Fleming College

Peterborough ON – (September 17, 2019) – Fleming College is launching a new Geothermal Systems program in January 2020 that will offer a unique blend of both hands-on training in drilling and installation of the geothermal loop field as well as the installation, repair and maintenance of hydronic systems.

The Geothermal Systems post-graduate program is the first of its kind in North America, and will be hosted at both Fleming’s Frost and Sutherland campuses. The two-semester program will introduce students to the fundamentals of geothermal energy, the heating and cooling energy loads of buildings, and geothermal resources, including geological formations, groundwater, lakes and rivers.  

“We are very pleased to bring the Geothermal Systems program to both our Frost and Sutherland campuses, and believe the program will combine the exceptional learning facilities and faculty of both our renowned School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences and our School of Trades and Technology,” said Jason Jackson, Academic Chair for the School of Trades and Technology and the Acting Dean for the School of Business. “The Geothermal Systems program will offer a unique combination of skills required by industry, with concepts from borehole construction, grouting, mechanical design and installation that will differentiate this program from others.”

The first semester of the program will occur at Frost Campus in Lindsay, Ont. and will focus on the specialized drilling skills and knowledge required to install, maintain and repair the loop field of a geothermal system. The second semester, hosted at Fleming’s Sutherland Campus in Peterborough, Ont. will provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to design, install, maintain and repair the hydronic systems within a building.

“Fleming is leading the way with a program that focuses on a specific set of skills and knowledge that will play a direct role in the mitigation of climate change,” said Brett Goodwin, Dean, Principal, School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences at Fleming College. “Students will graduate with career ready skills for a high-demand industry that has proven environmental alternatives to heating with fossil fuels.”

Geothermal systems heat and cool homes and businesses by transferring heat to or from the ground or bodies of water. These skills are in demand and can play a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

There is a pressing need for formally accredited Geothermal installers. Fleming College is committed to funding the core program and is looking to partner with the external community for in-kind equipment and cash donations to enhance programming capacity and offer workshops, internationally acclaimed guest lectures and other experiential learning opportunities, as well as scholarships and bursaries. If you are interested in supporting the Geothermal Systems program, please contact Sandy Marett, Director, Advancement and Alumni Relations: sandy.marett@flemingcollege.ca. 

For more information about the new Geothermal Systems program, please visit: https://flemingcollege.ca/programs/geothermal-systems

About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 75,000 alumni.

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Media, for more information please contact:

Sara O’Halloran

Communications Officer 

sara.ohalloran@flemingcollege.ca

705.749.5530 x 1366