Truck donation benefits next generation of line workers

Second-year Cambrian College powerline technician student Paul Gauthier said he couldn't help being excited when he recently got back from his co-op placement, and checked out the powerline equipment acquired by the college.

Greater Sudbury Utilities recently donated two older vehicles to the program: a bucket truck — the kind you see hydro workers using while doing line work — as well as a pickup truck used to transport equipment.

Thanks to the donation, students now have two bucket trucks, and twice the opportunity to practice their skills, working on the mock electrical field set up on the college's property.

“It's really nice to have a second bucket truck,” Gauthier said. “It gets a lot more of the guys up in the air. We have to share the time in the air. Having another gives us twice the experience, essentially.”

If the college were to purchase the equipment new, it would have cost several hundred thousand dollars.

Greater Sudbury Utilities has partnered with Cambrian's powerline technician program throughout its 10-year history, not only providing equipment, but also giving input on what students should be studying.

The college was the first in the province to offer the program, and utilities now require line worker applicants to have completed the diploma.

About 40 students graduate from Cambrian's program each year.

“This donation allows the college to get the vehicles they need for their program, but in turn, when students come out, there's an opportunity for employment with GSU,” said GSU board chair and Ward 1 Coun. Mark Signoretti.

“It goes hand in hand. It works very well for both parties. You're contributing to their success, and us, for our future success.”

Bruce Cowtan, program co-ordinator of Cambrian's powerline technician program, said he can't say enough about the utility's contributions.

“I always talk about Sudbury Hydro not being a partnership, it's more of a brotherhood,” Cowtan said.

“I pick up the phone, they answer. If I need help with something, they send somebody over. If we need something, they send it over. It's pretty awesome.”

Cambrian College president Bill Best also offered his thanks to Greater Sudbury Utilities.

“It's a recipe for success when you have a partner like Greater Sudbury Hydro involved,” he said.

“Ten years ago they helped design the program. They stayed in touch with our program advisory committee every year. They give us donations. They give us co-ops. They hire our students.

“Like every great partnership, it's a mutually beneficial relationship, and we're just seeing the fruits of that effort here today.”