2. UNDERGRADUATE ENGINEERING EDUCATION

2.4. Practical Experience

• Experience of the environment in which engineering is practised is of primary importance in the development of the engineering undergraduate.

• The structure of each undergraduate engineering program should provide opportunity and requirement for practical experience through summer employment, co-operative education arrangements or 12-16 month internship programs.

• Provision of such experience opportunities for undergraduate engineers should be accepted as a responsibility by Canadian industry.

• It is particularly advantageous if the practical experience period for an engineering undergraduate can include opportunity for travel and living in another part of Canada so that perspectives can be broadened and Canadian unity can be promoted.

• Considering the importance of international trade to Canada, the provision of opportunity for many students to obtain experience in foreign countries should be strongly encouraged. Language facility in both English and French should be the norm for Canadian engineers and ability in foreign languages should be encouraged.

RECOMMENDATION 17: Each undergraduate engineering program should provide opportunity and requirement for practical experience.

RECOMMENDATION 18: Canadian industry should progressively and collectively accept ongoing responsibility for providing adequate opportunities to engineering students for practical experience.

RECOMMENDATION 19: Industry and governments should devise incentives to encourage engineering students to seek experience in various regions of Canada and in foreign countries.