP for Flamborough-Glanbrook, in a statement. “It will also be a catalyst to capturing a significant share of federal shipbuilding contracts in the future.”

The initiative is supported through the government’s Skills Development Fund. It will be a 12-month long project.

“Our government has a workers-first plan to deliver a stronger Ontario,” said Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton, in a statement. “As we build today for a better tomorrow, we need all hands on deck. We’re leaving nobody behind and we’re getting it done.”

The province says Heddle will build partnerships and develop a standardized curriculum for a Ship Repair and Shipbuilding Pilot Course with Mohawk College, Niagara College and Confederation College.

“I would like to thank MPP Skelly and Minister McNaughton for investing in our workers so that Heddle can revitalize the shipbuilding industry in Ontario and support thousands of high-paying jobs for decades to come,” said Heddle Shipyards President Shaun Padulo, in a statement.