Students studying engineering and applied science programs at Cambrian College in Sudbury will receive a free membership to the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) as part of a new pilot project.
OACETT is Ontario's independent certifying body for engineering and applied science technicians and technologists and confers the certifications C.Tech. (certified technician) and C.E.T. (certified engineering technologist). These certifications are recognized across Canada by employers and other engineering professionals.
Cambrian is one of three colleges participating in the pilot; Conestoga College and Durham College will also participate.
According to OACETT, the pilot will follow a single cohort of students through their two- or three-year college program, and the three years following graduation.
The goal, said OACETT, is to attract more full-fledged members to its organization.
"There are two schools of thought about student membership in associations," said Cheryl Farrow, CEO of OACETT, in a news release.
"One theory is that when students have to pay even a nominal fee, they are more personally committed and are more likely to convert to full membership upon graduation.
“Another theory is that if membership is free, there is the potential to sign up more students, and even if not all of them become engaged, there still may be more that convert to full membership than from the smaller number of paid student members."
Kim Crane, chair of Cambrian’s School of Engineering Technology and Environmental Studies, said there is value in OACETT membership for students.
"Having that membership in the formative years of their careers is also a huge plus because it allows students to access the support, expertise, and networking that OACETT offers to help them progress as technicians and technologists,” Crane said in the release. “We hope our students take advantage of this opportunity and continue to be members of OACETT well into their careers.”
