A post-secondary mechanical engineering program prepares students for careers in mechanical product design, manufacturing, troubleshooting and installation. However, they must ensure that the program they choose is accredited and meets their specific goals.
1. Centennial College
Choosing the Right Mechanical Engineering Program
Mechanical engineering technology is a discipline that is concerned with the application of engineering
principles to the manufacturing, production, installation, troubleshooting, repairing and maintenance of
mechanical equipment, devices, systems or machinery. The coursework is less theoretical and more hands -
on; and students are generally engaged in additional laboratory coursework in comparison with those
studying other engineering programs.
A post-secondary mechanical engineering program typically runs for three years through six semesters
and covers basic engineering skills and sciences as well as specialized subjects related to modern
manufacturing and production processes. A strong emphasis is laid on providing students with experience
in machine shop operation, tool design and computer numerical control programming. With this, training is
also provided in computer-aided drafting (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), which are
widely used in industry today.
Program Structure
Students study the foundations of materials, mechanics, electrical, energy and computer programming;
acquire technical skills in material testing, machine designing, facility planning, quality testing, project
construction and tool designing.
During the first year (Semester 1 & 2), they study basic subjects,
including Technology Mathematics, Machine Shop, Properties of
Materials, Auto CAD/ Blueprint Reading, Physics, Applied Statistics,
Applied Electricity, Mechanical Drawing and Manufacturing
Processes. They study Differential Calculus and Analytical Geometry, CAD/CAM and CNC Programming,
Strength of Materials, Fluid Mechanics, Tool Design, Quality Assurance, Applied Dynamics, Project: Design
and Control and Hydraulics and Pneumatics in the second year (Semester 3 & 4).
The third year (Semester 5 & 6) of the program covers more advanced subjects, such as Machine Design,
Integral Calculus, Operational Excellence, Advanced Quality Concepts, Project Management, Shop Floor
Management and Continuous Improvement, Manufacturing Automation, Facility Planning and Workcell
Design and Principles of Accounting and Financial Management. The program also incorporates industry
field placement, allowing students to put their classroom learning into practice.
Admission Criteria
Students applying to this program need to submit:
Secondary school diploma certificate or equivalent, or mature student status;
Scores of English Grade 12 C or University, or equivalent or take the college’s English Skills
Assessment for Admission; and
Scores of Mathematics Grade 11 M or 12 C or University, or equivalent or take the college’s
Engineering Math Skills Assessment for Admission.
Students who are currently in high school can also apply for this program. Their midterm and final term
scores will be automatically transmitted to the college.
2. Centennial College
Choosing the Right College
A large number of colleges in Canada offer post-secondary mechanical engineering courses. A program is
worth considering only if it
Is accredited
Offers practical experience in designing, building, and testing equipment
Incorporates actual workplace assignments
Incorporates practical hands-on experience
Offers excellent employment prospects
Centennial College’s program in mechanical engineering technology fulfills all the above mention criteria. It
makes the right choice for students who wish to build careers in the areas of mechanical product design
and manufacturing, quality control, plant expansions and layouts and planning new facilities. The program
is CTAB nationally accredited and allows qualified students to work three terms as paid employees in the
field. The co-op component helps them enhance their learning and gain practical experience even before
they are graduates.