Start your engines: GM Canada donation accelerates Durham College skilled trades programs

May 11, 2010

Automaker’s gift of 91 engines to provide comprehensive hands-on experience

OSHAWA, ON.– Durham College and its exceptional skilled trades programs has become the beneficiary of a major donation of 91 new automotive engines by General Motors Canada. The contribution, announced today, is worth more than $200,000 and will provide additional high-quality training opportunities for current and future students studying in one of the college’s post-secondary and apprenticeship automotive, energy and power engineering programs.

“This donation of these first-rate engines will give our students a valuable tool in gaining experience with the latest in industry technology,” said Don Lovisa, president, Durham College. “We are thrilled and grateful to receive such a wonderful contribution from a highly regarded industry partner like GM Canada. These engines will play a key role in training the future experts of the skilled-trades sector.”

The gift, comprised of 62 six-litre V8 engines and 29 V6 engines will be used as learning tools in the college’s Mechanical Engineering Technician – Non-Destructive Evaluation; Renewable Energy Technician; Power Engineering Technician; and Motive Power Technician – Service and Management two-year diploma programs as well as the Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship program, all of which are based at the college’s Whitby campus.

As part of the state-of-the-art automotive labs within the innovative Skills Training Centre, the engines will become an essential component of the students’ hands-on training curriculum, providing practical and theoretical experience including the latest troubleshooting techniques.

GM Canada’s donation not only helps to reinforce the transitional link from school to the workplace by allowing students to stay current with industry standards but also reflects the company’s commitment to community and youth outreach.

“As a leader in innovation and technology, GM Canada has always strongly supported education and investment in students,” said Tom Odell, technology planning manager, GM Canada. “Giving students the chance to research and understand current vehicle and engine technology using a hands-on approach clearly provides a rich learning opportunity.”

Durham College offers high-quality skilled trades programs and apprenticeships focused on providing the market-ready skills and applied experience demanded by today’s workplace. Graduates of these programs will be qualified for a variety of careers in the transportation and automotive fields. Mechanical Engineering Technician – Non-Destructive Evaluation graduates are also eligible for membership in the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists

About Durham College 
At Durham College, the student experience comes first, an approach it has taken for more than 40 years. Through a vast range of market-driven programs that are taught by exceptional professors with real-world experience, students develop the skills required to meet the ever-changing needs of employers and the job market. Moving forward, Durham College’s expansion plans will see its Whitby campus grow by 40,000 square feet. Phase 1 of the construction features an energy-neutral living laboratory for new technologies and education that will serve the growing needs of the emerging energy sector. Phase 2 will increase the size of the Skills Training Centre to create classroom and laboratory space to support new program development, and Phase 3 will be a Food Centre designed to house culinary arts programs; a food and agricultural component; a food processing centre and agriculture and science laboratories. Durham College has more than 7,000 full-time students, thousands of part-time students and more than 1,400 apprentices. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.caor call 905.721.2000.

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

 

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