Confederation College technology students had the chance to catch a glimpse of their potential futures Friday.
The engineering and environmental technician students held Design the Future, the third annual technology symposium Friday at the college. The student-led initiative allowed students to network with potential employers in their given fields.
Event co-chair Roxanne Swarbrick, a second-year environmental technician student, said the event allows students to get a general idea of the possible pathways they can take after graduation.
“It’s a one-on-one interaction where they get to learn and talk to employers,” she said. “It’s a professional atmosphere … and it’s kind of preparing you for job interviews.”
Companies like Cliffs Natural Resources and TBT Engineering had booths at the symposium and Swarbrick said the event has started to gain a solid reputation with area firms.
When contacted about this year’s technology symposium, most were excited to come back.
“We’re getting more employers interested in the event,” she said.
Kris Tuuttila, environmental manager for DST Consulting Engineers, said it’s a good way to meet students who will soon be graduating.
“We’re always looking to hire good students who have good qualifications from a program like the environmental technician program at the college,” he said.
The fact the event is student-run shows a lot of initiative, Tuuttila added.
“We’re definitely interested in participating in the future,” he said.
The symposium also included a presentation of $10,000 from the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists to the Confederation College Foundation for a new bursary endowment fund.
