OYAP Partner Echo Hill Automation Echo Hill Automation is a small automation and machining company which has been in business in Beamsville for twelve years. The company, which presently employs ten people, has recently moved into a new shop on Union Road. Echo Hill, owned by Mr. Harry Schellenberg, has been involved with the Beamsville District Secondary School Cooperative Education program since 1999. Over this time, Echo Hill has offered co-op workplace experience to numerous students and has assisted two students from BDSS in starting an apprenticeship through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.
There have been many positive results which have occurred through this partnership between Echo Hill Automation and the Cooperative Education program at BDSS. The students, who were eager to learn and gain additional skills after completing their technology courses at school, were provided with an excellent training ground while still in high school. Following graduation, they continued in their chosen trade as employees and apprentices with Echo Hill. One BDSS grad is in the second year of an apprenticeship, while the other is ready to complete the final examinations to become a qualified journey person. Echo Hill Automation, now has two, new, well-trained, young employees who will be an asset to this growing business. Finally, our town has also benefited since these young people, with their new skills, have chosen to remain in the community.
