ASET launches pilot of STEM day camps for junior high and high school students
28, Nov, 2022
EDMONTON, Nov. 28, 2022 – What would you like to be when you grow up? Thanks to the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET), the answer for some may now lie within the engineering technology profession. A group of Edmonton area junior high and high school students received their first hands-on exposure to the exciting and diverse profession at this past Saturday’s pilot of ASET’s STEM Camp Series.
The pilot, which took place at NAIT, involved 15 students who participated in workshops familiarizing them with what it is like to work as an electrical engineering technologist and mechanical engineering technologist. As part of the electrical engineering technology workshop, students were given the chance to produce a miniature version of a motor control circuit (a control circuit ensures that the motor is started and stopped in a safe manner), which was ultimately employed to control a model crane.
The second workshop, mechanical engineering technology, taught students to build the model crane for which the motor control circuit was devised. Students were instructed in computer-aided design (CAD), using 3D printing for manufacturing the crane and CAD for assembly of it.
In between workshops, students learned about the difference between the engineering technology and engineering professions, and the many disciplines and occupations that exist within engineering technology.
“In these uncertain economic times, it’s vital to give young people an opportunity to explore careers that are rewarding, in-demand and lucrative. A career in engineering technology offers all three of those qualities and more,” said ASET CEO Barry Cavanaugh. “ASET’s STEM Camp Series is geared to introduce students to engineering technology and provide encouragement to pursue it as an educational path.”
According to ASET’s 2021 Salary Survey, electrical engineering technologists and mechanical engineering technologists starting their careers as technologists-in-training (TTs) command average annual salaries of approximately $68,000 and $61,000 respectively. TTs are graduates of polytechnics/technical colleges, have engineering technology diplomas, and are registered with ASET and in the process of accumulating the necessary field experience to earn their designations as certified engineering technologists (CETs).
The recent day camp pilot at NAIT, conducted with the support of Elk Island Public Schools, marks the first of ASET’s efforts to partner with school boards across the province with the goal of developing student outreach activities in association with the four polytechnics/technical colleges: NAIT, SAIT, Red Deer Polytechnic and Lethbridge College. The plan is to host at least one day camp at each of the four institutions annually.
About ASET
ASET is the professional self-regulatory organization for engineering technologists and technicians in Alberta. ASET currently represents over 17,000 members, including full-time technology students, recent graduates and fully certified members in 21 disciplines and more than 120 occupations across a multitude of industries.
About ASET members
Nothing works in Alberta without ASET members; they are the behind-the-scenes, hard-working people who keep this province safe. ASET members represent a wide range of sectors, including civil engineering and construction, avionics, biomedical, chemical, computers, electrical, environmental, geological, instrumentation, oil and gas, and telecommunications. From the moment Albertans wake up in the morning and turn on a light switch or shower until the end of the day, they rely on the work of these professionals.
Technicians install cable and phone, monitor traffic, work in labs, and serve as process workers in refineries and manufacturing. Technologists design plans with engineers, create commercial buildings and return well sites properly to nature. They ensure fast-acting telephone networks, smart bus connections, proper water pressure at home, perfectly clean water to drink, reliable natural gas service and electrical power, smooth roads for driving, and responsible oil and gas exploration/production/processing and distribution.
Media Contact:
Michele Penz, Calico Communications for ASET
1.778.888.2249
calicocomm@telus.net