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Success Stories

Waterloo

First Hardware Technician Apprentice sign-up!

Hardware Technician

Over the past year, Conestoga Waterloo Campus Job Connect Program worked with CAPTEC Americas Inc. in Kitchener to support an apprentice role for a Hardware Technician. This was a first for both the College and the Apprenticeship Branch of MTCU. Never before had MTCU signed on a registered apprentice in this field, stated Gilbert Boileau, Apprenticeship Consultant.

While "Information Technology Hardware Technician" has been designated as an apprenticeship in Ontario for some time, IT firms prefer to hire through the traditional method of recruiting that is, hiring someone with the "education and knowledge to do the job". Not so for CAPTEC Americas Inc., whose Head Office is located in Great Britain. CAPTEC is a global supplier of rugged industrial computer systems who design, manufacture and supply best value industrial computers that can withstand demanding, extreme , hostile conditions, while remaining completely reliable. Using extensive in-house facilities and design capabilities, they have been delivering individually tailored solutions that meet their customers specific requirements for over 20 years.

Originally from Great Britain, Joe Phelps, Technical Operations Manager and Andrew Nightengale, Purchasing Manager, started the Kitchener division in Feb 2006. Hiring an apprentice just seemed the natural way to proceed following the success of similar schemes in the UK that led to the company being awarded the prestigious "Investors in People Accreditation". Joe Phelps stated "Having completed a similar scheme some 12 years ago myself in the UK, I can see first hand the benefit of such schemes for both the company and the employee. The key is to have the right attitude and work ethic. If these attributes are in place then Captec is a company that can present great opportunities".

And just who is that fortunate young man who was in the right place with the right people? Meet Mark Cairns, Apprentice Hardware Technician. Believe or not, Mark had limited computer knowledge and experience before joining Captec. He had worked in a call centre and demonstrated excellent customer service and interpersonal skills. He brought an excellent work ethic, positive attitude, showed initiative, and a willingness to learning. Mark has been working with CAPTEC since the middle of August 2008. Over this time, he has gained a basic knowledge of computer components and become a valued member of the team. Mark states, I went from knowing nothing to feeling comfortable that I now possess a basic knowledge of components and Industrial Computers. Mark couldn’t be happier; he is doing something he loves in a career that is sure to take him places! With some 6420 hours required to complete his apprenticeship, Mark has his work cut out for him! We wish him every success and thank CAPTEC for their support.

Our participation with the Job Connect Program has been a very rewarding experience, both for our organization and the employees. The on-going support we received from the Job Connect staff was exceptional, from the initial consultation and throughout the training period.

For an organization such as the Humane Society who is so dependent on the public for support, it has given us the opportunity to give back to our community by providing employment opportunities.

We highly recommend this program to other employers.

- Jenn Toof, Animal Care Co-ordinator,
Kitchener Waterloo Human Society


I have owned and operated Le Salon since 1991. In the last 16 years I have been able to train and employ many hairstylist apprentices. Thanks to the Job Connect Program at Conestoga College for making this possible. They are very supportive and friendly in their assistance with the program.

- Angie Deleo, Owner
Le Salon

We are proud to have had the opportunity of working with the Job Connect Program. The support for and information provided to our young Truck and Coach apprentices has proven to be tremendously helpful. Having the support of the Job Connect staff provided a personal touch, and offered added encouragement to the apprentices as they worked through their initial training. By setting out objectives through the training plan, they have taken more pride in their work and exhibited greater interest in achieving their career goals.

I highly recommend this program to all employers.

- Glenn Gingrich, Service Manager
Elmira Truck Service Limited

To learn more about our site servicing the Waterloo region, visit our website or contact Pamela Jadischke at 519-885-0300 ext. 223 or by email at pjadischke@conestogac.on.ca

Stratford

Over the years, Vincent Farm Equipment has, with the assistance of Job Connect, provided many apprenticeships in farm equipment and repair at the Seaforth and Exeter locations. Currently, there are two apprentices at the Seaforth location and two at the Exeter location.

- Bryan Vincent, Owner
Vincent Farm Equipment

Job Connect promotes self-worth and creates opportunities for job seekers of all ages.

- Carolyn Merrit, Owner
Bailey's Restaurant

Job Connect is a valuable program which greatly benefits both the employee and employer. The employee is granted an opportunity to learn new skills, usually in a competitive field, while the employer benefits with the addition of a motivated team member and monetary incentive from our government to provide on-site hands-on training.

- Danielle Brodhagen, General Manager
Foster's Inn, Stratford

For more information about our location servicing Stratford, Perth and Huron County, please visit our website or contact :


Guelph/Fergus/W.County

Williams Decorating Story

The Conestoga Job Connect Program worked with Williams Decorating & Benjamin Moore to create a winning situation for our candidate and our business. The ongoing communication and support was detailed, positive and very much in keeping with the team approach we strive to maintain. We look forward to continuing with the program.

- Lynn Dowling, Partner and Colour Consultant
Williams Decorating & Benjamin Moore

Josh has been a great addition to the Greencor Electric team and we are looking forward to watching him grow as an electrician. We highly recommend the Job Connect Program to other employers.

Rob Green
Greencor Electric Inc.

Alex's Restaurant

During the past three years, I have worked in co-operation with Conestoga College in Fergus and have always been very satisfied with both the support received and the professional and courteous manner of the staff. Conestoga College is a great service to the community and I would not hesitate to recommend it .

- Alex Sgroi, Chef
Alex's Restaurant

For more information and to speak with an Employment training consultant please visit our website or contact: