Three years. Hundreds of voices. Work undertaken for Engineers Canada’s Futures of Engineering Accreditation (FEA) project culminated in the FEA Path Forward Report. The work, however, continues now under Realizing Futures of Engineering Accreditation, building on the momentum and work of FEA.
In 2021, Engineers Canada set out to examine the current Canadian engineering accreditation system, understand how it’s serving contemporary needs, and consider how it can better serve the future of engineering. These activities were a strategic priority in Engineers Canada’s 2022-2024 Strategic Plan.
In FEA’s initial research phase, the project team conducted a benchmarking analysis for the accreditation system, reviewing similar jurisdictions and other regulated professions in Canada. The team also looked at current and emergent practices in engineering education within Canada and internationally to identify current engineering education trends. Over the three-year journey, many engagements were held with various groups and individuals from the engineering community, including regulators, educators, deans, engineers-in-training, employers, and engineers. These engagements took the form of collaborative design sessions, workshops, interviews, and surveys.
The data collected from this wealth of knowledge and expertise supported the development of the project’s final deliverable, the FEA Path Forward Report – a document comprised of 18 recommendations that propose shifts to the Canadian engineering accreditation system. However, the proposed amendments to the system included in the FEA Path Forward Report recommendations aim to create a system aligned with modern times which is inclusive and prepared for the future.
As Engineers Canada embarks on its 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, the FEA Path Forward Report sets a foundation for the new strategic direction, Realizing Accreditation and Academic Assessments. With this initiative underway, staff at Engineers Canada are now working on implementing approved recommendations as well as to support the Engineers Canada Board to determine further steps.
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