Cambrian College feels it has found the right formula to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in chemical engineering.
The college is starting a new two-year Chemical Engineering Technician program.
Students in the program will learn industry-standard practices in such disciplines as physical, analytical, organic and pyro chemistry; mineral processing; water treatment; sampling; instrument analysis, and occupational health and safety.
Cambrian developed the new Chemical Engineering Technician program after consultations with industry.
“We really value our industry partners and work closely with them to ensure our graduates are ready for the job market,” says Kim Crane, Chair of Cambrian’s School of Engineering Technology, in a press release.
“The industry has predicted a nine-per-cent increase in demand for chemical engineering technicians, so we knew we had to revise our programs to meet this need.”
The new two-year technician option is also in demand among students, including students with previous training in chemical engineering.
“What we’re finding is that a number of students have chemical engineering degrees which provide lots of theoretical knowledge, but they are sometimes lacking hands-on skills and training, and that is what this program offers,” adds Hadi Fergani, a professor and program co-ordinator for the Chemical Engineering Technician program.
“This program will allow us to produce graduates with high levels of theory and extensive hands-on practical training.”
Cambrian also has an existing three-year Chemical Engineering Technology Advanced Diploma program. Having the option of a two-year or three-year program provides students with flexibility when it comes to their careers and education.
“Graduates can enter the workforce after two years and come back later to upgrade their skills through our Chemical Engineering Technology program,” said Crane. “They may also wish to go straight into the three-year program right away to get that additional year of training and then go into the workforce.”
Cambrian’s new Chemical Engineering Technician program begins this September.
For more information on the program, visit Cambrian’s website.
