Cream of the Crop

Gerrie Electric and Mohawk College havebeen partners for 25 years, but it wasn’t until the company was selected to take part inthe Future Ready Premium Employer Program that co-CEO Elaine Gerrie realized “just what a powerful relationship we’ve had.”

Close to 40 employees are Mohawk alumni, Gerrie has four Mohawk co-op students at any one time in various divisions, and the company providesan annual scholarship. Gerrie Project Managers judge capstone projects, the company contributes equipment to college labs, and it supports women- in-trades events and mentorship programs.

As well, employees sit on program advisory committees and have helped to develop programs and curriculum.

“There are so many amazing touchpoints that we have to a great school. Mohawk is so innovative, and this program is getting the word out that the college is not just a teaching institution but is bridging the gap to careers.”

The Burlington-based electrical and automation distribution company is among 10 local companies in the first cohort of the program, which also includes ArcelorMittal Dofasco, City of Hamilton, Hamilton Health Sciences, IBM, KF Aerospace, L3HARRIS, Stelco, Thrive Group and Walters Inc.

Each has a longstanding, deep and multidimensionalrelationship with the college, says Jim Vanderveken, Dean of Centre for Community Partnerships and Experiential Learning.

“We are focused on advancing each of these partnerships and growing them over the long term so that our partners are fully invested in the success of the college and our students.”

Mohawk is leading the way when it comes to strategizing around stimulating and accelerating deeper employer relationships, says Paul Armstrong, Chief Operating Officer.

“No other postsecondary institution is engaging partners with so much intention. We are tying this in with our job-ready guarantee for students. Everything that we can offer our students improves when we deepen our relationships with employers.”

Premium employers identify strategic connections and yearly goals for their partnership and together with Mohawk, create work plans to achieve them. Goals could include offering more experiential learning opportunities, expanding applied research or contributing more leadership to the college.

The Future Ready Premium Employer Program offers students new learning modules to support career development, early exposure to significant employers in the region, new experiential learning and applied research opportunities, andopportunities to explore company-specific jobs prior to graduation.

“The openness and innovative approach along with the drive to partner is exceptional at Mohawk and it’s all for the benefit of students and the economy,” said Gerrie.

“We are so hungry for talent and are confident in the students that come from Mohawk.”

To learn more about Mohawk's partnering opportunies visit https://www.mohawkcollege.ca/industry-and-employers

Above Image: Elaine Gerrie, co-CEO Gerrie Electric, and Ron McKerlie, President,Mohawk College.