National Engineering Month Ontario #NEM2021

Every March, OACETT sparks excitement about the large and rapidly growing engineering and engineering technology field through a broad spectrum of National Engineering Month (NEM) Ontario events.

This March is no exception, with OACETT volunteers and Ontario college students in engineering technology programs hosting 20 of 70 events under one virtual roof (NEM’s Zoom account) to engage the engineering community and build our collective capacity through real-time learning opportunities.

In these times of great adaptation, nothing is as powerful as practicing how to learn and expand our perspectives as a community. This year NEM organizers are excited to deepen NEM events’ impact by focusing on the theme of lifelong learning and providing events that are in-sync with the national NEM message.

Each week throughout March, NEM will focus on a theme within lifelong learning, which includes working with interdisciplinary professions (week 1), equity, diversity and inclusion (week 2), the College and University Challenge Spotlight (Week 3) and engineering ethics and its impact on society and the future (week 4). Also, in week 5, engineering and engineering technology associations share perspectives and information on the workforce’s changing demands.

This year, NEM Ontario and OACETT are hosting two big events: The value of lifelong learning for the engineering and technology community – the kick-off event hosted by OACETT, OSPE and PEO, and The Future Lifelong Learning – an event organized by OACETT staff.

Big Event 1: Value of lifelong learning for the engineering and technology community
On March 1, from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, moderator Steve Paikin, an acclaimed Canadian journalist, facilitates a virtual panel discussion with OACETT CEO Cheryl Farrow, OSPE CEO Sandro Perruzza and PEO CEO Johnny Zuccon on the importance of professional development and adapting to a workforce influenced by technological innovation.

Big Event 2: Future of lifelong learning
On March 30, 2021, from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, keynote speaker Ramona Pringle, CBC technology expert, explores why learning has changed in the 21st century, its essential role in professional growth and career survival, and trends that impact the future of work.

NEM Ontario and OACETT have never held two significant NEM Ontario events of this scope and magnitude online before to promote lifelong learning and prepare engineering and engineering technology professionals for an evolving workforce.

If you have never attended a NEM event before, we encourage you to embrace lifelong learning and attend as many events as possible.

Visit nemontario.ca to view the event listings and sign up to attend a virtual event!

* Please visit nemontario.ca for the the most up to date event listings and calendar.