MISTRAS showcases rope access techniques at learning centre open house

The Lake Huron Learning Collaborative in Kincardine held an open house Thursday afternoon, June 7, to allow tours of the place, located in the former Westario Power building, and to celebrate the receipt of the Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce Quality of Life award back in March.

“The goal of this learning centre has always been to improve the lives of our residents and the whole community,” said chairman Larry Kraemer, paying tribute to the partners in this goal, Adult Learning, vpi, Contact North, and the Kinetic Knights robotics team.

He also thanked Ontario Power Generation (OPG) which helps fund the centre, as well as Enbridge, Bruce Telecom, the Power Workers' Union and Fanshawe College.

Kincardine mayor Anne Eadie congratulated the learning collaborative for providing a venue for local residents to continue their life-long learning.

“Not everyone is ready to go on to college after high school,” she said. “It's nice to have the opportunity later on.”

Two bursaries were presented at the event.

The first was from the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW), to Sherry Stade.

The second was an annual bursary from the estate of Jean Marlett, to Dipisha Hamann.

The open house was also an opportunity for MISTRAS, which has just opened a local office in Kincardine, to provide a demonstration of its rope access techniques. MISTRAS Group (NYSE: MG) is a one-source global provider of asset protection solutions for industrial facilities and equipment, spanning inspection, engineering, maintenance, condition-monitoring, and inspection products.

Hanging from ropes in the bay area of the learning centre, MISTRAS rope access managers Max Dugal and Hillary Newkirk completed some rope access maneuvers and then demonstrated a rope-to-rope rescue. Rope access is a new and growing industry technique, a value-added solution designed to provide a safer, quicker, and more cost-effective method of performing at-height work in industrial facilities than traditional access methods.

“Rope access is how we get from point A to point B,” said Dugal. “We use a two-rope system, with a comfort seat rather than a harness because we're usually on a job for six to eight hours.”

He said MISTRAS is encouraging young people to consider an apprenticeship program in rope access.



MISTRAS rope access managers Max Dugal (right) and Hillary Newkirk demonstrate rope access techniques

MISTRAS offers training courses at the learning collaborative for working at-height (July 20 and Sept. 14), and a certified rope access training course Oct. 26, providing a chance for newcomers to start their careers in the growing industry.

There are plenty of job openings all around the world for this skilled workforce. In addition to their growing rope access technician base, MISTRAS’ Canadian offices serve as the company’s Centres of Excellence for Diving/Subsea Inspections and Fall Protection solutions.

“We really want to thank the whole community for the support we’ve received,” said Chris Sullivan, business development manager at MISTRAS. “Since we’re involved in such a wide array of fields, we’re always on the lookout for new talent. As we continue to grow and our classes get under way, we think we have a lot to offer this region's workforce.”