Confederation College team wins province-wide student challenge

The new competition, funded by the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) and supported by the Association’s local chapters, challenged student teams from across Ontario to stage an event tied to NEM’s theme ‘Making a World of Difference’ and compete head-to-head to win $2500 and complimentary OACETT student memberships.

The winning team made up of civil, electrical, environmental and mechanical students’ Matthew Coulombe, Shawna Fletcher, Shannon Loukola, Bradley Romeo and David Wilson won the prize in a competitive selection process that included student groups from Centennial, Conestoga, Loyalist, Seneca and Sheridan.  

The team, mentored by OACETT members, held the Fourth Annual Technology Conference and Career Fair, a multi-layered event comprised of a technology symposium, career fair and dinner.  

On May 26, an award presentation was held at Confederation College to honour the team.  OACETT President Stephen Morley, C.E.T., C.I.M., presented the cheque and congratulated the team and OACETT’s Thunder Bay Chapter for putting on an incredible NEM event.  

“I was thrilled to present the first NEM Ontario College Student Challenge Award to Confederation College students and acknowledge the exceptional job they did in showcasing the talent of engineering technology students, raising awareness of the profession and inspiring a new generation of technicians and technologists,” said Morley.

The winning team received top scores for engaging a variety of participants, high attendance, messaging and for being multi-dimensional.  Several sessions showcased ‘real world’ projects happening in Thunder Bay that students were able to relate back to their learnings. Students also connected with industry employers who provided insight into potential careers and highlighted the job skills required to ensure success upon graduation.

“The event showcased exactly how important our field is to the way we live and the challenges we face as a society,” said Confederation College professor and OACETT Thunder Bay Chapter chair Bruce Elliott, C.E.T. “Our chapter is extremely pleased that our efforts were successful in helping the students win this valuable award.”

Elliott also thanked the college for encouraging and supporting their students in building relationships with their professional association and the industry at large.  

Jim Madder, president of Confederation College added, “We are incredibly proud of our students for organizing this important event for our school.  It is wonderful to see them recognized for their efforts and touching to witness their selflessness in their decision to donate the winnings towards the success of future students in the program.”

The winning team has graciously decided to donate their winnings to OACETT’s Engineering Technology Fund which awards a $1,000 bursary annually to a student enrolled in an OACETT recognized engineering technology or applied science program.  

All NEM Ontario College Student Challenge events were visited by volunteer judges and scored on effectiveness of messaging, integration of NEM theme and visual elements and participant engagement. The rankings were determined by the NEM Ontario Steering Committee, weighing the judges’ reports, event scorecards and post-event engagement.

OACETT is appreciative to all the teams that participated in the Challenge and encourages all colleges to enter a team in the 2015 program.

To view the NEM Ontario College Student Challenge rankings, go to http://nemontario.ca/college-challenge/.