by Alissa Blanchard

Holland College has received national accreditation from the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB) for two programs offered by its Engineering Technology Division. Students in the Architectural Technology and Construction Technology programs can now be assured that the skills they acquire during their two years at the College meet national and international standards.

The CTAB has been established by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists to provide an independent audit of technology programs upon request by a College. The standards used are established by the Canadian Technology Human Resources Board's (CTHRB) national advisory committees. After review of submitted curriculum and student projects representatives from the board visited the programs and interviewed the learning managers, students, program graduates and the industry advisory board. Dr. Brian McMillan, the College's Director of Program Operations, said there was also an inspection carried out to ensure that the instructional resources and equipment used in the two programs met national standards. He said the accreditation will reap benefits for both the college and students in the two programs. Dr. McMillan explained there is a growing trend to have all technology programs accredited, as students want to know that their program has a national seal of approval.

As a result of economic growth, PEI has experienced an increase in construction activity resulting in a high demand for graduates of the Architectural and Construction Technology programs.

The Architectural Technology program is a two-year comprehensive training program that encompasses all aspects of the architectural building industry. It offers an intensive study of building science, principles of architectural and engineering design materials and the preparation of technical drawings.

Construction Technology is a two-year program that prepares students to enter administrative and middle management levels of the building construction industry through instruction in estimating, project management and all aspects of the building construction industry.

Brian Fleming, president of the Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists of PEI (ACETTPEI), also expressed pleasure at the news of the accreditation. He added that the accreditation of the programs clearly demonstrates a significant commitment by Holland College to both the building and architectural construction industries, as well as to the students and graduates who are pursuing careers in those fields. The Island organization is part of the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists and Fleming said the national standards are exacting. He added "the work of the CTHRB and CTAB is impressive -- as Canadians we can be very proud that these groups are diligent in ensuring that technical skill sets and post-secondary technology programs across the country are of the highest quality."

Dr. McMillan said the accreditation is also good news for students who may want to continue their studies at a university level. Many Universities from Memorial in Newfoundland to the University of Victoria in British Colombia offer degrees in these occupational fields and they will give students who have completed an accredited program, credit towards obtaining a degree in the discipline. He said the accreditation process is part of the College's commitment to excellence in education, adding Holland College was the first educational institution in the province to become certified by the International Standards Organization.