CHEC and Hydro Ottawa Sign Training Services Agreement

Industry specific training and Powerline Technician Apprenticeship Program available to CHEC LDCs in Eastern Ontario for the first time

November 16, 2017 Brockville, ON – Cornerstone Hydro Electric Concepts (CHEC) is pleased to announce the signing of a Training Services Agreement with Hydro Ottawa. The extensive selection of courses with a utility focus and Hydro Ottawa’s Training Delivery Agent (TDA) status provided CHEC with an opportunity for its member Local Distribution Companies (LDCs), particularly those located in Eastern Ontario, to procure a new range of training and education services.

“Hydro Ottawa’s development of external training programs coincided with CHEC’s initiative to make training opportunities more accessible for our LDCs in the Eastern part of the province,” said CHEC COO, Gord Eamer. “With experienced trainers and reduced travel times, these training services will provide significant resources to ensure our LDCs’ staff receives the training they need.”

In partnership with Algonquin College, Hydro Ottawa recently received TDA status from the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development.  This partnership allows Powerline Technician Apprenticeship training and certification to take place for the first time in Eastern Ontario, and further enhances Hydro Ottawa’s existing partnership with Algonquin College in the design and delivery of a two-year Powerline Technician Diploma Program.

“We’re proud to be able to offer Powerline Technician Apprenticeship training and certification for the first time in Eastern Ontario,” said Lyne Parent-Garvey, Chief Human Resources Officer at Hydro Ottawa.

In addition to this training and certification, Hydro Ottawa offers a range of courses that are designed to provide industry-specific training at all levels of the utility organization, such as:

  • Safety and Trades Training;
  • Professional Development Offerings; and
  • Management and Leadership Development.

“Training requirements continue to increase in our industry and we’re excited to be able to offer these services to other LDCs,” says Parent-Garvey.

Eastern Ontario CHEC LDCs are within close driving distance of Ottawa where Hydro Ottawa is located. This will reduce the amount of travel time and better accommodate staff scheduling for training. With less travel time, staff is available to their LDC in case of an emergency, and equally importantly, can return home to their families in the evening. Training opportunities are available for the centrally located CHEC LDCs through E-modules and classroom learning.

“Collaboration is central to our organization and this agreement is another example of how beneficial working together can be for all parties involved,” said Eamer. “We were able to provide Hydro Ottawa with a group of LDCs that need the courses they are delivering, and Hydro Ottawa provides the utility specific, highly skilled instruction that our members need.”

ABOUT CHEC

CHEC is a collaborative association for 17 small Local Distribution Companies in Ontario. By sharing experience, knowledge and resources CHEC helps its LDCs remain as active members of their communities and provide safe, efficient, and cost effective electricity distribution to their customers.  The current members of CHEC are Centre Wellington Hydro, Collus PowerStream, Grimsby Power, InnPower, Lakefront Utilities, Lakeland Power, Midland PUC, Niagara-on-the-Lake Hydro, Orangeville Hydro, Orillia Power, Ottawa River Power, Renfrew Hydro, Rideau St. Lawrence Distribution, Tillsonburg Hydro, Wasaga Distribution, Wellington North Power, and West Coast Huron Energy Inc.

ABOUT HYDRO OTTAWA

Hydro Ottawa delivers electricity to more than 328,000 homes and businesses in Ottawa and Casselman. For 100 years, Hydro Ottawa has reliably supplied its customers with power, building and investing in the local electric grid. Proudly municipally owned, Hydro Ottawa contributes to the well-being of the community we serve. Its innovative services help customers manage their account and energy use.