Features
New energy management co-op program to drive cost reductions for local businesses

Partners in Project Green is helping to green the minds of Toronto’s future workforce in an unique co-op program set to bring an eco-advantage for both students and employers in the Pearson Eco-Business Zone.

The program leverages existing engineering and engineering technology co-op programs offered by Seneca College, Humber College, and University of Waterloo, and adds to it a more comprehensive, reciprocal learning program to help businesses identify and implement energy reduction opportunities. The program includes monthly workshops for students and employers, as well as ongoing mentoring from an energy efficiency expert who will provide guidance to the student by discussing specific challenges, ideas, and help review plans while building the student’s progress throughout the work term.

"We’re excited to bring a new dimension to co-operative education that involves bringing industry leaders, businesses interested in greening their bottom line, and students together to identify potential eco-business opportunities,” said Brian Denney, CAO, Toronto and Region Conservation. “The Energy Management Program adds value to a student’s experience to strengthen the green industry work force. In return businesses will benefit by working with the student to focus on greening their operations.”

The Energy Management Co-op Program is tailored for the manufacturing, food processing and logistics industries. TRCA will coordinate the delivery of the program and promote it through Partners in Project Green initiatives where there are currently more than 200 businesses participating. The hiring and matching process is in progress with the first co-op term to begin in May 2010.

For more information on how to hire a student and take advantage of this unique training experience contact Dennis Braun at (416) 661-6600 ext. 5594 or email dbraun@trca.on.ca. You can view the program outline at www.partnersinprojectgreen.com/energycoop.

February 24, 2010  By Chris Rickett