On March 23, Cambrian College and the Electrical and Utilities Safety Association of Ontario signed an agreement that will form the basis for the development of a Powerline Technician program at Cambrian College. The program, which is slated to begin September 2006, will provide graduates with the broad-based education required for work in the diverse activities associated with all aspects of the transmission and distribution electrical section. Students in the program will be registered as Powerline Technician apprentices with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Apprenticeship Branch. They will complete the Powerline program curriculum through Cambrian College and receive "in-school" apprenticeship training from the Electrical and Utilities Safety Association. Upon graduation, students will receive a Powerline Technician diploma and be well on their way to becoming journeyperson in the trade.

“This agreement represents a significant collaboration between government, suppliers, industry and education in order to train young people coming into the trade. We are proud to be partnering with Cambrian.” Ted Vandevis, President and CEO, Electrical and Utilities Safety Association of Ontario.

“Through this new program, Cambrian is demonstrating its commitment to delivering educational programs that will enable industry to counteract the looming shortage of skilled tradespeople. At the same time, we are ensuring that Cambrian’s graduates will be able to tap into some awesome job opportunities.” Sylvia Barnard