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Gateway Apprenticeship Program™ Launches in Ohio to Strengthen Pathways for K-12 to Manufacturing Careers During Panel Event Featuring U.S Department of Labor Women’s Bureau and Local Industry Leaders

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Event celebrates National Apprenticeship Week with a new campaign to support women and underrepresented groups and strengthen K-12 career pathways in Ohio’s manufacturing sector

OBERLIN, Ohio, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, as part of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) celebrations, the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement (NIICA), in partnership with Manufacturing Works, Lorain County Joint Vocational School (LCJVS), and Process Technology, launched the Gateway Apprenticeship Program™ at the event ‘Innovating Ohio: Expanding Opportunities in Manufacturing.’ Held at LCJVS, this gathering brought together government, education, and industry leaders to focus on expanding Ohio’s manufacturing workforce and creating clear pathways for women and underrepresented groups.

The event featured Wendy Chun-Hoon, Director of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau, as a special guest during a panel discussion with industry stakeholders. Chun-Hoon shared insights on how Registered Apprenticeships (RAs) and workforce development initiatives can empower women and other underrepresented groups to enter and succeed in manufacturing careers.

A centerpiece of the event was the official Ohio launch of the Gateway Apprenticeship Program™, designed to create high-quality pre-apprenticeships within Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. This initiative aims to equip Ohio students with a structured pathway that leads directly from high school into RAs, supporting Ohio’s demand for skilled talent and strengthening the K-12 to industry pipeline in the manufacturing sector.

“The Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized gender equity in unprecedented ways. Through the Investing in America agenda, this administration is creating good-paying, union jobs and expanding pathways for women, people of color and other underrepresented groups into family-sustaining careers,” said Chun-Hoon. “Today’s discussion underscores the importance of closing persistent gender and racial wage gaps by helping women transition into higher paying careers with the benefits women need to thrive in the workplace. By opening doors through initiatives like the Gateway Apprenticeship Program™, we are building a workforce that meets industry needs while strengthening our communities and promoting a more equitable future.”

“Our goal with the Gateway Apprenticeship Program™ is to build a workforce pipeline that not only addresses Ohio’s immediate talent needs but also sets a foundation for long-term industry resilience. Through NIICA’s National Talent Hub™ (NTH) we’re able to align the curriculum within targeted CTE programs with local and regional employers, and then graduates are seamlessly connected through the NTH to those employers so they can continue that experience through paid RAs and get credit for prior learning in a competency-based program,” said Mike Russo, President and CEO of NIICA.

“By working closely with educational institutions, employers, and government leaders, we’re creating pathways that leverage the existing public education system to empower individuals from all backgrounds to thrive in manufacturing. Today’s event highlights the collaborative spirit needed to foster an inclusive, skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s industries,” said Russo.

During the event, several Ohio employers formally pledged their support for the Gateway Apprenticeship Program™, joining a collaborative effort to strengthen Ohio’s manufacturing workforce. By committing to consider CTE graduates for RA opportunities, these organizations are leading the way in creating accessible pathways for young talent. Participating employers include:

AgratiAircraft Wheel & Brake by KamanDuPontEnerco Group, Inc.Orlando Baking CompanyPresriteProcess TechnologyRe:Build CDIThogus

“At DuPont, we are committed to developing a skilled and diverse workforce in Northeast Ohio. By partnering with NIICA through the Gateway Apprenticeship Program™, we invest in the future of manufacturing while creating meaningful career pathways for individuals. This partnership bridges the gap between education and employment, empowering our community and promoting long-term success in our industry,” said Brian Carroll, Plant Manager at DuPont.

“At Process Technology, we believe in the power of investing in Ohio’s future workforce,” said Jody Richards, CEO of Process Technology. “By partnering with NIICA through the Gateway Apprenticeship Program™, we’re helping to create accessible, high-quality career paths that equip young people with the skills they need to succeed in advanced manufacturing. This commitment not only strengthens our company but also supports the long-term growth and resilience of Ohio’s manufacturing sector.”

“The Gateway Apprenticeship Program™ allows Re:Build Cutting Dynamics to elevate the career paths of our manufacturing team, and future team members. Re:Build Manufacturing is committed to inventing the future of manufacturing in the United States. Programs such as this, and partnerships like NIICA, allow us to continue to soar towards our commitment to teams, our community, and our country,” said Angela Carpenter, HR Manager at Re:Build Cutting Dynamics.

“At Orlando Baking, we recognize the importance of providing young people with opportunities to thrive in a sector that drives our local economy. Through our commitment to the Gateway Apprenticeship Program™, Orlando Baking Company aims to inspire and benefit from the skills of future generations. We recognize the need for early training and education and thereby strengthening Ohio’s manufacturing workforce and contributing to a brighter, more equitable future for all,” said Stephan Weber, Vice President of Operations at Orlando Baking Company.

