Edmonton, Alberta - Responding to the industry's labour needs, Portage College is adding a Heavy Equipment Technician program to its program offerings. The Heavy Equipment Technician program will be taught out of the College's new Heavy Equipment Training Centre located in Boyle, Alberta.
Wajax Equipment is pleased to announce its partnership and support of the College's initiative with a three year financial donation commitment.
The program is a direct response to industry labour needs. The Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada predicted that the Oil and Gas Industry will hire between 33,000 and 102,000 new workers over the next ten years. One of the many occupations that will be in high demand is Heavy Equipment Technicians. It is forecasted that this occupation will double its current employment numbers by 2020.
There are several factors contributing to the future worker demand. Many baby boomers are entering retirement age of 65, and with a spike in large projects starting up in Northern Alberta, workforce planning is critical for companies hiring the in-demand occupations. A change in technology related to Heavy Equipment Technicians is also contributing to the future labour demands.
"This is an exciting partnership with Portage College," states Brian Dyck, President, Wajax Equipment. "As a company we are looking forward to supporting the program as well as the students in ensuring their career success."
The first period of the Heavy Equipment Technician program is expected to start in September of 2012, with a second period taking place later in the year. The program will take in 12 students, each eight-week period, who will receive industry directed and assisted training from one dedicated instructor. The program will be offering training for first to fourth year apprenticeships.
"Combining the Heavy Equipment Operator and Heavy Equipment Technician offering will strengthen our ability to provide qualified instruction resulting in supplying industry with a highly qualified work force," said Stuart Leitch, Portage College's Community and Industry Training Initiatives (CiTi) Director.
"Industry support is essential when creating an educational training program like this," said Dianna Cook, Director of Development with Portage College. "The companies understand what is needed to ensure a well-rounded, well educated, and trained graduate."
Portage College offers a unique advantage - it is located adjacent to the Alberta Energy Corridor and in the heart of Alberta's oil and gas activity.
About Wajax Equipment:
Wajax Equipment has over 30 full service branch locations in across Canada. Offering sales of new and used units, parts, maintenance, fleet management and training. Please visit wajax.ca/locations for complete branch listings and addresses.
For further information please contact:
Portage College
Felicity Bergman
felicity.bergman@portagecollege.ca
780-623-5548
OR
Wajax Equipment
Marketing
marketing@wajax.com
780-487-6700
