Sault College diesels ahead on rail training program

Sault College's new rail training program will start in September, 2004.

The four-semester Signals and Communications Maintainer/Wireman Mechanic program has been developed using a curriculum developed by the Railway Association of Canada, Keith Heller, CN's senior vice president for Eastern Canada, told Sault dignitaries yesterday.

Heller (shown) said that CN needs new signals and communications workers and Northern Ontario is a crucial part of the railroad's communications infrastructure.

The Sault's geographic location is a good fit with CN's network, which includes rail lines in both Eastern and Western Canada as well as in the United States.

The two-year program will share a common first year with Sault College's existing electronic/electrical engineering technician/technology programs.

Students enrolled in those programs will qualify for direct entry into the new rail program's second year.

About 20 to 25 first-year students are expected to make up the initial first-year class, and as many as 10 electronic/electrical students may transfer next fall into the rail program's second year.

Subject to business conditions, CN has committed to hire five graduates from the program each year for the next five years.

Other rail operators are expected to have similar opportunities.

Sault College will dedicate about 1,200 square feet of space in its existing B wing for the new program.

CN is donating specialized rail equipment to be used in teaching.

The following announcement was jointly issued by Sault College and CN:

**************************************************************** Rail training program to start in 2004

A new diploma program designed to prepare students for work in Canada’s rail industry will start at Sault College next year.

Senior officials from CN and Sault College today announced a partnership to launch a two-year Signals and Communications Maintainer/Wireman Mechanic program in September 2004.

CN is donating a significant amount of specialized rail equipment to support instruction.

In addition, CN representatives will serve on the program’s advisory committee and participate in a working group preparing dedicated lab facilities for training at Sault College.

Following a curriculum developed by the Railway Association of Canada, students will learn electronics and signals communications theory applied to rail systems.

More specifically, registrants will gain the skills and knowledge required to maintain and repair power supplies, relays, track circuits, switches, signals, and communications systems.

"CN's demographics show a need for new signals and communications workers," said Keith L. Heller, CN's Senior Vice-President, Eastern Canada Region.

"Northern Ontario is a vital area for CN's communications network. Moreover, the location of Sault College in the railway's Eastern Canada Region, along with proximity to its Western Canada and U.S. operations, serves CN well.

"CN also sought a college that is attuned to Northern people, weather, and working conditions. CN knows Sault College attracts students who enjoy working in the North. In addition, CN has a tradition of investing in communities where it runs its business."

The four-semester Signals and Communications program’s content parallels Sault College's longstanding electronic/electrical engineering technician/technology programs. In fact, the new and existing programs will share a common first year.

As a result, students currently enroled in first-year electronic/electrical studies will qualify for direct entry into the rail program’s second year in the fall 2004 semester. Students who pursue this option will graduate in the spring of 2005.

New entrants beginning the Signals and Communications program next fall will complete studies in the spring of 2006.

"Sault College is honoured and excited to be partnering with an international rail leader of CN’s magnitude and reputation," said Sault College President Dr. Timothy Meyer.

"CN is making major commitments to the success of the program and career opportunities for young people. We look forward to preparing highly skilled graduates for careers with CN and other railways in Ontario and Canada."

Meyer said the introduction of rail training at Sault College results directly from the active support of Sault Member of Parliament Carmen Provenzano and FedNor.

"Mr. Provenzano first identified the concept of training at Sault College and worked closely with us to pursue it," Meyer said.

"Then, financial support from FedNor allowed the college to develop a business plan to secure training status through the Railway Association of Canada. That, in turn, allowed us to develop a partnership agreement with CN."

Meyer said plans call for 20 to 25 first-year Signals and Communications students in September 2004.

As well, up to 10 currently enroled electronic/electrical students could transfer into the program’s second year next fall.

Sault College will seek Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities approval to gain grant funding status for the program.

Canadian railways will require replacements as large numbers of experienced workers retire during the next five years.

The industry’s needs are described in the "Canadian Railway Human Resources Study" prepared by the Railway Association of Canada with funding support from Human Resources Development Canada.

The association represents some 60 member freight, tourist, commuter, and intercity Canadian railways, playing a major role in promoting the safety, viability, and growth of the railway industry within Canada.

"The proactive approach to future needs demonstrated by CN and the Railway Association of Canada is commendable," said Meyer.

"Workforce planning for any sector of the economy works best when industry, education, and government collaborate, as we are with the training announced today.

"We encourage students and their families to carefully consider the career opportunities available. Students who gain the right skills can anticipate a challenging and very rewarding employment in rail."

More information about the Signals and Communications Maintainer/Wireman/Mechanic program can be obtained by contacting the Sault College Registrar’s Office at 759-6700 or 1-800-461-2260.

****************************************************************