OHMPA presents Roads Scholars Award to Fleming students
Fleming College Frost Campus students, James Hill and Ryan Wilbee, received the Ontario Hot Mix Producers Association’s Roads Scholar Award, at its annual Spring Operations Seminar, held in conjunction with the National Heavy Equipment Show at the International Centre in Toronto on April 18. More than 100 people attended the seminar.
“The Roads Scholar program was developed through OHMPA’s Plant and Paving Committee and is an initiative that we hope will help to better engage and educate young people about the industry as they are making career choices,” said Mike Deckert, Chairman of the OHMPA’s Plant and Paving Committee and Vice President of FLO Components. “We are extremely pleased at the number of colleges and students that were interested in the program. This is an excellent opportunity for the students to learn more about the industry and network with industry leaders.”
Colleges selected students who displayed exemplary leadership in their respective programs and who expressed interest in the asphalt paving industry. The students attended the Spring Operations Seminar and the National Heavy Equipment Show for free. Students Travis Charter and Jonathan Shuster of Conestoga College and Scott Hoddy and Darren Ellis of Georgian College were also recipients of the first annual Roads Scholars award.
“I learned a lot about health safety on the job and how that needs to be at the forefront of any project or company – or you won’t be in business for too long,” said Mr. Hill, referring to the Ministry of Labour Provincial Coordinator Michael Chappell’s presentation on safety.
Other students, including Mr. Wilbee commented on the unique networking opportunity the seminar provided.
“I’m getting into the construction sector as a second career, and I’m impressed with the calibre of speakers and industry leaders I’ve gotten to talk with,” said Mr. Wilbee. “Attending the seminar has helped me to know what to expect when I enter the job market.”
Preparing young people with the right skills and opportunities is vital in keeping the industry strong according to Colin Burpee, OHMPA President and General Manager at Aecon Construction and Materials Ltd.
“OHMPA is very proud to partner with the Ontario colleges to help promote our industry to the new graduates. Attracting young talented individuals to our industry is vital to ensuring a strong future,” said Mr. Burpee.
“One such example that hits close to home for me is Darren Ellis who proved himself on a co-op term at Aecon and has since been hired full time because of his strong performance. That is just one example about what can happen when these partnerships are formed and the opportunities created for both student and employer.”
Formed in 1974, the Ontario Hot Mix Producers Association (OHMPA) is the authoritative voice for the provincial asphalt producing industry. OHMPA is dedicated to excellence in asphalt paving. To learn more, visit www.ohmpa.org.
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For more information, please contact Abigail Wright,
Director of Marketing & Communications, OHMPA
P. 905-507-3707 x106 C. 647-991-4899 E. abbi@ohmpa.org