News

Partnerships enhance youth education

May 14, 2010

In a celebration of business and education partnerships, five Renfrew County employers were recognized Tuesday by Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley for their commitment to offering student workplace experiences through co-operative education.

The five employers, Atomic Energy of Canada, Chalk River; Marianhill, Pembroke; Murphy Ford Sales, Pembroke; Valley Automotive, Laurentian Valley Township; and Westburne Ruddy Electric, Pembroke, were chosen by the college and the four district school boards which operate within Renfrew County.

These Employer Leader Award recipients were chosen based on the number of students the employer has supported over the past five years through co-op placements, the quality of the workplace experience, and the number of extra events and activities that the employer had participated in.

Jamie Bramburger, manager of community and student affairs, said this is the college's way to recognize and thank these employers for supporting local high schools and the college for many years by offering opportunities for students, making a real difference in the community as a result.

Karen Davies, dean of Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley, said the evening was a celebration, which recognizes these employers, who do so much for the success of the program.

The awards were part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the Passport to Prosperity program, a provincially-funded initiative to encourage more employers to support high school students make the transition from school to the workplace.

Michelle Lariviere-Ranger, Passport to Prosperity co-ordinator, said there is tremendous co-operation among the district school boards, Algonquin College and local employers and these partnerships have greatly assisted the community integrating young people into the workplace while they are still students.

"You don't have to look any further than the Options Skilled Trades Fair to demonstrate the level of engagement of our local employers in helping students," she said.

"We are coming off one of the most successful Options events we have ever held with more than 250 senior high school students competing in skills competitions and more than 2,000 students in attendance at the show. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our local employers."

More information on the Passport to Prosperity program and the many school-to-work activities that are underway in Renfrew County can be found at www.employerregistry.ca.

This provincial website includes local websites that allow information to be shared about many events within the county, and also acts as a portal for students, parents, teachers and employers who are looking for information on workplace opportunities for students.

Stephen Uhler is a Daily Observer reporter.