Funded by Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc. as a memorial to two employees who passed away, the new award will provide support for students who wish to embark on careers in the power industry. To be eligible for the bursaries, students must achieve a minimum average of 70 percent in Year One of the Powerline Technician program and demonstrate financial need.
According to Chief Operating Officer KaziMarouf: “We felt that a grant to support financially challenged students preparing themselves for careers in the electricity sector would be a fitting memorial to two well-respected colleagues who sadly passed away while actively employed by Guelph Hydro.”
Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc. is also supporting Conestoga’s new Powerline Technician program with the donation of a 45-foot single bucket truck, hydro poles and switchgear for use as teaching aides. A representative of Guelph Hydro serves on the program’s Advisory Committee.“The Canadian Electricity Association reports that within the electricity sector, more than 26 per cent of the workforce will be eligible for retirement within the next ten years,” said Barry Chuddy, Chief Executive Officer. “The new Powerline Technician program offered by Conestoga College will provide Guelph Hydro and other utilities with a supply of well-trained apprentices in coming years.”
“The active support of our industry partners is an essential component in the success of our programs and our graduates,” said Mike McClements, Executive Dean of Conestoga’s School of Engineering and Information Technology. “Whether it’s support for the program in the form of equipment, or financial support for deserving students who may not otherwise be able to participate, these investments in the Powerline Technician program will contribute to the excellence of the program, its graduates, their employers and the community.”
Conestoga’s two-year Powerline Technician program, offered at the Ingersoll campus, provides a unique opportunity for students to prepare for all facets of powerline and related occupations. Through program, students learn the skills required for the construction, maintenance and repair of overhead and underground power systems and may work on power lines, communication networks and at electrical power stations. Students are registered as Powerline Technician Apprentices with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) and a Consortium representing the employer group. Two co-op terms are included in the program and contribute to the required benchmark hours and hands-on skills training for journeypersons.
About Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc.Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc. delivers a safe and reliable supply of electricity to approximately 50,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Guelph and Rockwood. The company is owned by Guelph Hydro Inc. which is actively developing sustainable energy projects as a key implementer of the City of Guelph’s Community Energy Initiative. For more information, visit: www.guelphhydro.com or www.guelphhydroinc.com.
About ConestogaConestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning is one of Canada’s premier polytechnic institutes. Recognized as leaders in applied education and research, we provide a comprehensive range of programs that prepare our graduates for success in business, industry and the community. For more information, visit us at www.conestogac.on.ca