Typically, to work in areas as diverse as telecommunications, computer applications, control systems, radio and television equipment and audio-visual equipment would require attending various programs. However, Centennial College brings all of these worlds together for students of its program that focuses on electronic engineering.


The Electronic Engineering Technician offering trains students to work in these areas completing tasks such as: writing computer or microprocessor software programs; testing electronics units, using standard test equipment, and analyze results to evaluate performance and determine need for adjustment; assembling, testing, and maintaining circuitry or electronic components according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, and knowledge of electronics, using hand and power tools; provide user applications and engineering support and recommendations for new and existing equipment with regard to installation, upgrades and enhancement; design basic circuitry and draft sketches for clarification of details and design documentation under engineers’ direction, using drafting instruments and computer aided design equipment; build prototypes from rough sketches or plans; and much more. Graduates may also become members of a multidisciplinary group involved in equipment manufacturing or installation, research and testing, equipment maintenance and repair, and sales.


“What I really like about the program is that it’s really hands-on,” says student Ali of the Electronics Engineering program. “We get to deal with a lot of different components. We actually build a lot of projects that are related to what we’ll be doing in the future …. We use a Logic Probe all the time and we actually have to design one. So, from scratch we get to build something that we use in our everyday work. Basically we get the whole feel of what’s going on in the industry.”


Ali’s point actually constitutes an important aspect of the offering: practicality. Hands-on components are incorporated into the courses, which students complete in cutting-edge labs at Progress Campus. This location is not only Centennial College’s largest campus but also one of the largest trades training centres in the province. In their courses, students work with computers, communication transceivers and electronics testing and measurement equipment, while developing a solid foundation in modern electronics. Some of the specific topics in which students will gain solid knowledge include: electronics, microcontrollers, control systems, measurement and instrumentation, electronic communications systems, digital electronics, electric circuits, technical report writing, computer hardware and networks and more. 


It is worth noting that qualified college or university graduates with a background in electronics gain direct admission into semester three of this two-year program and receive their Electronics Engineering Diploma in two short semesters. Additionally, students with a minimum 2.0 GPA may be eligible to transfer into the fifth semester of the technologist program.