Mechanical Engineering Program Focuses on Practical Application
Becoming comfortable with
what you learn within your Mechanical Engineering program is just as important
as the topics covered. That’s why Centennial College’s Mechanical Engineering
Technology – Industrial (PTY) offering focuses on offering students theory and
labs, projects and a co-op option. As a result, there is a 60-40 balance of
theory and practice.Those interested in a long-lasting career in the
manufacture and production of mechanical equipment should consider this
mechanical engineering program.
The first step to gaining the Ontario College Advanced Diploma that result upon
completion of this program’s two year’s worth of mechanical engineering courses
is applying. To do so, applicants must possess at minimum an Ontario
Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19
years or older). In addition, they are required to have completed English Grade
12 C or U, or equivalent, or skills assessment; and Math Grade 11 M or U or
Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent, or skills assessment.
The project approach to mechanical engineering courses
simulates actual workplace assignments and includes two individual projects,
which give students practical experience in designing, building and testing an
original piece of equipment. Helping students to fully experience the benefits
of the project approach to Centennial College’s mechanical engineering courses
is Progress Campus. This location houses a new mechanical engineering lab that
includes: Thermodynamic Fluid Power testing modules, and Tensile, Hardness and
Impact Testers. In these labs, students become comfortable with machine shop
operation, tool design, plus computer numerical control programming, designing,
as well as building and testing an original piece of equipment. In addition,
they learn essential computer-assisted drafting and manufacturing (CAD/ CAM),
as well as industry-current software instruction in AutoCAD, Inventor and
Mastercam. All of this learning begins with mechanical engineering courses that
offer a foundation in basic engineering skills and science before moving onto
more specific and advanced topics relating to modern manufacturing and
production processes.
As previously mentioned, there is also a co-op component to the Mechanical Engineering program.
Qualified students enhance their education by working three terms as paid
employees in the field. This experience not only allows them to put classroom
learning into practice, but also provides valuable networking opportunities for
future careers. Please note that a minimum C grade required in COMM-170/171,
minimum 2.5 GPA and minimum 80 percent of year 1 and 2 courses are required for
COOP-221.
Completion of the Mechanical
Engineering program sees students prepared for positions such as: supervisor
(which offers additional opportunities), junior engineer, assistant to
professional engineers, lab technician, quality control, CAD operator,
technical sales and marketing, production control, and product design and
development. Among the graduates’ knowledge is the ability to: develop quality
control systems, assist in plant expansions and layouts, conduct time and
motion studies, plan and schedule new facilities and prepare job safety
programs and manuals.
