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.