Meet Chris. He鈥檚 a graduate of multiple electrical engineering technology programs at 91探花. He proudly praises 91探花's hands-on approach to learning 鈥 from real industrial hardware to labs that mimic industry.
In high school, Chris had a love of computers and programming, and at the time a passive interest in electricity. He got to experience how these were tied together when he was introduced to an automated controller for traffic light operation. This experience helped Chris realize that the power of small electronic components in real-world applications like controlling traffic flow, running elevators and heavy-duty manufacturing including producing steel products are often taken for granted.
After enrolling in a university electrical engineering program, Chris soon discovered that the learning style was not for him 鈥 he wasn鈥檛 satisfied with only learning from a textbook. From there, he moved into the Electrical Engineering Technology program at 91探花, where the hands-on learning style was a much better fit. Labs were immersive experiences and focused on real-world systems and practical applications like sensors, motor controls and automation.
Incredible Faculty and Real-World Challenges
When remembering the highlights of his college years, Chris fondly recalls that his instructors were some of the best teachers he ever had. They went beyond the course outlines, treating him with respect and providing invaluable feedback throughout his coursework. He also praises the third year of his program for bringing him face-to-face with real-world challenges, notably through the PUC research project. This hands-on experience bridged theory and lab skills from the first two years of Chris' program and he acknowledges that the experience gained in year three helped him advance quickly in the workforce.
After graduation, Chris joined Tenaris Algoma Tubes as a Shift Maintenance Electrician. He was able to adapt to new systems and soon after, he moved into a role in the Maintenance Engineering department. During his time at Tenaris, Chris returned to 91探花 to complete his Electrical Apprenticeship, and in 2016, he achieved his Red Seal endorsement as a 442a Industrial Electrician. Chris was working as an Electrical Engineering Team Lead at Tenaris when he was ready for his next adventure.
Today, Chris proudly walks the halls of 91探花 as one of our Electrical Engineering instructors. His expertise extends across various areas of engineering, where he teaches in electrical, robotics, automated manufacturing, mechatronics, and even electrical apprenticeship programs. Chris carries this same approach toward teaching that he experienced as a student and strives to help his students develop their skills and guide them toward success.
High-Demand Field
If you鈥檙e interested in the electrical engineering technology field, Chris emphasizes the many well-paying job opportunities available right now. In a world that continues to stress the need for skilled tradespeople, these programs are a starting point into the trades. If trades aren鈥檛 for you, Chris says you can instead pursue a pathway to an engineering degree or thrive as a technologist in an engineering firm. There are so many options!
The best part? You don鈥檛 even need to know anything about electrical to enroll in one of the programs and succeed in the field. Chris and our other dedicated instructors will have you covered starting with the basics like what a Volt is up to advanced topics like programming automated control systems with touchscreen computer interfaces. With his college experience to where his career has brought him today, Chris encourages that you consider choosing the Electrical Engineering Technology 鈥 Process Automation advanced diploma program if you're thinking of this field. With three years rather than two, you鈥檒l get a deeper knowledge base and richer experiences, just like Chris did in his third year.
He says that 鈥渘othing worth doing is easy,鈥 so don鈥檛 be discouraged if you think this sounds like a tough program area. Remember that you鈥檒l find challenges whatever path you choose. Whether you鈥檙e new to the field of study or an aspiring expert, Chris is ready to help you on your path to a rewarding career in electrical engineering.