UNBC To Work Toward Engineering Program
Prince George, B.C. – UNBC wants to move forward to develop an engineering program that will serve the needs of the north in the development of natural resources.
University President, Dr. George Iwama told delegates to the Natural Resources Forum, the University wants to work with industry to develop an engineering program that is “wholly” UNBC’s.
Right now, there are some programs offered at the University which are adjuncts to programs offered by universities in the lower mainland. Iwama envisions a program that involves industry providing a hands on experience. “Why not classrooms here and there?” asked Iwama.
The press for an engineering program at UNBC has been underway for some time. Iwama says with significant economic development on the horizon as the demand for Northern B.C.’s natural resources increases, the time has come for a made in the north solution to the shortage of engineers.
“The Engineering community has long expressed the need for more engineers in northern BC and the current shortfall is estimated to be as many as 500,” says Dr. Iwama. “UNBC has a tradition of working with governments, communities, and industry to address regional needs for highly qualified personnel. The Natural Resources Forum provides the ideal venue for providing an update on our plans in relation to economic activity in the region.”
UNBC’s Board and Senate, have approved the addition of new majors in Civil and Mechanical Engineering, once funding is provided. The University has been exploring the possibility of basing teaching labs at engineering/industrial sites, integrating community-based engineering problems throughout the curriculum, and developing specializations in forest/wood products and energy systems.
“Our greatest successes as a university have come when we have worked together with other post-secondary institutions, industry, communities, government, and other public agencies to develop programming tailored to the needs and aspirations of the region,” says Dr. Iwama. “The expansion of Engineering will require a similar response.”
Dr. Iwama will be hosting a breakfast session this morning at the Natural Resources forum to meet with interested companies about possible involvement or sponsorship of such a program.
Comments
These things take a while, don’t they?
There should be new rules for becoming a engineer, like practical experience. I know some offer work terms but they are a joke.
Real world experience is needed first. Engineering is a trade, all other trades need actual experience first not just classroom time.
Does history suggest this will help? Did the new medical school help the doctor shortage?
If yes then by all means the engineering school makes sense. If we are spending tax dollars to add new seats and everyone just leaves the region after then lets just save the tax dollars or perhaps reallocate seats from UBC in some kind of partnership.
Expanding college and university seats while the number of college age students falls doesnt make sense and costs alot of money considering how subsidized these seats are by the taxpayer.
The lack of has always puzzled me. Great news get it going asap.
@ PVal
Curently to become a registered Professional Engineer or PEng you require 4 years of practical work experience. During this four year period they are called EIT’s or Engineers in Training.
This is great news for UNBC! I know UNBC always seems to face all sorts of criticism for the new programs they add, but at least they are trying to be innovative and add a “Northern” twist to any of their courses. Great work!
Getting a trade is easy by comparison. Trades are based upon work experience hours and passing classes. There is no checking of work experance, just hours to get the ticket.
Engineers get have their experiences, schooling and other factors reviewed and tested. Once all of the requirements are satisfied, P.Eng. is granted.
Its great to see this move to the north, as it might improve the low supply of engineers in the top half of the Provence.
I think this is funny. UNBC is a pretty poor institution if the graduates that I’ve come across in my working life are any indication. Their MBA program is a running joke where I work and now they want to produce Engineers? Please. Get over yourself. Absolutely ridiculous.
Engineers should first have practical experience, that is, actual hands on work experience as an apprentice in various trades and disciplines related to their field of study. For example, how could an aspiring Civil engineer not benefit from actual experience in preparing road bases, foundations, installing re-bar, pouring concrete? The same goes for a would be mechanical or structural engineer.
The result should be a kind of “Super Engineer” and a formidable force when coupled with the years of academic study required.
metalman.
And where does Sine Nomine work?
“how could an aspiring Civil engineer not benefit from actual experience in preparing road bases”
Easy. He or she cannot learn by watching someone do something wring when he or she does not know what is right.
Look at medical education/training. Doctors are actually technicians even more so than engineers. They work hands on. They don’t just lpan an operation and make all sorts of pretty drawings of how to perform an operation. They actually perform the operation.
Today’s medical education has many more clinical hours associated with it than 30 or 40 years ago. The students work next to doctors before they even graduate and they go over the diagnoses together with their mentor. Such a close mentoring relationship does not happen with engineers and architects. The whole practicum would have to be re-jigged to approach the level of “hands on” experience doctors get.
I agree that increasing that hands-on experience would benefit many students ….. especially those who should never have considered engineering as a vocation….. :-)
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