Lethbridge College’s Engineering Design and Drafting Technology (EDDT) program has been granted a national program accreditation by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC). The accreditation means graduating students will now have more advantages to begin their careers, earn higher wages and have flexibility to work anywhere in Canada.
The accreditation process involved a comprehensive audit of the college’s EDDT program, including interviews with employers of graduates, alumni, students and faculty, as well as a tour of the program’s facilities. Among the highlights noted by the audit team in Lethbridge College’s EDDT program were:
- the breadth of content, which provides graduates with employment opportunities in various industry sectors;
- employers who indicated graduates have excellent software skills, have been exposed to different software packages, are eager to learn, work well in teams and have a professional attitude;
- and the program’s ability to keep pace with ever-changing software trends.
”This accreditation will be a tremendous asset for our students,” says Bill Smienk, chair of Lethbridge College’s School of Engineering Technologies. “Many of our students are being hired by architectural or engineering firms, and many of those firms now require this type of certification. The TAC seal of approval will help more students begin their careers and thrive once they are working.”
The TAC accreditation signifies that students have met national qualifications, allowing their skills to be easily transferable across the country. Smienk also notes that many employers’ base wages and call-out rates on the accreditation levels of their employees, so graduates will be better positioned to earn more money earlier in their careers.
Additionally, accreditation provides an expedited path to professional certification through the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta and other provincial engineering technology and applied science associations across Canada.
“TAC congratulates Lethbridge College on achieving national program accreditation for its Engineering Design and Drafting Technology program” says Richard Stamper, TAC Executive Director. “This significant achievement demonstrates the college’s leadership and commitment to its students and signifies that the program aligns with the current standards of the profession, which are valued by industry.”
Design and drafting technologists prepare engineering and architectural plans, as well as project specifications for commercial and residential buildings and other construction projects. Their work is essential to all aspects of engineering and construction. This the second Lethbridge College engineering program to receive TAC accreditation, following the Geomatics Engineering Technology program, which was announced earlier this year.
About TAC
Through accreditation, TAC is committed to partnering with educational institutions to ensure students receive the highest quality education that meets the standards of Canada’s engineering technology and applied science profession. For more information about TAC or how to apply for accreditation, please visit technologyaccreditation.ca.
About Lethbridge College
Located in Lethbridge, Alta., Lethbridge College provides high-quality, relevant education to more than 5,100 students in more than 50 applied degree, diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Lethbridge College has offered engineering technology education since 1964. Its School of Engineering Technologies houses three engineering technology programs, including Engineering Design and Drafting Technology, Civil Engineering Technology and Geomatics Engineering Technology. To learn more about programming at Lethbridge College, visit lethbridgecollege.ca