Enhancements needed for more viable electronics technologist education

A study was conducted in 1990 of the needs and opportunities for enhancing electronics technologist education programs in Montreal, Canada. Managers in eight high-technology companies, university professors, and teachers in three colleges were interviewed. A survey of graduate technologists (90 replied) was also conducted. Further discussion with technologist educators enabled a number of critical enhancements to be identified. Some of the enhancements which were found to be most desired and needed are: (1) more and better use of computer-aided design (e.g., Orcad-Spice) and simulation study packages in college laboratories to develop a deeper understanding of system and circuit behaviors, and to undergird troubleshooting skills: (2) better interpersonal communications and team-working skills training; (3) more industrial experience, e.g. internships/co-op programs; (4) more mathematics courses to enable technologists to enter university electrical engineering programs when the opportunity occurs and to enable them better to understand industrial quality control work; and (5) reframing of electrotechnology programs to make them more attractive and more accessible to female students