ACEC program to attract young Canadians to engineering

ACEC, in partnership with Human Resources Development Canada, has launched the first phase of an important industry-led national initiative to promote the study and practice of engineering in Canada and to develop a better understanding of issues affecting young people’s engineering career choices.

In making the announcement during National Engineering Week, ACEC President Tim Page said: “We will be encouraging young Canadians across Canada to pursue the mysteries of science through the study and practice of engineering. Engineering tackles the improbable and creates workable solutions.”

The campaign will rely extensively on industry volunteers and will focus on two separate initiatives. One is encouraging high-school students to study engineering at university. The other is developing career awareness materials for engineering graduates based on the academic skills they have acquired in their post-secondary school studies.

“Engineering provides challenging and rewarding career opportunities for young Canadians who want to make a difference in life,” added Page. “Engineering is all around us and has made a significant contribution to our national standard of living and quality of life. Engineering has been a cornerstone around which this country has been built and will continue to play a key role in resolving many of the social, economic and environmental challenges facing Canada as we begin the 21st Century.”

The February 28 federal Budget commitment of a six-year $3.65 billion national infrastructure program provides immediate opportunities for young engineers as member firms prepare for the upcoming work.

By helping young Canadians, ACEC’s program will also respond directly to the concerns of member firms, the majority of whom, in ACEC’s 1999 National Business Survey of Members, identified the absence of skilled labour as a key issue for the industry today and for years to come.

“Through this project,” said Page, “we intend to stimulate creative and inquisitive minds and provide a meaningful career path in engineering for young Canadians to follow.”

The Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada is the only national business association representing the interests of consulting engineers in Canada. In 1999, over 48,000 people owed their livelihoods to Canadian consulting engineering firms, whose annual revenues exceeded $6.4 billion. For more information on this and other ACEC initiatives, please contact the National Office at (613) 236-0569.