On Thursday, May 7, students in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Construction program at Toronto Catholic District School Board’s St. Oscar Romero Catholic Secondary School had the unique opportunity to participate in the first-ever Sector Partnered Experience (SPE) hosted by Enbridge Gas at its Operations Centre in Markham.
Enbridge Gas is part of a network of North American natural gas utilities that provides safe, affordable, and reliable energy to more than 7.1 million customers across Canada and the United States. The company is also committed to lowering operating emissions, supporting customers, and developing innovative energy solutions for the future.
During the visit, students toured the site and explored Enbridge Gas’ Training Academy Facility. Opened in 2012, the 105,000-square-foot LEED Gold-certified training hub features a 1.5-acre “streetscape” designed to provide realistic field, safety, and emergency response training. The facility serves as a central training location for employees across Ontario, combining practical hands-on learning with traditional classroom instruction.
Following the tour, students participated in a panel discussion with industry professionals who shared their educational and career journeys while answering student questions. It was an insightful experience for students to learn about the wide range of pathways represented, including apprenticeship training, business studies, education, engineering, legal studies, and political science. Special thanks to Christopher Fabbri, Tyler Whittock, David Zazai, and Alex Heuton for sharing their expertise and advice.
After a networking lunch, students worked collaboratively in groups to tackle a series of Sector Partnered Experience challenge scenarios. Topics included Damage Prevention, Public Awareness, Training the Future Workforce, Construction in a Crowded City, and Reducing Emissions through Net Zero initiatives by 2050. Students demonstrated creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills as they developed solutions that were praised by Enbridge staff.
This enriching learning opportunity would not have been possible without the support and coordination of the Enbridge planning team, including Stephanie Lovering, Jeff Easby, Doug Christie, and Luanda Campbell. St. Oscar Romero extends its sincere appreciation for their partnership, generosity, and hospitality in creating such a meaningful experience for SHSM students. The school looks forward to continuing this partnership and providing future opportunities for students in the years ahead.
