(Chatham, Ontario) - St. Clair College is pleased to announce the official opening of the National Powerline Training Centre, a facility that has been made possible thanks to the Federal Government’s Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund and a number of public and private partners. This Centre will provide training for students in the Powerline Technician program and the in-demand Powerline Maintainer - Red Seal Trade.
“This partnership between education, government, and private-sector industries demonstrates how Canada can effectively address its skilled trades gap”, says Patti France, President, St. Clair College. “It’s a win/win situation: the Canadian economy is enhanced by this infusion of new technicians, and the students obtain rewarding and in-demand careers. St. Clair is proud to be serving both the nation and young people with this program, and can more effectively do so with this state-of-the-art new facility now in place”.
The $2.1 million, 6,500 sq. ft. facility offers flexible learning space and features an indoor climbing lab, rescue/repelling lab, underground training lab, with multi-use truck bay space, tool and equipment storage, and staff offices. This will enable the Chatham Campus to provide learning opportunities in this trade, which is currently in demand in Ontario and across Canada. Because of this investment, students and professors will work in a state-of-the-art Training Centre that supports lifelong learning and skills training.
Currently, the program has an enrolment of 144 first and second year Powerline students, making the program the largest post-secondary Training Centre for this trade in the Province of Ontario. The Centre is also approved to offer Level I & II of the 434A Powerline Technician apprenticeship trade through its partnership with Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA).
“Modern learning spaces are key to helping students develop the skills they need for the good jobs of today and tomorrow. Our government’s investment in St. Clair College is another step forward in our plan to boost innovation and grow the Canadian economy”, says the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
“The National Powerline Training Centre at St. Clair’s Chatham Campus is an investment in individuals who will work in the power sector, supporting our industry, and communities”, says Mark Benoit, Chair, School of Academic Studies. “The Centre involved various levels of government, local business and industry, and the College, in partnership to develop this much needed facility”.
QUICK FACTS
St Clair College is the largest post-secondary trainer for the Powerline Maintainer Trade in the Province of Ontario.
Powerline Technician is a Red Seal Trade recognized across Canada providing portability and above average earning potential across Canada.
The National Powerline Training Centre is approved through the MTCU Apprenticeship Branch to deliver Level I & II of the 434A Powerline Technician Apprenticeship training through a partnership with Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA).
The Training Centre was funded through the Government of Canada along with a collaboration of public/private partnerships.
The average age of a Powerline Maintainer (PLM) in the Province of Ontario is 55 years old.
The National Powerline Training Centre encompasses ten acres of property on Bear Line Road, directly across from the Chatham Campus. It provides overhead, underground, vehicle, and equipment training.
For information please contact:
John Fairley
Vice President College Communications & Community Relations
519-972-2762