New campus Boiler Lab completed at Durham College

WHITBY, ONT.—Durham College and Ontario Power Generation (OPG) have announced the recent completion of the college’s first Boiler Lab in Whitby, Ont.

Training in the Boiler Lab will be part of Mechanical Technician – Millwright and Power Engineering Technician — Fourth Class programs offered at the college, said a Jan. 25 release.

Funded by the college and OPG, the new Boiler Lab is intended to ensure graduates gain “real-world experience and knowledge from hands-on learning in an actual, operating boiler-room setting,” the release stated.

“Skilled trade professionals are in high demand and are needed to successfully complete OPG’s Darlington Refurbishment Project. Our partnership with Durham College is essential in providing current and future staffing needs. The Boiler Lab is the type of training facility that is a must for meeting demand,” said Jeff Lyash, OPG president and CEO, in the statement.

“The partnership between the college and OPG is a great example of industry and post-secondary coming together to deliver training and demonstrates what is possible as a result of these types of agreements,” said Don Lovisa, president of Durham College.

“OPG identified a need and through hands-on learning in the Boiler Lab, Durham College is meeting it. For our students this means they are graduating with the experience required to easily transition into their careers, helping ensure the future viability of the skilled trades.”