February 22, 2007

New program prepares grads to ensure quality and safety of Ontario’s drinking water 

OSHAWA, Ont. – Durham College and the Regional Municipality of Durham Works Department were recently honoured by the Ontario Public Works Association (OPWA) for collaborating on the development of an innovative Water Quality Technician program.

The OPWA handed out the Management Innovation award to the college and Region for their joint development of a two-year, full-time program for water and wastewater treatment operators earlier this month. Offered by the college’s School of Applied Sciences & Technology, the program provides students with an understanding of the fundamentals of water and wastewater treatment plants, water distribution and wastewater collection systems, and environmental monitoring.

“At Durham College we are committed to student success and excellence. The Water Quality Technician program, like all our programs, is shaped by market needs,” said Leah Myers, president of Durham College. “We are delighted to receive this award for our part in working with the Region to prepare our graduates for the vital responsibility of maintaining water quality and safety.”

Currently there are 27 students enrolled in the Water Quality Technician program, which will soon be offered to current Works Department employees. The program focuses on the impact water quality has on human health, the environment, engineering concepts, and professional responsibility relating to co-workers, the public and regulators.

“Together, we have created a two-year program that will ensure the Region has the opportunity to hire fully trained operators for our water and wastewater plants,” said Cliff Curtis, commissioner of the Regional Municipality of Durham Works Department. “Durham College is one of the top colleges in the province and this program is taught by outstanding professors who are true leaders in this field.”

In addition to time spent in classrooms and the lab, the program provides a field placement opportunity for students to further enhance their hands-on skills while gaining real-world experience. Graduates of the program are ready to be certified under the standards of the Ontario Environmental Training Consortium.

Potential students interested in learning more about the Water Quality Technician program can visit  www.durhamcollege.ca for more information.

About Durham College

For close to 40 years, Durham College has provided high-demand programs, professors with real-world experience, the latest technology, and an unwavering commitment to student success. Number one in the Greater Toronto Area based on a combined ranking in the areas of student, graduate, and employer satisfaction; graduate employment; and graduation rate for seven years running according to the provincial government’s indicator surveys, the college also has the highest graduate employment rate – 93.1 per cent – of all six GTA colleges. The college has close to 6,000 full-time and 23,000 part-time students enrolled in over 100 programs and courses and over 1,500 apprentices. For more information, visit the website at www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:

Allison Rosnak
Communications and Marketing
905.721.3111 ext. 2513
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

 

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