Scholarship Donor - AIT

Donor Since: 2008
Number of Scholarships: 3
Websites: Wirtanen Electric Training Foundation
Scholarship Information: Wirtanen Family Holdings Ltd. Scholarship (3)

History:
Ernest W. Wirtanen, Founder and President of Wirtanen Electric Ltd., wanted to put something back into the industry and community.

The Wirtanen Electric Training Foundation was established in 2001, to enable unemployed and underemployed Albertans to receive sufficient training to be employed as Apprentice Electricians.

This Pre-Apprentice Electrical Course focuses on teaching electrical practices for both residential and commercial applications. Students learn Electrical Code and Theory, as well as having many hours of experience in the Lab wiring circuits and using meters. An emphasis is placed on hands-on learning and safety practices. After the successful completion of the 8-week / 320 hour program, the student is prepared to enter the work force. The employer will indenture the student as an Apprentice.

Since its inception, the Foundation has trained nearly 300 students, who have been employed in the Electrical Industry.

The school is named "The George Wirtanen School" in memory of the late George Wirtanen, former president of Wirtanen Electric Ltd.