From June 26 to 28, Conestoga hosted its first provincial college sector Motive Power Professional Development Conference at the Guelph campus. The event was open to college transportation instructors in Ontario, as well as local high school transportation technology and Specialist High Skills Majors teachers.
Attendees at the 2017 Motive Power Professional Development Conference took a break from workshops on June 27 to watch a demonstration by Shellbourne Fuels. The event took place at Conestoga's Guelph campus.
“This is an unprecedented time for technology and development and we must adapt quickly as the rate of change is accelerating,” said John Jennings, director of Innovation and Technology Development at McLaren Engineering, a division of Linamar. Jennings delivered a keynote address on the future of the automotive industry, which looked at meeting emissions regulations, joint projects and transportation mega trends of the future.
In order to learn about new and future technological trends, attendees were invited to participate in a range of more than 20 workshops, attend industry tours and hear an industry panel discussion. The goal of the conference was to improve faculty technical understanding in order to benefit students and their future employers. Workshops also included discussion around classroom strategies and enhanced teaching aids, and networking opportunities connected instructors with industry partners who showcased new tools, equipment and technology.
"We were pleased to welcome motive trades instructors from across the province, especially this year as Conestoga celebrates its 50th anniversary,” said Trades & Apprenticeship chair Stephen Speers. “Thanks to the interest and enthusiasm of our attendees, and the tremendous industry support we received from our sponsors and presenters, we delivered a conference that explored technology trends and shared industry insights. This will help us prepare our students with the skills and knowledge they require for the future.”
The conference involved more than 180 participants, which included college and high school instructors, industry partners, presenters and Conestoga employees.
Conestoga is a provincial leader in the delivery of trades and apprenticeship training to serve industry needs and our growing community. Comprehensive programming includes a wide range of post-secondary trades programs that provide pathways to employment in skilled trades careers as well as pre-apprenticeship training and in-school training for apprentices. Programs in motive power trades include heavy equipment, motorcycle and power sport, automotive, and truck and coach.
Visit the School of Trades and Apprenticeship for more information.