In addition to the Gateway Apprenticeship Program™ launch, the event introduced the Manufacturing Works for Women Campaign, a Manufacturing Works initiative aimed at expanding career opportunities for women in manufacturing. “This campaign represents a crucial shift in Ohio’s manufacturing landscape, breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities for women in high-demand roles,” said Adam Artman, President and Executive Director at Manufacturing Works. “With the support of partners like NIICA and LCJVS, we’re committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive manufacturing workforce that strengthens our community.”

Dr. Glenn Faircloth, Superintendent of LCJVS, highlighted the event’s importance to Ohio’s education and workforce development community. “At LCJVS, we’re dedicated to blending real-world tools with cutting-edge solutions to support economic growth and expand career pathways. This event highlights the critical role that CTE and apprenticeships play in helping students transition into rewarding careers that fuel our local economy.”

As Ohio strengthens its commitment to workforce development, the Gateway Apprenticeship Program™ and the Manufacturing Works for Women Campaign set the stage for a future where opportunity is accessible to all, regardless of background. This event marks a collaborative leap toward a thriving, diverse manufacturing sector that values skill, dedication, and innovation.

“As we launch these programs, we’re not only building a workforce for today but creating pathways that will sustain Ohio’s manufacturing success for years to come,” said Russo. “Together, we’re ensuring that the future of manufacturing is inclusive, resilient, and prepared to meet the challenges of a dynamic industry.”

A replay of the panel will be made available in the days following the event. For additional information about the event or for media comments, contact the Institute’s Outreach and Communications Manager Stephanie Frederick at sfrederick@niica.org.

About the National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement 

NIICA is a 501(c)(3) organization that is responsible for a national strategy to build the talent pipeline to support strategic industry sectors – tech-based industries and advanced manufacturing tied to U.S. national security and global competitiveness.

NIICA is the nation’s leader in semiconductor talent pipeline development strategy and is the U.S. Department of Labor’s national Registered Apprenticeship (RA) industry Intermediary responsible for establishing and expanding RAs throughout the semiconductor and broader nanotechnology-related industries and advanced manufacturing supply chain. All related programming and support are being advanced through NIICA’s Center for Skill-Based Learning and the National Talent Pipeline Development Initiative.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gateway-apprenticeship-program-launches-in-ohio-to-strengthen-pathways-for-k-12-to-manufacturing-careers-during-panel-event-featuring-us-department-of-labor-womens-bureau-and-local-industry-leaders-302304628.html

SOURCE National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement

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How a Unified Monetization Solution Is Driving eCPM and Revenue Growth for Casual Games Worldwide

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SINGAPORE, May 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Casual, hyper-casual, and hybrid-casual games have become dominant categories in the global mobile market, making in-app advertising (IAA) a key driver of monetization success. However, many developers continue to face major challenges, including unstable fill rates, fluctuating eCPMs, difficulties balancing multiple regional markets, and the ongoing tradeoff between user experience and revenue growth.

To address these issues, zMaticoo has compiled a series of monetization case studies from leading game publishers and studios across China, Vietnam, Europe, and North America. These teams span hyper-casual, puzzle, board, card, and light-casual game categories, with DAUs ranging from millions to tens of millions. By adopting the same monetization framework, they achieved simultaneous growth in fill rate, eCPM, and ad revenue while maintaining stable user experience.

A common challenge among these teams was the shrinking monetization margin across global markets, creating an urgent need for sustainable revenue growth. At the same time, developers were cautious about over-monetization negatively impacting retention and player engagement.

To solve these challenges, zMaticoo introduced an AI-driven monetization system with full-funnel optimization capabilities. The platform connects developers directly to premium global advertiser budgets across both performance and brand advertising. AI models identify high-value traffic in real time based on region, audience, and usage scenarios, prioritizing high-eCPM demand sources. Separate bidding strategies are applied for mature and emerging markets to avoid revenue loss caused by one-size-fits-all pricing models.

The platform also provides refined ad format optimization:

Banner Ads: optimized display share and loading timing to improve SOV and stabilize eCPM;Interstitial Ads: precisely triggered during high-value moments such as level completion or pause screens, with especially strong premiums in emerging markets;Rewarded Video: deeply integrated into gameplay loops, delivering high user acceptance and conversion performance.

