By Spencer Sterritt

$100K investment helps VIU engineers for a changing future

May 2, 2018 | 1:19 PM

NANAIMO — New provincial funding will help Vancouver Island University students succeed in the rapidly changing world of technology and engineering.

The $100,000 for 40 new spaces in two different engineering programs was announced at VIU on Wednesday. An expanding one-year certificate focuses on the essentials such as physics, chemistry and math, while the new two-year diploma program is for students looking to get in the field without a full engineering degree.

Engineering graduate Allan Stenlund said the programs will open the door for students looking for a hands-on experience.

“A lot of what we’re taught is theoretical and philosophical, so to have this opportunity to learn how to do things like 3D modeling is a very exciting announcement.”

Twenty positions will open in 2019, rising to 40 in 2020.

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Money will continue to flow into VIU’s engineering program. According to the ministry of advanced education, $400,000 a year is expected once the 40 spaces are filled.

Though the technology world is rapidly changing, engineering coordinator Brian Dick said the new and expanded programs are designed to keep students on the cutting edge.

“Critical thinking and continuous learning…those skills aren’t going to go away. If you learn them, they’ll allow you to adapt to a changing market place.”

The ministry said more than 83,000 tech-related jobs are expected by 2027.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit