Education and industry: Durham College, University of Ontario Institute of Technology and Ontario Power Generation working together to meet demands of Canada’s nuclear industry

July 15, 2011

As part of its ongoing commitment to strong relationships with its community and business partners, Durham College recently presented a concurrent session on the three-way partnership between Durham College, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) at the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) Big Sky Thinking Conference, which took place in Edmonton, Alta. from June 5 to 7.

The session, titled Education and industry: working together to meet the demands of Canada’s nuclear industry, was presented by Judy Robinson, vice-president, Academic, Durham College.

Designed to highlight the effective working relationship between all three institutions since 2005, the presentation showcased their joint approach toward the effective education and training of employees for the Canadian nuclear sector.

In particular, it focused on how the college and OPG are working to review, enhance and maintain the curriculum of the college’s power and energy programs in order to fulfil the need for future operator personnel at OPG’s sites and how Durham College, UOIT and OPG are working together to provide continuing education opportunities for OPG employees to further their learning and advance their formal credentials.

“A good match exists between OPG’s need for graduates with specialized qualifications in nuclear power plant engineering, operation and maintenance with the college providing students with that specialized education,” said Robinson. “Although OPG traditionally trained its employees directly, their demand for a large nuclear workforce combined with our close proximity to its headquarters has provided a great opportunity for a successful partnership that continues to contribute to the economic development of Durham Region and Ontario.”

Additional highlights of the presentation included an overview of how the relationship benefits employers and students (e.g. future employees) by matching the demand for qualified workers with graduates who possess the specific knowledge and skills needed in the energy job market; OPG’s financial investment in the college and university in support of infrastructure and research; student bursaries and equipment; and OPG’s commitment to providing internship and co-op opportunities to students.

“A joint partnership between a nuclear utility such as OPG, a college and a university results in better educated employees, lower training costs and stronger community support for continued nuclear power plant operations and new build projects,” said Robinson.