With a goal of closing the skills gap between knowledge learned at school and the know-how required at modern manufacturers, Siemens Canada’s Dual Education Program aims to develop and nurture the next generation of the firm’s engineers and leaders.
This innovative work-integrated learning program equips Canadian engineering and engineering technology students with the educational and professional foundation required for successful 21st century manufacturing, industry and infrastructure advanced technologies careers.
The pioneer behind the Dual Education Program is Tom Murad, PhD, P.Eng., head of Siemens Canada’s Engineering & Technology Academy.
“I felt engineering graduates needed opportunities to gain experience. There are co-ops, but more was needed. We teach students real-life engineering and allow them to visualize and innovate in an interactive industrial environment that is safe and engaging,” says Dr. Murad.
Modelled on Siemens AG Dual Education System in Germany, the Canadian program combines the skills and knowledge acquired through academic programs with a parallel curriculum delivered at corporate-sponsored academies. It is designed to provide a set of complementary skills and experience required by industry. ln addition, it offers a structured and robust mentorship program, as well as a corresponding hands-on work experience that enables young recruits to immediately see the relevance and importance of what they learn at both academic institutions and through the academies by placing them in a real-world work environment that demonstrates the value and importance of what they learn.
“Being recognized by OPEA is a great honour for our program and for me personally. After many projects during 40 years of engineering on three different continents, I see this as my best achievement,” he says. “I feel I have done my part for my profession and the new generation of engineers.”
Dr. Murad says Siemens Canada receiving the Award for Engineering Project or Achievement tells him the firm is going in the right direction.
“We are helping to build Canada’s economy. Engineers are creators of economic value – when you construct a bridge or a power plant, you create opportunities for wealth and economic development,” he adds.
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