Bruce Power is pleased to announce a partnership with four Ontario colleges on six diploma programs which will help to ensure a steady flow of qualified candidates for the company’s workforce.

From an August 24 media release, “We want to ensure that people attending college with a goal of employment at Bruce Power as an Operator, Maintainer or Technician have options identified that will help with this goal,” said Chip Horton, Vice President of Nuclear Operations Support Division who is the executive sponsor for establishing these partnerships. “Although we are pleased to announce these partnerships, it is important to note that throughout this selection process Bruce Power was impressed with the excellent programs available at colleges throughout the province for people seeking employment in our industry and graduates from all colleges will continue to be tapped for future employees,” Horton added.

The colleges and programs selected are: Lambton College in Sarnia for the Chemical Production and Power Engineering Technology program, Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technology program and Mechanical Technician Industrial Millwright program; Georgian College in Owen Sound for the Power Engineering Technology program; Georgian College in Barrie for the Electrical Engineering Technology program; St. Clair College in Windsor for the Chemical Laboratory Technology program; and Algonquin College in Pembroke for the Applied Nuclear Science and Radiation Safety program.

Graduates from these six programs, in addition to a college diploma, will eventually be eligible to receive certification under the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program, a standardized certificate program developed to help ensure potential nuclear plant workers study an industry-approved curriculum. Additionally, students in the partner programs will be offered field or cooperative experiences that are consistent with the program description including opportunities at Bruce Power.

These new partnerships are an important addition to our Bruce Power scholarship program that has for the past six years offered $50,000 in scholarships to students pursuing post-secondary education in Bruce, Grey and Huron counties. Students who are enrolled in a skilled-trade program, college or university for the 2016/17 academic year are invited to apply for one of 100, $500 scholarships.

The scholarship program builds on existing commencement awards for Grade 8 and high school graduates, as well as two scholarships for Aboriginal students and demonstrates the company’s commitment to youth development and education. The program’s aim is to reach as many students as possible with a one-time monetary pledge of support during their academic studies.

In 2016, Bruce Power will invest $100,000 in scholarships and commencement awards for students throughout our region.