Aecon Group Inc. announced it is partnering with Durham College to support the Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology (CSTT).
Durham College recently built and equipped the CSTT at its Whitby, Ontario campus through the Building for Skills campaign. Under a three-year partnership, Aecon will donate to the campaign to help continuously transform the way Durham College delivers industrial and construction-focused professional and skilled trades training and education.
The facility boasts modern technologies and innovative learning spaces, which Durham College utilizes to teach post-secondary and apprenticeship programs, provide students with specialized training, and prepare graduates for rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
“Supporting the Building for Skills campaign and this innovative training and education facility is a natural progression of our partnerships with both Durham College and OPG,” said Thomas Clochard, EVP, Nuclear and Civil, Aecon. “Investing in the workforce of tomorrow and building a sustainable future are key focus areas for Aecon. Partnering with this educational institution near OPG’s Darlington New Nuclear Project and ongoing refurbishment will benefit our work on these vital clean energy projects as we see increasing demand for the skilled trades.”
In recognition of this support, Durham College will feature Aecon’s name within a student training bay at its welding facility. Specialized skills such as welding are critical for executing work in support of nuclear projects across Ontario.
“The new building is allowing us to increase construction and industrial skilled trades enrolment by 750 students and apprentices,” said Don Lovisa, President, Durham College. “We are grateful for the support we’ve received from companies such as Aecon – we couldn’t have built it without them.”
“As OPG refurbishes existing nuclear assets and builds new generation to meet the increasing demands of a clean economy, we know the already high demand for well-trained skilled tradespeople will grow,” said Steve Gregoris, Chief Nuclear Officer, OPG. “The OPG Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology plays a key role in training a diverse population of career-ready graduates. It’s great to see key partners like Aecon supporting this effort.”
Featured image: (Durham College)
