THUNDER BAY – Confederation College students in the environmental technician program were treated to a two-day hands-on training session with a well-established organization in the water treatment sector.
Representatives from Walkerton Clean Water Centre were brought to the college to meet with students and give them a hands-on lesson on water treatment to forge a partnership between the college and the centre.
Students were given the chance to gain experience with the scaled-down water plant at the college as well as attend lectures from industry professionals.
Souleymane Ndiongue, manager of research and technology for Walkerton Clean Water Centre, said the students were very excited to take part.
“This is really important because it prepares them as future potential drinking water operators,” he said.
"The equipment here is the instrument they use in full-scale drinking water plants.”
Rorik Shron, who is graduating the environmental technician program this year, said being able to meet and learn from industry professionals has been extremely valuable to his education.
“I think it’s super important and I actually think it’s one of the best things about the college in particular,” he said.
“All of the professors have this real-world experience. They come into it knowing how the real side of business operates and they know exactly what information you need to be successful when you go out there yourself.”
