ALGONQUIN COLLEGE
Algonquin College's ACCE Networking Event returns for seventh year

On Wednesday, Feb. 12, Algonquin College's Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE) hosted more than 50 industry partners for the seventh annual ACCE Networking Event.

Approximately 400 students had the valuable opportunity to meet, chat and pitch themselves to some of the most notable employers in the region, ranging from Hydro Ottawa and Thomas Cavanagh Construction Ltd. to Stantec Inc. and the DeWalt Industrial Tool Company. Past iterations of this event have helped ACCE students find exciting work opportunities straight out of graduation, leading to valuable work experience.

"This signature event is a passion project that demonstrates our strong focus on not just ensuring our students have the right skillsets sought by employers, but actually supporting them in gaining employment," said ACCE Interim Dean Maggie Cusson.

The ACCE Networking Event is a student initiative and has been led by learners since its inception. The event features booth spaces for industry partners to set up promotional materials and demonstrations to showcase their business for all attendees. Students are encouraged to bring resumes, network and pitch themselves to build connections within their industry.  

"This event originally started out super small with only a handful of industry partners and students and has grown into the event most people know it as today," said Paige Harrison, one of the student founders of the Networking Event. "As a student, thinking about graduating and what you want to do for the rest of your life can be intimidating, but meeting like-minded people in an easygoing and friendly environment aids in helping that transition."

This year's event was again sponsored by RBC, who provided funding that was used for refreshments and tech support, among other things. Additionally, a number of items were donated to the event to serve as giveaways, ranging from power tools to gift baskets.

"What I love about this event is that it attracts everybody from current students to alumni, anybody and everybody who went to the College has the opportunity to come here and meet and greet companies that are proactively looking for Algonquin kids to come and work for us," said Shawn Turcotte, vice president of construction at Thomas Cavanagh Construction Ltd. "This gives an opportunity for all of them to come through, have some general conversations and for us to get to know them face to face. I think it's a wonderful event."