GrandBridge Energy has donated three utility vehicles to Conestoga’s Powerline Technician program to enhance the college’s training fleet.
Representatives from GrandBridge Energy’s operations team, including apprentice powerline technicians, presented three used utility vehicles to students and faculty at the college’s Ingersoll Skills Training Centre in early December. Photo: GrandBridge Energy
“The donation of the fleet vehicles is part of a broader relationship that GrandBridge Energy has proudly nurtured with Conestoga College over the past several years,” said Ian Miles, President and CEO of GrandBridge Energy. “We continue to support learning opportunities and are very proud to play a role in the future success of our industry.”
The donation was made possible as part of GrandBridge Energy’s practice of replacing older vehicles that are no longer suitable for commercial use. Representatives from GrandBridge Energy’s operations team were on hand in early December at the college’s Ingersoll Skills Training Centre to present a GMC Sierra Crew Cab Pickup Truck, Ford F-150 Extended Cab Pickup Truck and Single Axle Pole Trailer. Access to these vehicles will benefit students by providing an opportunity to gain practical experience.
“Conestoga is a provincial leader in the delivery of trades and apprenticeship training, and this generous donation means that we will continue to ensure students learn and train with the most current technology and up-to-date equipment, ensuring that they are career ready,” said Angelo Cosco, chair to the School of Trades & Apprenticeship. “We want to thank GrandBridge Energy for their continuous support as we serve industry needs and the growing community.”
GrandBridge Energy (formally Energy+) is a long-time supporter of Conestoga students and programs, including co-op and summer student opportunities in various departments, as well as student financial support through Academic Excellence Awards presented annually to Energy System Technology and Electrical Engineering Technology students. In February 2022, GrandBridge Energy also donated a single bucket truck to the Powerline Technician program.
“Having access to up-to-date utility equipment in the Conestoga training program was invaluable in helping me gain practical fieldwork experience, develop vital skills and be confident when I encounter real-life situations in the workplace,” said Karl Schroeder, a recent graduate of the Powerline Technician program and apprentice at GrandBridge Energy.
Visit GrandBridge Energy for more information.
Offered at the college’s Ingersoll Skills Training Centre, the Powerline Technician program prepares students for all facets of powerline and related occupations. Students learn skills to construct, maintain and repair overhead and underground power systems, including powerlines, communication networks and electrical power systems.
Conestoga is a provincial leader in the delivery of trades and apprenticeship training to serve industry needs and the 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.
For more information, visit the School of Trades & Apprenticeship.