Practical, student-created, student-produced technical projects are the hallmark of final-year studies in many of Conestoga College's diploma programs in engineering technology and information technology.
Projects in three areas -- computer programming, mechanical engineering design, and robotics and automation -- will be on display at Conestoga's Doon campus in Kitchener on Wednesday, August 17 for an audience of potential employers, College officials and faculty, and guests of the participating students.
All of these projects are designed to draw on the full range of skills these students have developed throughout their time at Conestoga, and emphasize teamwork as well as a comprehensive approach that includes concept development, feasibility studies, research, project management, analysis through consultation with professionals in the field, production, troubleshooting of problems, costing and budgeting, and full documentation of the project.
Conestoga's approach has merit, because the College had the highest graduate employment success figure of any public college or institute in the province -- 93.8 per cent -- according the Key Performance Indicator data released this spring by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
All the participating students will be on hand to present, discuss and answer questions about their projects.
Here is a sample of the sophisticated projects on display:
Computer programming -- a system for an auto repair business that integrates client and vehicle information with work orders and invoices; a scheduling, locating, invoicing and inventory system for a landscaping company; a Web-based management system that tracks shipments of both hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
Mechanical engineering design -- engineering analysis and design of: a rough-terrain pallet truck; a gyrocopter; a double-scissor lift; a rollercoaster; a motorized bar stool.
Robotics and automation -- an automated assembly line to package poker chip/playing card boxed sets; an automated assembly line to package, inspect, seal and box candies.
The student project showcase will be at the Woodworking Centre of Ontario, located at the Doon campus. Presentations begin at 2:30 p.m. and again at 5 p.m. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Admission is free, but spectator capacity is limited.
For more information, contact:
Beth Blaney
(519) 748-5220 ext. 3420
bblaney@conestogac.on.ca