Cambrian College powerline technician students get more opportunities to train

Aspiring technicians at Sudbury's Cambrian College are revving their engines with the addition of two trucks.

Greater Sudbury Hydro is donating a double-bucket truck and a half ton pick up truck to the school's powerline technical program.

Sudbury Hydro board chair Mark Signoretti said the vehicles are no longer in use by the hydro company. The trucks function just fine, he added, and will provide students with hands-on experience.

"It's a way to give back to the school and it's a vehicle that's no longer viable for commercial use," he said.

"However it's perfectly safe and useful for training purposes."

A brand new double-bucket truck would cost about $300,000, Signoretti noted.

Program co-ordinator Bruce Cowan said the donated vehicles will help students train for the job and save costs on equipment.

"It pretty well doubles their fleet for double-bucket trucks. So, it was a big deal," he said.

"My students have certain qualifications they have to meet every year. So, it just opens more opportunities to practice."

Cambrian College and Sudbury Hydro have been partnering on the powerline program since 2006.