Dean of the School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology honoured for his work

March 9, 2011

Oshawa, Ont. – In recognition of a lengthy career as an outstanding leader, mentor and champion to students, faculty and staff alike, Durham College Dean Norm Fenton has been inducted into the prestigious Klaus Woerner Skilled Trades Hall of Fame. Fenton is dean of the college’s School of Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology and has been a champion of skilled trades and technology, constantly creating, developing and implementing new and exciting ways to attract students to the skills training fields since starting his career at the college in 1980.

“The skilled trades offer a career that is honourable, satisfying and long-term,” said Fenton. “Helping apprentices learn the necessary skills to earn a living, support their families and become contributing members of their communities while working with many wonderful people who have the same goal has been personally gratifying, and to have that work recognized by being inducted into the Klaus Woerner Skilled Trades Hall of Fame is an unexpected honour.”

Fenton was one of six representatives from business and education who were officially inducted into the hall and honoured at the annual Skills Canada – Ontario Fundraising Dinner on March 4 with the proceeds going directly to help students achieve their dreams through the Skills Canada – Ontario Bursary.

“We’re very proud of Norm’s accomplishments,” said Durham College President Don Lovisa. “The mission of Skills Canada is to actively promote careers in skilled trades and technologies to Canadian youth. Norm has fulfilled this mandate and more, spending almost three decades training and providing leadership for apprenticeship education.”

Always interested in new technology, Fenton is a proponent of new and alternate ways to deliver course material to students. Through his own personal efforts, he pioneered online learning for Durham College’s Mechanical Technician – Maintenance and Control and Tool and Die/CNC programs as well as all three levels of the Millwright Apprenticeship program at the college’s Whitby campus.

He was instrumental in establishing online learning at the college’s Whitby campus which has allowed apprentices in Ontario’s remote northern communities to receive practical training, therefore exposing skilled trades to thousands of potential students who might have otherwise been unable to study in this sector.

During his time at Durham College, Fenton has been an outstanding leader, mentor and champion to students, faculty and staff alike. Since starting at the college in 1980, he has been a champion of skilled trades and technology, constantly creating, developing and implementing new and exciting ways to attract students to the skills training fields.

Skills Canada – Ontario is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting careers in the skilled trades and technologies to young people in Ontario.

The Klaus Woerner Skilled Trades Hall of Fame was launched in 2006. Its aim is to recognize people who have made significant contributions to the advancement of skilled trades and technologies by inducting them into The Klaus Woerner Skilled Trades Hall of Fame. Advancement can broadly include invention, innovation or advocacy in Education/Training, Entrepreneurship, Industry or Leadership. The first posthumous inductee was Klaus Woerner, founder of ATS Automation Tooling Systems.

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About Durham College
At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2010, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including more than 7,400 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time, Second Career and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, energy, media, art, design, general arts and sciences, skilled trades, justice, emergency services and health care, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway. Phase 1 opened in September 2009 and Phase 2, nearing completion, is creating expanded shop space for several building trades and will also feature two homes where students will learn about sustainable construction and building. Phase 3 will be a building focused on food, hospitality and tourism. In addition, a new Student Services building opened at the Oshawa campus in January 2011.

For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.

Media contact:

Cosette Kazarian
Communications, Marketing and External Relations
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 3611
cosette.kazarian@durhamcollege.ca

 

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