Owasco VW, Volkswagen Canada vehicle donation turns the key on new opportunities for Durham College students

Company delivers 2007 Volkswagen for use in automotive programs

November 21, 2007

OSHAWA, Ont. – Driving home the critical importance of Durham College apprentices having access to the most up-to-date technology so they will find success in their careers, Owasco VW and Volkswagen Canada announced today they are donating a 2007 Volkswagen Passat station wagon to be used in the college’s Skills Training Centre at its Whitby, Ontario campus.

Durham College faculty, staff and students joined representatives from Volkswagen Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities at the Owasco VW dealership today in Whitby for the announcement.

“On behalf of Durham College, I would like to thank Volkswagen Canada and Owasco VW for their generous gift,” said Marj Rempel, dean, School of Applied Sciences, Apprenticeship, Skilled Trades and Technology. “This gift will provide students with practical learning opportunities and experience in using the latest technology, allowing them to gain confidence in their skills and better preparing them for the future.”

The newly donated vehicle is equipped with the latest automotive technology and will be used at Durham College’s nationally acclaimed Skills Training Centre to demonstrate to students in automotive programs the function, diagnosis and repair of complex automotive systems. The vehicle is equipped with a state-of-the-art computer-controlled engine, and fuel management, electrical, braking, steering, driveline and comfort systems that will provide students with increased training experiences.

“It is with great pleasure that Volkswagen Canada provides the automotive apprentices at Durham College with a sample of the latest European technology, providing broader insight into today’s high-tech automotive industry,” said Doug Osborne, fixed operations manager, Volkswagen Canada. “Highly skilled and knowledgeable technicians are key to ensuring optimal vehicle performance and we welcome the opportunity to provide students with increased opportunities to learn from state-of-the-art equipment.”

Durham College offers 17 apprenticeship programs through the Skills Training Centre, including the Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship. The 29.2-acre Whitby campus provides an excess of 200,000-square-feet of classroom and shop floor space that offers students a challenging, supportive and inclusive environment.

Since 1993 it has had more than 20,000 registered apprentices complete various levels of in-school apprenticeship training in the construction, manufacturing and transportation sectors, including 12,000 within the last seven years.

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 80 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 40 years. With a graduate employment rate of over 90 per cent and employer satisfaction rate of close to 95 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 6,100 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:

Melissa Levy
Communications and Marketing
T: 905.721.2000 ext. 2513
melissa.levy@durhamcollege.ca

 

Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications, Marketing and External Relations.