Waterloo North Hydro to Double Conestoga College Scholarships for Powerline Maintainers

Waterloo

Jan 21, 2019

Starting this year, Waterloo North Hydro (WNH) is doubling the number of scholarships it offers to nearby Conestoga College students, from two to four.

The additional scholarships add to a relationship the utility began with the college in 2010, when WHN began an annual donation of equipment to Conestoga, including trucks and trailers that are scheduled to be replaced by newer models. This equipment and surplus materials are provided to the college to help fund the program and for use by students studying to be powerline technicians.

In addition to vehicle donations, WNH also shares its industry knowledge and the experience of its staff with the students. The utility provided instructors to the course for several years, former employees are program coordinators and current employees act as program advisors.

“By donating materials and sharing our leadership, knowledge and experience with students in the program, we are helping to educate the next generation of lines people,” says Waterloo North Hydro President and CEO Rene Gatien.

WNH also helps to ensure the continued success of the program through scholarships given to deserving students in each class.

“We greatly appreciate the support we receive from Waterloo North Hydro,” said Conestoga President and CEO John Tibbits. “Their contributions enrich the learning experience and help better prepare our students for successful careers in the industry.”

The Conestoga program is considered one of the leading programs of its kind. Graduates from the program are working for utilities across the province, including WNH. Currently, nine Conestoga Powerline Technician graduates are employed by WNH as powerline maintainers or apprentice powerline maintainers.

For more information on WNH’s work in the community, please visit www.wnhydro.com/community. For information on Conestoga College, visit www.conestogac.on.ca

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • Federal Investment to Add 989 New Montreal Homes

    Federal Investment to Add 989 New Montreal Homes

    November 18, 2024 The federal government is providing nearly $364 million to help build 989 new homes in Montreal. The announcement took place at 5200 rue de la Savane, in Montreal, which received $100 million dollars through the Apartment Loan Construction Program (ACLP) to build 303 homes and will be operated by Olymbec. This rental building, named Lynk, is designed to… Read More…

  • ABB and NIEDAX Group Announce Completion of Joint Venture with the Formation of Abnex Inc.

    ABB and NIEDAX Group Announce Completion of Joint Venture with the Formation of Abnex Inc.

    November 18, 2024 ABB completed the previously announced 50/50 joint venture with Niedax Group. The Abnex Inc. joint venture (JV) will broaden solutions and advance opportunities in the rapidly growing North American cable management market. Integrating engineering and manufacturing capabilities of ABB’s Installation Products Division with Niedax Group will enable the newly formed company to deliver a… Read More…

  • Ontario Building More Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

    Ontario Building More Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

    November 18, 2024 The Ontario government is building over 1,300 new electric vehicle (EV) charging ports in small and medium-sized communities, marking a major milestone in the province’s plan to increase access to EV chargers outside of large urban centres and support the electrification of transportation across the province. As the province continues to see… Read More…

  • Ontario Investing Over $74 Million Through Next Round of Skills Development Fund Capital Stream

    Ontario Investing Over $74 Million Through Next Round of Skills Development Fund Capital Stream

    November 18, 2024 The Ontario government is launching the second round of its Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream starting November 29, with over $74 million in available funding to build, expand and retrofit training facilities for workers in the trades, including construction, manufacturing technology and health care. The government is also investing nearly $5 million from the first… Read More…