ABOUT THE ECP
The Engineering Certificate Program (ECP) is designed to provide students with the hands on, practical skills needed to be successful in several fields of engineering. By emphasizing academic achievement in science and mathematics in combination with courses in technology, students are better able to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical experiences. This is all done in combination with participation in clubs and competitions in robotics, e-car, precision machining, and control systems.
HISTORY BEHIND THE ECP
The ECP program was brought about by students who believed that their experiences in manufacturing and computer engineering courses, as well as participation in clubs such as the First Robotics and the Electronic Race Car contributed significantly to their learning. They felt these unique experiences should be recognized and more broadly promoted as enhanced learning opportunities for students in an Engineering pathway. Through the support of teachers and administration the program was developed and instituted in the 2018-2019 school year.
BENEFITS OF THE ECP
The Engineering Certificate Program recognizes and honors students who demonstrate:
- a commitment to their learning
- active engagement in the life of the school furthering their learning
- a strong sense of citizenship, collaboration, and innovation.
Students will benefit from developing theoretical and technical competencies through authentic learning experiences. Some of the benefits include:
- Learning practical technical skills
- Applying theory from the maths and sciences to real world situations
- Increasing confidence in science and mathematics
- Developing leadership and team skills
- Improving communication skills
- Enhancing innovative and creative thought
- Working through an entire design process
- Connecting with College and University faculty
- Participating in competitions
- Opportunity for specialized co-op placements
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ECP
To be eligible to receive the WCDSB Engineering Certificate, students need to complete:
- Four courses from either computer engineering, mechanical engineering, robotics, or mechanical design
- One senior level course in mathematics
- One senior level course in science
- Participation in a robotics, e-car, control systems, or machining club
COMPONENT 1: TECHNICAL COURSES
Students will have the opportunity to choose specific courses that fit their particular interests but must complete four senior level credits choosing from computer engineering, mechanical engineering, robotics, and mechanical design.
COMPONENT 2: MATHEMATICS
Students must complete one grade 12 mathematics credit. Students are encouraged to choose from either Advanced Functions or Calculus and Vectors.
COMPONENT 3: SCIENCE
Students must complete one grade 12 science credit. Students are encouraged to choose from either Chemistry or Physics.
COMPONENT 4: TEAM PARTICIPATION
Students must complete a total of 200 hours of participation within at least one team. These teams consist of Skills Canada Robotics, Skills Canada Precision Machining, Skills Canada Control Systems, Racing Saints E-Car, or ACE FIRST Robotics.
CHENAO YUAN
“The Engineering Certificate Program trained me to think
as an engineer. It provided me the practical skills as well as
professional knowledge which encouraged me to pursue
an engineer degree at the University of Waterloo.”
JOHANA SOTO SOLIS
“The ECP program has helped so much in guiding me toward my goal of becoming a mechanical engineer… the ECP program has given me the optimum knowledge, experience, and an advantage as a student looking to pursue a career in mechanical engineering.”
ECP SCHOLARSHIP
ENGINEERING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
Engineers create, program, design and build the things that make our lives easier and more manageable. When they are at the top of their game, the things they create may even make our lives better.
Two distinguished graduates of this program, 1 male and 1 female student, who are continuing to study at the Postsecondary Level, will be selected to receive this award. The following criteria will be considered in determining the recipient:
- Evidence of engagement within the ECP model (e.g., consistent participation in at least one of the clubs: E-Car club, Robotics club, Skills Canada events)
- Represents the characteristics of a Catholic learner (e.g., integrity, critical thinking, commitment to academics — marks, attendance, comportment)?
- Maintains a minimum combined average of 85% in the three courses
STUDENT ENDORSEMENTS
MITCHELL WHYTE
“The Engineering Certificate Program (ECP) was a great help to me as I prepared to enter university. It introduced me to basic principles of design, and familiarized me with some of the design tools, like Computer Aided Design (CAD), that I have used throughout my university education. The hands-on experience I gained from the ECP was an amazing addition to my university applications. It demonstrated that I was capable of learning and applying both theoretical and practical knowledge. My participation with the Engineering Certificate Program really helped my applications go above and beyond, and showed I was the perfect candidate for each university I applied to.”
JACK CECCOMANCINI
“The Engineering Certificate Program helped me in preparation for post-secondary as it developed the foundations of theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to succeed in a Bachelor of Engineering Program.”
JASON HE
“Being a part of a FIRST Robotics team and Electric Vehicle team in high school not only gave me an advantage when applying to university, but it has also helped me transition smoothly into the university design team environment. With these hands-on learning experiences, I have been able to learn more efficiently in class apply it on the projects and teams I work on.”
Gain Experiences that will Prepare you for University
Exploring Engineering Summer Credit Course
CORPORATE ENDORSEMENTS
“The Engineering Certificate Program at St. Benedict’s is
truly the most amazing program I have seen in the last
30 years in the Manufacturing Sector.”
CHRIS HERGOTT
VP Operations | XL Tool Inc.
“The coops students we’ve seen so far have surpassed
the expectation of what we expected a high school
coop student would be able to do… they have already
established a solid foundation of technical skills as well
as displaying a positive attitude and willingness to learn.”
MIMI BRAZIL
Human Resources Manager | Eclipse Automation