Georgian receives Innovation in HR Practices – Education/Training Award
Dec. 14, 2015
Georgian College was honoured with the Innovation in HR Practices – Education/Training Award at the Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) 10TH anniversary and awards luncheon in Toronto Dec. 9.
A decade ago, an aging workforce and electricity grid were identified as critical to issues in Canada. Both industry and government were called upon to act and, in response, EHRC was established in 2005.
The Innovation in HR Practices – Educational/Training Institution Award was created by EHRC to recognize and celebrate an educational or training institution that has developed or implemented curriculum, or training programs that address the workforce supply needs of the electricity industry.
“EHRC is delighted to see Georgian win this year’s award in this category,” says Michelle Branigan, CEO of EHRC. “They are a great example of how an educational institution can proactively work with a sector to understand the most current needs of employers, and ensure that students are graduating with the skills and competencies required to work in this field. These types of partnership are essential if we are to ensure we have the graduates we need to keep our lights on.”
The award is open to any public or private sector employer across Canada.
“We are honoured to be the recipient of the EHRC Innovation in HR Practices – Educational / Training Institution Award for 2015,”says Kevin Weaver, Dean, Technology and Visual Arts at Georgian. “This award is further endorsement of the strength of Georgian’s Electrical Engineering Technician and Technology programs, applied research, workforce development and energy partnerships.”
Georgian was nominated in recognition of its contribution to the development of a highly skilled and safety oriented workforce for the Canadian electricity sector. Georgian’s partnerships with companies such as Hydro One, PowerStream and Toronto Hydro differentiate the college’s electrical engineering programs and provide students with an industry-relevant learning experience.
Recognizing the demand for a robust electricity sector workforce, Georgian asked Hydro One, PowerStream and Toronto Hydro to support the construction of the Centre for Sustainable Technologies, which opened in 2009. Students and corporate trainees have access to state-of-the-art technology and resources including electrical, automation and robotic labs, geothermal rooms and testing areas.
Within this facility, faculty and students are able to conduct applied research to support innovation within the industry. Faculty and students work with industry partners to identify and solve real-world problems. Projects include the PowerStream electric vehicle charging station, creating a residential power system model for Hydro One to gather data to populate analysis software, and an application to the Canada Foundation for Innovation for a microgrid demonstration project with support from Toronto Hydro and PowerStream.
Georgian students receive valuable hands-on experience with electricity partners who are positioned as employers of choice. So far in 2015, 23 students have had co-op work terms at Hydro One, 17 at Toronto Hydro and 17 at PowerStream.
Georgian also knows the importance of lifelong learning. Part-time programs were developed for electricity sector employees to continue advancing their skills, including Powerful Leadership, Protection and Control, Advanced Protection and Control, and Real-Time Automation Controller/Remote Terminal Unit. To date, 242 Toronto Hydro employees have taken these courses. In the fall of 2016 Georgian will introduce a six-course Electrical Utility certificate of achievement.
Branigan added that Georgian also focuses on diversity and encourages women to enter the skilled trades.
“They constantly reach out to high schools students and the Aboriginal community to heighten awareness of the career opportunities in the sector,” says Branigan.