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Equipment donation to enhance powerline tech program

North Bay Hydro has donated a radial boom derrick to Cambrian College for use by students.
hydro_donation
Students at Cambrian College in Sudbury are celebrating after North Bay Hydro donated a radial boom derrick to the school’s powerline technician program. (Photo supplied)

North Bay Hydro is assisting powerline technician students in Sudbury with the donation of a radial boom derrick (RBD) to Cambrian College.

Radial boom derricks are used in the power, telecommunication and construction industries to drill holes and lift heavy equipment; in particular, they are used to place poles that support much of Northern Ontario’s hydro and telecom grid.

“On this Giving Tuesday, we’re pleased to contribute to an exceptional program that supports our community, our customers, and our business success,” said Paul Ridley, North Bay Hydro’s operations manager, in a release.

“North Bay Hydro and Cambrian’s powerline technician program have an important partnership that extends beyond today’s donation. Together, we’re preparing exceptionally-skilled and safety-conscious apprentices who are forming the next generation of powerline technicians and electricity industry leaders.”

Powerline program coordinator Bruce Cowtan said the gift would make a big difference for students.

“Having a larger fleet means they will have more access to equipment,” he said.

“This particular machine was recently part of North Bay Hydro’s fleet, and because of that, it’s a great asset to our program because you can find RBDs like this one in use all over Ontario.” 

Cambrian College’s two-year powerline technician program prepares students for employment in the power distribution industry.

Since 2006, more than 400 graduates have completed the program, with graduates finding employment with utility companies, engineering firms, contractors, and equipment suppliers. Cambrian’s powerline technician program is the only one of its kind offered in Northern Ontario.