Engineering Technology Career Pathways Open Up for Alix Students

Grade 9 students from Alix-MAC recently had the opportunity to explore engineering technology career pathways during an Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) STEM Camp.

Students learn about engineering technology

During the camp, students learned how to work with level management and control systems, completed electrical and pneumatic connections, and configured an industrial pressure transmitter. They also created a weather station, undertook a level measurement activity, and were given the opportunity to use remote sensing technology familiar to engineering technologists.

“The idea is to expose young people in high school and junior high to science, technology, engineering, and math, and particularly the potential for careers in science and engineering technology,” said Barry Cavanaugh, CEO of ASET.

The camp is designed to bring awareness to engineering technology as a potential profession. According to Cavanaugh, polytechnic institutes and colleges typically offer two-to-three-year engineering technology programs.

Engineering technology disciplines

“They’re very compressed programs, very technical and very specialized,” Cavanaugh explained. “It’s fair to say that engineering technology represents 21 engineering technology disciplines which are broadly similar to engineering disciplines, but more focused.”

Career avenues in engineering technology include civil technology, including building roads and bridges, and construction technology, including water and wastewater works and power.

Civil technology in action

“They’re in everything, and around you all day, every day. The work of technologists is supporting the entire society,” Cavanaugh emphasized. “They make it work. Sometimes they’re engaged in design, but more often than not, they’re engaged in making design reality, and that’s an important distinction.”

Through the camp, Cavanaugh is hopeful that students will be inspired to explore the different career paths in engineering technology.

Exploring engineering technology careers

“Albertans can be really proud of the programs that are available at the polytechnics and colleges and the opportunities there are for young people,” Cavanaugh said. “The opportunities are boundless. It’s a great career.”