Local businesses are investing in the success of students.
Today, Northern College unveilled a plaque to honour eight businesses and individuals who have made an investment in the Integrated Emergency Services Complex, which opened last year.
“It’s important to have the facilities that we have here at the college for training young people in this different disciplines,” said Michael Cain, Cain Safety Fire Prevention president, adding if students train in the area they are more apt to stay and contribute to the community.
His business did the fire protection for the facility, and are also looking at donating items for their labs.
“I’m born and raised in Timmins and I hope we can get lots of people to come here, be a part of the community after they graduate, and continue to grow,” he said.
Bake sales at the college have also helped outfit the building.
Sharon Jones has been raising money for bursaries and scholarships the last five years at the events.
When she heard the building was being constructed, she inquired about how to contribute.
“They told me what they needed was an information board so the students there aren’t isolated from the main building,” she said.
Along with a TV to share the information, she said she contributed to a printer, photocopier and supply of paper for students.
The next bake sale Jones has planned is in December at the school.
"Post-secondary education is competitive marketplace and students arrive with expectations of being able to learn on the latest technology. With the support of business and community donors, we are able to meet those expectations as part of providing a high quality education," said Fred Gibbons, Northern College president and CEO in a news release. "This all contributes to producing graduates who have this ekills and experience to become highly valued members of the local workforce."
