Ontario Power Generation (OPG) will continue its support of post-secondary students in Durham Region by renewing a decade-long partnership with Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). The $5-million investment will support capital expenditures, educational programs, equipment, scholarships and bursaries for students at both institutions.

“We believe this partnership creates educational and research opportunities for students who go on to become leaders in our industry and our community,” says Jeffrey Lyash, OPG President and CEO. “OPG is proud to continue our partnership with Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.”

“We are offering students access to the highest level of curricula in technical areas specific to the current nuclear industry,” says Don Lovisa, Durham College, President. “This renewed funding commitment will enable us to enhance our equipment and facilities and provide our students with a learning environment designed to prepare them for immediate entry into the workforce.”

“This partnership provides support for students facing financial barriers,” says Tim McTiernan, UOIT, President. “OPG’s investment provides our students with much needed access to high-quality education. It also demonstrates our university’s significance as an educator of Canada’s energy leaders.”

The funding, to be provided in annual installments over the next five years, will help with the acquisition of training and mock-up equipment for both the college and university. The funding will also support the university’s nuclear-engineer-in-residence position with its Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science.

DC will continue to align its science, apprenticeship, skilled trades and technology programs to meet employment criteria outlined by OPG in order to produce qualified graduates that meet the entry requirements for operations and maintenance programs within the energy industry.

Under the terms of the partnership, the college and university will work together on the implementation of bridging programs between the two institutions. This will enable DC students to enter UOIT degree programs with advanced standing in order to produce graduates with a greater range of technical skills and knowledge.

The collaboration between the three organizations began in November 2005 to meet the need for ‘career-ready’ workers available for employment in the Canadian nuclear industry and provide training opportunities for OPG employees to build their skills through industry-related college and university programs.

For nine years, Arlene de la Rocha has played an instrumental role in developing the Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) Honours program curriculum at Durham College (DC) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). On May 6, the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) presented de la Rocha with one of its highest honours.

Professor de la Rocha was recognized with the prestigious 2016 HUB Fellowship for her demonstrated transformational leadership capacity and commitment to empowering nursing students to find a path that will develop their leadership strengths, whether at the clinical point-of-care or in traditional leadership positions. As the winner of the 2016 fellowship, de la Rocha, who is currently enrolled in her PhD in Nursing at Queen’s University will have the opportunity to participate in a week-long, one-on-one placement with RNAO’s chief executive officer Dr. Doris Grinspun.

“Receiving the HUB Fellowship is more than an honour – it’s the chance of a lifetime,” said de la Rocha. “Observing and working with Dr. Grinspun will provide me with invaluable insight into how she leads, motivates and empowers others, and I look forward to sharing all that I learn from her with my colleagues and students.”

Her leadership as a nursing educator includes her effort to bring greater realism to nursing education in a laboratory setting, which includes working with a research team aimed at introducing the use of technology such as iPads at the point of care for patients. She has also implemented a capstone project for fourth-year nursing students to help them identify emerging health issues.

“Arlene has established herself as a passionate, effective leader and we are thrilled to see her being recognized by the Ontario nursing community, said Judeline Innocent, executive dean, School of Health & Community Services, DC. “As an educator, innovator, researcher and mentor, she embodies the spirit of the HUB Fellowship in all facets of her career.”

Sponsored by HUB International, RNAO’s home and auto insurance provider, the fellowship recognizes an individual’s contributions to RNAO’s mandate: Speaking Out for Nurses, Speaking Out for Health. Nominated by their peers, recipients are chosen for their achievements in nursing and their commitment to RNAO.

 

A special group of Durham College (DC) supporters were honoured at the Centre for Food on May 2 when the college paid tribute to the employers who take part in its field placement and practicum programs.

Each year more than 5,000 students are given the opportunity to put their classroom experience to practical use in workplaces throughout Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). More than 600 businesses, non-profit organizations and government agencies serve as hosts for DC students in sectors including business, health, justice, science and technology.

When addressing attendees, Dr. Elaine Popp, vice-president, Academic, DC shared that field placements are a two-way street. They give students the opportunity to gain self-confidence and practical knowledge, while providing employers with a chance to share their knowledge with potential new members of their workforce.

“It is our sincere hope that you enjoy a sense of satisfaction and pride in knowing that you are helping to provide our students with the skills and expertise they need to take on an active role in your industries,” said Dr. Popp. “It’s a classic win-win situation and all of us at DC are keen to see it continue to grow and expand in the years ahead.”

That sentiment was echoed by Dr. Judeline Innocent, executive dean of the DC School of Health & Community Services, who shared  that employers have told her they enjoying working with DC students because they arrive well-prepared and ready to ask questions.

“That inquisitive nature is important to the health-care sector,” said Innocent. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen first-hand how someone with fresh eyes and a curious attitude can encourage new ideas and ways of thinking. Sometimes, inspiration comes from sources where we least expect it.”

A highlight of the evening were the remarks delivered by both DC students and graduates who spoke about the importance of building trust and support with their co-workers during their placements.

Joshua Cranney, a graduate of the Paralegal program, spoke about the value of his placement and the self-confidence he gained while working in the real world.

Sarah Harrison-Edge, who is in her final semester of the Communicative Disorders Assistant program, felt both welcomed and appreciated during her field placements.

“It was like I was already a part of the team because everyone valued my ideas, appreciated my input and were thankful for my help,” said Harrison-Edge. “I plan to and was encouraged to keep in touch with everyone I met at both agencies.”

The event also highlighted some of the organizations that have been involved as employer hosts for several decades, such as the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences and Distress Centre Durham. Stephanie Ball, executive dean of the School of Justice & Emergency Services, summed up the impact of all of the college’s employer hosts, both past and present.

“Quite simply, when it comes to producing graduates who are smart, savvy and job-ready, we couldn’t do it without you,” she said.

For more information on being an employer host at Durham College, contact the field placement/practicum coordinator at the Durham College academic school which offers programs in your organization’s area of expertise.