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Hydro Ottawa recognized for powerline program with Algonquin

November 27, 2014 | By Anthony Capkun


November 27, 2014 – Congratulations to Hydro Ottawa, which was recognized by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for its “proactive and innovative approach” to training the next generation of powerline technicians.

The Ontario Business Achievement Skills & Training Award is given to a business whose skills and training initiatives “best harness the talent of its people, embrace diversity, and support employee success”. The utility was recognized for its partnership with Algonquin College in the delivery of a two-year Powerline Technician Diploma Program.

“Our partnership with Algonquin College allows us to attract the best and brightest new trade talent while leveraging the skills and experience of our employees to teach the next generation of tradespeople,” said Bryce Conrad, president and CEO, Hydro Ottawa. The utility projects about 42% of its overall workforce could retire by 2023.

Through the partnership, Algonquin provides classroom instruction while Hydro Ottawa delivers hands-on courses in linework, safety and underground systems. 17 students graduated from the first program cohort in 2013, and 40 students graduated from the second in 2014. Over the last two years, Hydro Ottawa has hired 10 Algonquin College graduates into a Powerline Technician apprenticeship.

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