Partnership in Action: UOIT and Ontario Power Generation
March 4, 2011
Only weeks after the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) formally renewed its long-standing collaborative partnership with Ontario Power Generation (OPG), UOIT hosted nearly 200 employees from OPG's training organization for two special training sessions.
"Continuing training is a key component of our investment in employee excellence and our commitment to on-the-job preparedness," said Greg Cornett, manager, Training Programs, OPG, and member of the UOIT-OPG Partnership Committee. "Holding these important sessions at UOIT is a natural fit with OPG's strong presence in the communities of Durham Region and ongoing support of the effective education, training and development of employees for the Canadian nuclear sector."
At the start of the training sessions, the OPG employees met with Pierre Tremblay, senior vice-president, Nuclear Programs and Training, OPG and Peter Tarren, director, Nuclear Training, OPG.
"Nuclear trainers attend workshops annually as part of their professional development to enhance training delivery techniques, build upon technical knowledge and to share their experience with colleagues," added Cornett. "Topics held this year included millennial learning styles, platform skills, coaching and classroom communication techniques."
OPG employees also heard a presentation on the wide range of opportunities in graduate studies and continuing education offered at UOIT from Dr. Lorayne Robertson, lecturer/director of the Bachelor of Education in UOIT's Faculty of Education.
"UOIT is delighted to be hosting these training sessions for OPG employees," said Dr. George Bereznai, dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and the Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science. "As they go through their seminars, OPG workers get to spend time on our campus and learn a bit more about what we offer at UOIT, including opportunities for graduate studies."
Last November, UOIT and OPG announced the next phase of their partnership. The partnership, which also includes Durham College, was originally formed in November 2005, just two years after UOIT first opened its doors to students. Since then, OPG has provided invaluable support to UOIT, in particular to the programs and facilities offered by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science along with the Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science.
OPG's investment in UOIT supports program development that will provide highly-educated graduates to work in engineering, maintenance and operations positions at OPG's nuclear generating stations; student support in the form of scholarships and bursaries; and the creation of special training mock-up and display equipment to enhance students' learning experience and augment classroom training.About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.
