Conestoga news

March 1, 2024 9:36 AM

Conestoga engineering student wins scholarship from provincial association

A Conestoga student won an award from the Ontario Road Builders’ Association given annually to one outstanding first-year civil engineering college student in the province.

David Corbeil.jpg
Conestoga student David Corbeil won an award from the Ontario Road Builders’ Association given annually to one outstanding first-year civil engineering college student in the province..

David Corbeil is in the college’s three-year Civil Engineering Technology advanced diploma program at the Cambridge - Fountain Street campus.

The Ontario Road Builders’ Association - the leading voice of the province’s transportation infrastructure sector - presents scholarships annually to two university and two college students enrolled in a civil engineering program at a post-secondary institution in Ontario, two first year and two final year.

The organization says it is committed to excellence and advancement in the field, and “ORBA believes in investing in the bright minds that will lead us into tomorrow.”

The students were presented with their awards at the association’s annual conference held in Toronto from February 4 to 6. Corbeil also received a $2,000 bursary.

Even before Corbeil started the program, he got to experience what it’s like in civil engineering. Last summer he worked at Capital Paving in the estimating department, following a high school co-op placement that he pursued.

“I was a little bit ahead of the game there,” Corbeil said.

The experiences cemented his interest in problem solving and urban infrastructure, and the choice to pursue the Conestoga program to get all the training he needs for a successful career in the field.

“I figured out I liked it. It was definitely helpful doing that prior to the course in college because it gave me a feeling that I was excited to be where I was going,” Corbeil said. “I enjoy the work. Definitely something I enjoy talking about, I enjoy studying and I’ll enjoy working.”

Diane Burchett, chair in the School of Engineering & Technology, was impressed by Corbeil’s passion and drive, quickly making it obvious why he was the stand-out choice for the award.

“I met with David to learn more about his award, his pathway to Conestoga College and our Civil Engineering Technology program. David was thankful and excited about the award and enjoying his time in the program. He spoke excitedly about his past invaluable co-op experiences and how he’s already learned so much. He told me he really values his practical work experience, his network, and the hands-on lessons he’s learning in the program so far,” Burchett said.

“David is an energetic young man, passionate about school and sports. So wonderful to see him recognized by the Ontario Road Builders' Association. Congratulations to David.”

Conestoga’s School of Engineering & Technology offers a comprehensive suite of programs with a wide range of credentials in areas including architecture, civil, construction, mechanical and electronics. Conestoga is Ontario’s only college to offer fully accredited engineering degrees.