Georgian College

Jurgen Hierholzer is a skilled tool and die maker, specializing in CNC (computer numerical controlled) machining, but his true passion lies in training and mentoring high-performing students for skills competitions at the provincial, national and international levels. The Mechanical Technician – Precision Skills instructor, who has worked at Georgian for close to 15 years, spends an extra hour or two each week on top of his already heavy workload to prep students. This commitment increases to three to four hours leading up to the competitions. Jurgen accompanies students around the world to experience opportunities they can't get from a textbook. He spent much of the spring and summer training recent graduate Jonathan Adair to take on the world at an international skills competition in Abu Dhabi later this year. Their preparation included a practice competition in Austria and a week of dedicated machine training in Germany. He says the extra effort is worth it. "I've always enjoyed spending extra time with students who excel in our program and who want to learn more," says Jurgen. Georgian's first competition success came in 2014 when Jurgen's mentee Tyler Magri made it into the Skills Canada competition. He went on to compete at the World Skills competition in Sao Paolo, Brazil. "This win really upped the ante in terms of reaching a higher level of competition, success and degree of difficulty, and remaining competitive on the world stage," says Jurgen. "It also showed that Georgian has a world- class machining program and that our students are true contenders." JURGEN HIERHOLZER Professor, Engineering and Environmental Technologies 45 GEORGIANVIEW 2017 FACULTY SPOTLIGHT Professor Jurgen Hierholzer (right) reviews design plans with recent graduate Jonathan Adair as they train for the World Skills competition.

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