Algonquin College has announced a significant boost in electric vehicle (EV) training through a generous donation from Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. The company donated a new Ford Mustang Mach-E, valued at approximately $60,000 CAD, to enhance hands-on learning in automotive programs.
Ford Mustang Mach-E Donation
This state-of-the-art electric vehicle will be a vital resource for students in the Automotive Service Technician and Motive Power Technician programs. Learners will gain practical experience with advanced EV technology, essential for their future careers in the automotive industry.
Importance of Electric Vehicle Training
Ontario’s automotive education is evolving. A new province-wide curriculum focusing on EV training is set to be implemented soon. As electric vehicle adoption grows, Algonquin College aims to train automotive professionals who can meet the industry’s changing demands.
Key Contributors
The donation ceremony was attended by several key individuals:
- David Young – Service Manager, Barrhaven Ford
- Jeffery Newson – Coordinator, Algonquin College
- Katherine Root – Dean, Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence
- Mistalyn Seguin – Director of Philanthropy, Algonquin College
- “Stuntman Stu” Schwartz – Spokesperson, Barrhaven Ford
- Shaun Barr – Chair, Apprenticeship Training, Automotive and Mechanical Trades, Algonquin College
- Mark Bonneau – General Manager, Barrhaven Ford
- Tyler Stack – EV Specialist, Barrhaven Ford
- Anthony Van Volkenburg – EV Sales Product Manager, Barrhaven Ford
- David Dhungana – General Sales Manager, Barrhaven Ford
Commitment to Future Competitions
In addition to the EV donation, Ford of Canada will sponsor Algonquin College’s automotive team for the upcoming 2026 Skills Ontario Competition in Toronto. This sponsorship complements the college’s history of success in previous competitions, where students secured four medals, including a gold in Auto Service Technology.
Support for Local Education
Algonquin College acknowledges the essential support from industry partners like Ford of Canada. Katherine Root emphasized the importance of maintaining relevant and up-to-date training programs. She noted that such partnerships are crucial for equipping students with the necessary skills to excel in the automotive field.
As electric vehicle technology continues to develop, collaborations like these help drive innovation and prepare future leaders in the automotive industry throughout the National Capital Region and beyond.