On the technical side, zMaticoo optimized SDK infrastructure to improve fill stability under weak network conditions. Ad loading time was reduced from five seconds to under two seconds through a rebuilt loading architecture. Progressive asset loading further minimized timeout-related drop-offs. AI-powered ad templates dynamically generated personalized creatives, improving both CTR and conversion performance.

The zMaticoo team also provides one-stop operational and analytics support. Developers can monitor fill rate, impressions, eCPM, and revenue through a unified dashboard, while dedicated optimization specialists provide 7×12 support for A/B testing, strategy iteration, and scaling guidance. The platform is deeply integrated with major mediation solutions, enabling one-time integration and multi-scenario deployment while reducing development and maintenance costs.

According to zMaticoo platform data:

In mature markets including the United States, Germany, Japan, and South Korea, banner eCPMs increased by 5%–10%, while interstitial premiums improved by over 5%;In emerging markets such as Brazil, Mexico, and Southeast Asia, interstitial eCPMs increased by more than 10%.

The monetization framework has demonstrated effectiveness across hyper-casual, puzzle, board/card, and utility app categories, supporting both rapid scale-up and long-term monetization stability.

Partner feedback includes:

“We are highly satisfied with the revenue uplift after integration. Our core products’ banner performance now ranks among the top tier.””Revenue recovered significantly after A/B testing, and we are expanding testing across more products.””One solution now supports multiple global markets without requiring separate monetization strategies for each region.””Interstitial monetization performance has been especially strong, with SOV reaching 10%–20% for several partners.”

zMaticoo believes successful monetization today is not about stacking more ad platforms, but about leveraging AI, technology, and refined operations to unlock long-term traffic value. Whether for hyper-casual publishers, puzzle game studios, or global mobile app companies, this AI-powered monetization framework is designed to deliver sustainable revenue growth while preserving user experience.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/how-a-unified-monetization-solution-is-driving-ecpm-and-revenue-growth-for-casual-games-worldwide-302767432.html

SOURCE zMaticoo

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Fox ESS Celebrates Strong Momentum with Integrated Solar Storage & Charging Solutions at Smart Energy 2026

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SYDNEY, May 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fox ESS, a global leader in renewable energy solutions, attended Smart Energy 2026 during 6-7 May as a platinum sponsor. At the event, Fox ESS showcased its next-generation approach to solar storage and EV charging solution, delivering a seamless, future-ready energy experience for homeowners and installers across Australia.

Integrated Solutions Tailored for Aussie Homes

At Smart Energy 2026, Fox ESS highlighted its storage-to-charging solution, designed to make everyday energy use more convenient for local residents. With performance-led products and proven market traction, Fox ESS is set to play its part in building a more resilient energy future for Australia.

Battery Systems

Fox ESS continues to build momentum in the battery market. Sunwiz, an Australian solar consultancy, recently reported that Fox ESS ranked No.1 in March for installation capacity. And the company also revealed it has installed more than 25,000 systems in April. During the exhibition, Sunwiz presented Fox ESS with an award, recognising the company as Top Solar Company for Fastest Growing Battery.

CQ7 V6+ High Voltage Battery (42kWh and above)
Building on Fox ESS’ proven strengths, compact design and high capacity, CQ7 V6+ is well suited to medium-sized households and ensure the free use of electricity and maximize the self-consumption.EQ4800 High Voltage Battery (28kWh)
A reliable choice for smaller households, designed for efficient day-to-day energy storage.

Alongside its battery range, Fox ESS showcased all-in-one systems, including Stackable AIO and EVO, designed to simplify installation while maintaining a high standard of design and presentation.

Inverters

Fox ESS offers a range of inverters to suit local requirements, supported by up to 200% PV oversizing and a 10-year product warranty.

Single-phase: H1‑G2 (3–6kW); KH series (7–10.5kW)Three-phase: H3 Smart (5–15kW); H3 Pro (15–29.9kW); H3 Plus (50–125kW)

EV Chargers

With EV adoption accelerating, Fox ESS also offers EV charging solutions with solar linkage, designed to work across its inverter portfolio. The chargers provide robust, smart energy management, including dynamic load balancing to help protect home circuits.

A Series (7.3kW / 11kW / 22kW): IP65 and IK08 protection, OCPP-compliant.L Series (7.3kW / 11kW): straightforward installation with multiple colour options.

Big Battery Still Takes Centre Stage

As the Cheaper Home Battery Program moves into a new phase under an updated rebate policy, interest in larger battery systems continues to grow, particularly as more households consider EV upgrades amid rising fuel costs. More EVs typically mean households need greater energy availability, making higher-capacity storage an increasingly attractive option.

Looking ahead, from 1 July 2026, the Australian Government’s Solar Sharer Offer (SSO) will provide eligible households with three hours of free daily electricity to align with peak solar generation. Households with larger batteries will be well placed to make the most of this opportunity.

