This fall, Siemens Canada introduced an educational program with Halton Learning Foundation. This partnership aligned with Siemens’ goals to foster the development of young people and encourage future technology-related careers. In addition to a $15,000 donation by Siemens, the program provided student mentorship and guided tours of Siemens manufacturing facilities.
"We are very proud to partner with the Halton Learning Foundation, to foster the development of young people and enhance their educational opportunities," stated Robert Hardt, President and CEO of Siemens Canada Limited
Halton Learning Foundation is a charity that enriches educational opportunities and eliminates economic barriers to learning for Halton District School Board students. Siemens’ donation will directly impact students who require additional financial assistance as well as support a new “state-of-the-art” Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics program at Oakville’s Garth Webb Secondary School. Both programs give students the opportunity to specialize, gain qualifications and plan a career path in various areas of the manufacturing sector, while still in high school.
From November, Siemens Canada employees volunteered their time to motivate, guide and mentor students at Garth Webb high school. Volunteers led grade 11 and 12 career and law classes providing valuable insights into the working world, and the changing technologies that are shaping the future.
“Engaging students in technological education programs is one of the most important factors in creating tomorrow’s highly skilled workforce.This generous donation and support by Siemens Canada will go a long way in creating an engaging environment for our students," commented David Lewis, Coordinator, Technological Education and Pathways, New Street Education Centre.
Students will also had an opportunity to visit Siemens’ manufacturing facilities to learn first-hand about the typical work day. The first trip was to Siemens’ wind turbine manufacturing facility in Tillsonburg, Ontario. In addition, Garth Webb students will also were invited to Siemens Canada’s head office in Oakville on November 5th for Take Our Kids To Work Day.
Finally, as part of Siemens Canada’s new educational program, Siemens employees will be on-hand presenting to students from Garth Webb Secondary School on December 9th. Students will have an opportunity to gain a valuable insight into an engineering career and get first-hand insight into the daily lives of a Siemens employee.