Mechanical Engineering Program Focuses on Technology

Those who attend a Mechanical Engineering program know that mechanical engineering technology is defined as “the application of engineering principles and technological developments to the creation of useful machinery or products. Through the application of computer-aided manufacturing, the models may also be used directly by software to create ‘instructions’ for the manufacture of objects represented by the models, through computer numerically controlled machining or other automated processes.” As such, professionals in this field obtain jobs in the manufacture and production of mechanical equipment in which they may 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. Among the titles grads of a mechanical engineering program can attain are: supervisor (which offers additional opportunities), junior engineer, assistant to rofessional engineers, lab technician, quality control, CAD operator, technical sales and marketing, production control, and product design and development.

Before they can do so though, professionals must attend a Mechanical Engineering program such as the Mechanical Engineering Technology – Industrial (PTY) offering at Centennial College, which teaches engineering theory as well as more specialized subjects relating to modern manufacturing and production processes and offers practice in the manufacturing and production of mechanical equipment.

Applicants interested in attending this school’s mechanical engineering courses must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older). In addition, they must possess 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.

Students of this mechanical engineering program attend three year’s worth of courses that offer a 60-40 balance of theory and practice, and include: Statistics, Machine Shop, Fluid Mechanics, Applied Electricity, Differential Calculus and Analytic Geometry, Properties of Materials, Tool Design, Quality Assurance, Physics, and more. A project-heavy approach allows learners gain experience in 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.

Many of these all-important mechanical engineering program topics are covered in a new mechanical engineering lab that includes Thermodynamic Fluid Power testing modules, and Tensile, Hardness and Impact Testers. This environment also serves as great preparation for the most hands-on components of the mechanical engineering program — two individual projects and a co-op in the field. The project, which simulates actual workplace assignments, gives students practical experience in designing, building and testing an original piece of equipment. Meanwhile, academically qualified Mechanical Engineering program 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 requird for COOP-221.