ALGONQUIN COLLEGE
Ford of Canada Fuels Electric Vehicle Training at Algonquin College

Algonquin College is thrilled to share that Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. has generously donated a Ford Mustang Mach-E to support learners in our automotive-based programs, particularly Automotive Service Technician and Motive Power Technician. Valued at nearly $60,000 CAD, this electric vehicle (EV) will serve as a key resource for practical demonstrations and hands-on exercises, giving learners direct experience with cutting-edge EV technology.

From left to right: David Young (Service Manager, Barrhaven Ford), Jeffery Newson, Katherine Root (Dean, Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence, Algonquin College), Mistalyn Seguin (Director of Philanthropy, Algonquin College), AC alum "Stuntman Stu" Schwartz (Spokesperson, Barrhaven Ford), Shaun Barr (Chair, Apprenticeship Training, Automotive and Mechanical Trades, Algonquin College), Don Pidgeon (Shop Foreman, Barrhaven Ford), Mark Bonneau (General Manager, Barrhaven Ford), Tyler Stack (EV Specialist, Barrhaven Ford), Anthony Van Volkenburg (EV Sales Product Manager, Barrhaven Ford), and David Dhungana (General Sales Manager, Barrhaven Ford).

Ford of Canada's donation of the Mustang Mach-E comes at a pivotal time, as Ontario is preparing to roll out a new province-wide curriculum in automotive education that includes a significant amount of EV training.

The growth of electric vehicle adoption is helping drive a cleaner, more sustainable economy, and Algonquin College plays a central role in training the region's automotive professionals. The College offers diploma and apprenticeship programs that prepare learners to work in a range of automotive areas, including passenger vehicles, heavy commercial vehicles, and more. Hundreds of learners pass through these programs each year, earning skills and knowledge that accelerate their careers and strengthen local economies.

"There are hundreds of thousands of EVs registered in Ontario, and more are being registered each year," explained Jeffery Newson, Coordinator of Algonquin College's Automotive Service Apprenticeship Programs. "The province looks to our graduates to be fully prepared to service EVs, and we're ready to answer that call. Ford of Canada's donation allows us to develop and deliver course material that helps learners become ready for real-world scenarios and succeed in this rapidly evolving industry."

Additionally, Ford of Canada, through the local dealership Barrhaven Ford, has committed to sponsoring the Algonquin College automotive team in the upcoming 2026 Skills Ontario Competition in Toronto. Automotive learners have excelled in past Skills Ontario competitions, bringing home four medals in three automotive categories, including gold in Auto Service Technology, at last year's event.

"We are deeply grateful for the support of industry partners like Ford of Canada to keep our programs current and relevant," said Katherine Root, Dean of the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE). "Keeping up with the rapid pace of technological innovation requires coordinated action. Providing gifts in kind -- like this modern Ford EV -- and sponsoring our students, that's more than financial support -- it's how we ensure our learners get the training they need to become leaders in their fields."

Algonquin College is proud to partner with Ford of Canada, who has been a generous and committed supporter of our programs. Their investment in our learners help us drive prosperity and innovation in the National Capital Region and beyond.