Colleges Ontario, the advocacy organization for the province’s colleges of applied arts and technology, announced the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development will support the expansion of engineering degree programs at colleges throughout Ontario.
Linda Franklin, Colleges Ontario CEO, said the decision responds to a demand for engineering graduates with degrees in highly specialized areas such as automation and robotics, power-systems transmission, and energy systems engineering management. The decision also reinforces the essential role colleges play in producing graduates with the professional and technical skills valued by employers.
Colleges can now apply to the Ministry for approval of specific programs, based on industry needs within the college’s community.
In 2010, Conestoga became the first college in Ontario and the second Institute of Technology in Canada to receive accreditation by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) for an engineering degree program. The college now offers accredited degree programs in Mechanical Systems Engineering and Electronic Systems Engineering.
Graduates of accredited programs have the necessary academic qualifications to be licensed as professional engineers in Canada. Like the programs currently available at Conestoga, it is expected engineering degree programs offered at other colleges in the province will also be accredited.
Visit the Colleges Ontario website for more information.