CREDIT: FANSHAWE COLLEGE
(From left) Taylor Kelly; Catherine Finlayson; James Monteith; Cathie Auger; Derek Holman; Axel Breuer; Shawn Barber; Mitchell Townsend

The beginning of January brought excitement to the students in Fanshawe College's Centre for Applied Transportation Technologies (CATT) when Hino Motors Canada donated a 2012 Hino 155 COE truck to be used as a new hands-on tool for students in the Truck and Coach Apprenticeship and Motive Power Technician-Diesel programs.

"Today's generous donation will provide our students with the latest technology on which to hone their skills," said Rob Gorrie, chair of the Fanshawe College School of Transportation Technology. "This donation will make it possible for the College to provide the most upto- date training in truck diagnostics and repair."

The new truck donation will help inspire students to continue on their road to job-ready credentials in the trades and technologies that support the transportation industry. In the Truck and Coach Apprenticeship program, students are gearing up to work in fleet maintenance for construction companies, public transit systems or repair operations. The Motive Power Technician program prepares students for employment opportunities with motive power equipment manufacturers, oil companies and vehicle manufacturers and dealers.

Eric Smith, vice president of sales, expressed Hino's excitement about their donation. "Fanshawe students will have an opportunity to learn on a vehicle that incorporates the very latest diesel technology and engine emissions systems. It is encouraging to see that our future is bright with enthusiastic faculty, staff and students who recognize the value of strong technical training in this province."

The vehicle will be housed in the new CATT building, which opened in May 2011.