Fox ESS is also working with local VPP partners, including Amber Electric and Origin Loop VPP, helping homeowners unlock maximum value while supporting greater grid stability.

Maimai Comes Alive at the Exhibition

Visitors to the Fox ESS stand experienced a full programme of brand activations across the event. Following the online announcement, Sydney served as Maimai’s first physical stop, bringing the community together for face-to-face engagement. Attendees queued to take photos with the brand’s friendly and recognisable mascot.

Long-Term Commitment to Australia

Fox ESS has opened two local offices in Melbourne and Sydney, with more than 30 dedicated specialists supporting local customer needs. The company is also looking to play a wider role in Australia’s energy transition.

Notably, Ian Thorpe made his first in-person appearance at Fox Night, where he presented partners with awards. At the event party, Fox ESS also hosted a battery installation challenge, featuring eight rounds of competition, with the final winners receiving a range of prizes.

“We’re delighted to see such a strong result following the rollout of local policy. With nearly 400,000 Australian households now installing batteries, Fox ESS has played a key role, but this is only the beginning. We’re committed to keeping momentum and helping make a smarter, more reliable energy future a reality for more homes.” said Brooks Richard Geng, APAC & Middle East Managing Director, Fox ESS.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/fox-ess-celebrates-strong-momentum-with-integrated-solar-storage–charging-solutions-at-smart-energy-2026-302767429.html

SOURCE Fox ESS

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TELUS announces election of directors

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VANCOUVER, BC, May 8, 2026 /CNW/ – TELUS Corporation (TELUS) (TSX: T) (NYSE: TU) announced today that the nominees listed in TELUS’ 2026 information circular were elected as directors of TELUS. The detailed results of the vote for the election of directors held at TELUS’ annual meeting on May 8, 2026 (the Meeting) are set out below.

Each of the following 14 nominees proposed by management was elected as a director of TELUS:

Nominee

Votes For  

% Votes For  

Votes Withheld  

% Votes Withheld 

Raymond T. Chan

592,322,965

97.91

12,667,245

2.09

Hazel Claxton

599,400,953

99.08

5,589,256

0.92

Lisa De Wilde

583,361,107

96.42

21,629,103

3.58

Victor Dodig

593,352,117

98.08

11,638,092

1.92

Darren Entwistle

586,791,970

96.99

18,198,239

3.01

Thomas Flynn

596,684,564

98.63

8,305,646

1.37

Mary Jo Haddad

577,841,419

95.51

27,148,791

4.49

Martha Hall Findlay     

595,075,545

98.36

9,914,665

1.64

Christine Magee

597,282,615

98.73

7,707,595

1.27

John Manley

579,845,538

95.84

25,144,672

4.16

David Mowat

592,867,380

98.00

12,122,830

2.00

Marc Parent

577,961,748

95.53

27,028,461

4.47

Denise Pickett

596,211,746

98.55

8,778,464

1.45

W. Sean Willy

595,898,668

98.50

9,091,541

1.50

Final voting results on all matters voted on at the Meeting will be published shortly on telus.com/agm, and filed with the Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

About TELUS

TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a world-leading communications technology company operating in more than 45 countries and generating over $20 billion in annual revenue with more than 21 million customer connections through our advanced suite of broadband services for consumers, businesses and the public sector. We are committed to leveraging our technology to enable remarkable human outcomes. TELUS is passionate about putting our customers and communities first, leading the way globally in client service excellence and social capitalism. TELUS Health is enhancing approximately 170 million lives across 200 countries and territories through innovative preventive medicine and well-being technologies. TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods utilizes digital technologies and data insights to optimize the connection between producers and consumers. TELUS Digital specializes in digital customer experiences and future-focused digital transformations that deliver value for their global clients. Guided by our enduring ‘give where we live’ philosophy, TELUS continues to invest in initiatives that support education, health and community well-being. In 2023, we launched the TELUS Student Bursary, which strives to ensure that every young person in Canada who wants a postsecondary education has the opportunity to pursue one. To date, the program has distributed over $6 million in bursaries to 2,000 students and counting. Since 2000, TELUS, our team members and retirees have contributed $1.85 billion in cash, in-kind contributions, time and programs, including 2.5 million days of service–earning TELUS the distinction of the world’s most giving company.

For more information, visit telus.com or follow @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram.

For more information, please contact:

Jacinthe Beaulieu
TELUS Media Relations
Jacinthe.Beaulieu@telus.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/telus-announces-election-of-directors-302767404.html

SOURCE TELUS Communications Inc.

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