Windsor students get inside look at booming clean-tech sector

High school students throughout the Windsor region are getting a close look at the inner workings of the rapidly growing clean technology sector.

A week-long program launched this week by WEtechAlliancewill allow 30 students to get a feel for the types of jobs available to them by visiting workplaces at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Union Gas.

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Not many people get a glimpse inside these shops, explainedYvonnePilon, president and CEO ofWEtechAlliance.

"The opportunity they are getting is very unique," she said.

In order to get a better understanding of products and services that reduce negative environmental impacts, students will tour theResearch and DevelopmentCentre at FCA and the GLIERFreshwater Ecology Restoration Centre.

In Canada, there are 55,000 people employed in the industry at more than 800 companies.

"Its introducing people to an industry they are not aware of, the challenges and opportunities that exist in our community," Pilon said. "If it sparks them to think differently about a career choice ... that alone will be a big success for us."

Marcus Deans is going into Grade 11 at Acadamie Ste. Cecile International School. He applied for the course because he is hoping to open is own company one day.

"This is really something I wanted to learn more about and see everything that is being done in our area in this sector," he said. "I really just want to learn more, do something super interesting.

Claire Murphy's teacher was the one who suggested shesign up for the program. Headinginto Grade 12 at Ecole E.J. Lajeunesse, she is part of the robotics team at school and is interested in pursuing a career in engineering.

"I really hope to create relationships and hopefully expand my horizons as well as learn about this entrepreneurship opportunity as well as this huge, huge sector that I really want to go into as I am older," said Murphy.

This program is being funded by the provincial government's Ontario 150 fund, which invests money in things like infrastructure, job creation and projects that will improve the quality of life for Canadians.

WEtech Alliance is hosting another program in the fall and is hoping to make this an annual event.