December 9, 2008

Energy Audit Techniques and Renewable Energy Technician to begin in September 2009

OSHAWA, ON. – As part of its commitment to addressing the growing need for highly skilled professionals who are able to meet the market needs of the new energy sector, Durham College announced today the addition of two new programs under the umbrella of the School of Applied Sciences, Apprenticeship, Skilled Trades & Technology.

The one-year Energy Audit Techniques certificate program and the two-year Renewable Energy Technician diploma program are designed to respond to the increased demand for knowledgeable graduates who are highly trained in the areas of energy utilization and management; efficient and effective energy use; climate control; renewable energy systems; and cost control in the rapidly growing energy sector. Both programs will welcome their first classes of students this September.

“These innovative programs are a direct reflection of the growing need to address alternative energy sources and how they will be managed and maintained without negatively affecting the environment,” said Marj Rempel, dean of the School of Applied Sciences, Apprenticeship, Skilled Trades & Technology. “With the addition of these programs, we are speaking to the future of energy utilization, maintenance and management while demonstrating our commitment to the development of graduates who are ready to work in the existing energy sector.”

The Renewable Energy Technician program will introduce students to the field of renewable, sustainable and alternative energy solutions and help them develop a foundation for installing, repairing and maintaining renewable energy systems including solar and wind power and ground source heat pumps. The program offers two semesters of co-operative education and will position graduates to enter into interesting and challenging careers with energy or engineering consulting firms, government agencies and more.

Energy Audit Techniques is a one-year program focused on the changing world of energy utilization and management. Students will attain the skills required to assess the energy performance of residential, small commercial and industrial buildings while learning ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of systems related to energy use. The college’s state-of-the-art Skills Training Centre will accommodate the new programs as part of its 40,000-square-foot expansion plans, which also call for a retrofit of the entire Whitby campus to become a living laboratory for energy technologies and energy education.

“On behalf of everyone on campus, I would like to express how excited we are to launch these unique programs at Durham College,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “Developed to meet the increasing needs of the emerging energy sector in Durham Region and beyond, both programs will directly respond to the industry demand for graduates with skills in the renewable energy field. In addition, we are further supporting Durham Region’s growing reputation as the energy capital of Ontario by providing professionals who will greatly contribute to the growth of this sector and the regional economy.”

In the spring of 2007, several Durham College faculty members and administrative staff began engaging sector advisors in discussions regarding the employability of the college’s graduates from energy-related programs. These individuals determined that the high demand for auditors and technicians was expected to continue, creating the need for focused and specialized courses able to be flexible in design in order to respond to the ever-changing energy sector requirements.

The programs were approved by a program development focus group comprised of representatives from some of Ontario’s and Durham Region’s most influential and reputable energy groups and community associations, including the Durham Strategic Energy Alliance, the Regional Municipality of Durham and the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association. Several Durham College professors and administrative staff were also involved.

High-demand jobs in the energy sector are projected to continue to increase, with market dynamics in energy conservation and sustainable/renewable energy changing and developing faster than at any time in prior decades. Durham College’s Energy Audit Techniques and Renewable Energy Technician programs were developed with an increased emphasis on environmental awareness and have the potential to improve alternative energy generation and distribution, as well as energy service management.

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About Durham College
Durham College is the premier college in Canada for career-focused students who will succeed in a challenging, supporting and inclusive learning environment. Offering approximately 100 full-time market-driven programs and hundreds of part-time and continuing education courses, the college has provided students with access to exceptional teachers with real-world experience for more than 40 years. With a graduate employment rate of over 90 per cent and employer satisfaction rate of 95.6 per cent, Durham College gives students everything they need to obtain great careers and make a difference in the world. The college has more than 6,300 full-time students, thousands of part-time students and almost 1,600 apprentices. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:
Michelle Roebuck 
Communications and Marketing
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2197
michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca

 

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