GrandBridge Energy, a local electricity distribution company, continues to support the practical education of Conestoga’s Powerline Technician students with another donation of utility vehicles.
GrandBridge Energy donated additional utility vehicles to the Ingersolls Skills Training Centre.
The Ingersoll Skills Training Centre received a bucket truck as well as a cargo van, which will support and enhance students’ learning. GrandBridge Energy employees visited the location on November 18 to deliver the vehicles and celebrate the donation.
“Our strong partnership with Conestoga College reflects GrandBridge Energy’s commitment to developing the skilled powerline technicians our industry will depend on in the years ahead. Access to real utility equipment gives students meaningful hands-on experience that builds confidence and prepares them to contribute to our increasingly electrified future,” said Sarah Hughes, President & CEO, GrandBridge Energy.
This is the second donation by the company this year, following a donation of two utility vehicles in February. The company also donated a bucket truck, two pickup trucks and an axle pole trailer in 2022.
“On behalf of our Powerline Technician program, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to GrandBridge Energy for their continued generosity,” said Angelo Cosco, a chair in the School of Trades & Apprenticeship. “The addition of a bucket truck and cargo van is invaluable to our students’ learning experience. These contributions continue to allow us to provide hands-on training that mirrors real-world conditions, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the industry.”
Program coordinator Brian Martin highlighted that the program provides practical training from the first day onwards to maximize exposure. Students are frequently evaluated on their skills and knowledge to make sure they complete modules effectively and demonstrate readiness for real-world challenges.
Second-year student Aaron Costantini said that the plethora of equipment and trucks is what attracted him to the program. “It’s great to get experience with different bucket trucks and a huge learning opportunity. Having access to these trucks is an important part of enabling us to learn the trade. It gives us some insight into the day-to-day life of a powerline technician.”
Nick Clay and Josh Schell, graduates of Conestoga’s Powerline Technician program and apprentices at GrandBridge Energy, were also in attendance for the donation. “The college set us up for the best possible outcome outside of school,” said Schell. “Thanks to the training we received every day as well as our co-ops, the transition into the real world was really smooth.”
Conestoga’s two-year Powerline Technician diploma is a skills-based program offering a unique opportunity to prepare for all facets of the Powerline Technician occupation. Students benefit from daily use and training on an extensive fleet of industry-standard vehicles and work equipment.
Students will learn the skills required for the construction, maintenance and repair of overhead and underground power-distribution systems through significant hands-on practical skills development and classroom learning. Students have the opportunity to complete the initial level(s) of apprenticeship trade schooling and become registered as a Powerline Technician Apprentice (434A). Additionally, students will have the opportunity to take industry-specific courses, and two optional co-op terms are incorporated into the program.