Matthew Tutty, a Canadian Federation of Engineering Students leader, is passionate about climate change and the potential of the engineering profession to contribute to solutions advancing sustainability. supplied — Matthew Tutty, a Canadian Federation of Engineering Students leader, is passionate about climate change and the potential of the engineering profession to contribute to solutions advancing sustainability. **supplied**

What better way to spark an interest in the profession than by showcasing the passion and achievements of students and young engineers? As Canada celebrates the contribution of all engineers to the well-being of society during National Engineering Month, the upcoming week is dedicated to the next generation of engineers.

“We want our ideas, solutions and initiatives to inspire coming generations to be even more inquisitive and innovative,” says Sierra Sparks, vice-president, Academic, Canadian Federation of Engineering Students (CFES). “By presenting the great work of engineering students, we are challenging assumptions about what we’re capable of.”

Engineering has a big impact on society, with technologies shaping how we live, work and interact – and challenges are becoming more complex. “We’re seeing pandemics and climate change,” says Matthew Tutty, Corporate Relations commissioner, CFES. “I was initially drawn to engineering because of the potential for developing the skills for solving complex problems, but I discovered that the profession offers much more – it is a community of leaders who are passionate about improving people’s lives for the better.”

Mr. Tutty, a chemical engineering and business student, sees a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, climate action and social justice among engineering students.

He brought his passion about climate action to a research project on carbon capture and storage, which gave him a chance to engage with cutting-edge technology designed to curb greenhouse gas emissions. “Students at Canadian universities and colleges can participate in a range of experiential learning and research opportunities,” says Mr. Tutty. “They can use this foundation to start imagining solutions to the problems they are passionate about.”

Engineering graduates have access to many different career opportunities, says Ms. Sparks, who has a degree in electrical engineering and completed co-op programs in a utilities company, in defence, in oil and gas and in medical technology. “An engineering education teaches you how to learn, an invaluable skill in today’s fast-changing work environment,” she says. “It’s an amazing opportunity to grow as an independent thinker and problem solver.”

Mr. Tutty agrees. “Engineering equips you with soft skills and hard skills. You have your typical math, science and theory – and that’s augmented with problem-solving, critical thinking and learning how to use data to drive decisions. These skills can be applied anywhere,” he says. “We also collaborate with different disciplines, industries and professions, because many of the challenges are inherently multidisciplinary.”

Comprehensive – and equitable – solutions require a toolkit that includes “diversity of thought,” states Mr. Tutty. “I see a lot of effort to build a system that is inclusive.”

For example, Engineers Canada, in partnership with engineering stakeholders, including the Canadian Federation of Engineering Students, aims to increase the percentage of newly licensed engineers who are women to 30 per cent by 2030.

“People with diverse strengths and backgrounds can really excel in this profession. Honestly, engineering is for everyone,” says Ms. Sparks, echoing this year’s National Engineering Month theme, “There is a place for you in engineering.”

Held in March, National Engineering Month presents an opportunity to raise awareness about the invaluable contribution of engineers to enhancing the success of Canadian businesses and communities and improving quality of life across the country.

The month-long campaign – spearheaded by Engineers Canada, the national organization that represents the 12 engineering regulators, and the engineering community – aims to spark an interest in engineering as a potential career opportunity.