Siemens Canada donates to new manufacturing program, mentors youth

Sept. 16, 2014 – Siemens Canada and the Halton Learning Foundation have partnered to introduce an educational program to students at Oakville’s Garth Webb Secondary School.

The company has donated $15,000 to support a new “state-of-the-art” Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics program at the high school. In addition, Siemens Canada will provide student mentorship and guided tours of its manufacturing facilities.

The 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 the new Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics program. 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 will volunteer their time to motivate, guide and mentor students at Garth Webb high school. Volunteers will lead grade 11 and 12 career and law classes, providing valuable insights into the working world, and the changing technologies that are shaping the future.

Students will also have an opportunity to visit Siemens’ manufacturing facilities to learn first-hand about the typical work day. The first trip is to Siemens’ wind turbine manufacturing facility in Tillsonburg, Ont. In addition, Garth Webb students will also be invited to Siemens Canada’s head office in Oakville on November 5, Take Our Kids To Work Day.
 
“We are very proud to partner with the Halton Learning Foundation, to foster the development of young people and enhance their educational opportunities,” said Robert Hardt, president and CEO of Siemens Canada. “This program allows us to engage our employees, mentor and encourage our future generation to pursue technology-focused careers.”