Prepare for the career ahead: regulator programs to help graduates gain licensure

Watch our second Exchanges session, where we speak with two engineering regulators, APEGA and APEGNB, as they discuss their respective programs for post-secondary students and Engineers-in-Training (EITs). We also speak to two students who have entered these programs about the career advantages and expertise the Work Readiness Program and Connections program offered them.

Topics covered

• Learn directly from regulators to about their role in supporting students through licensure
• Get a first-hand account of programs you can use to streamline your licensure journey
• Listen to an engaging discussion between the audience and our panel through the live Q&A.

This was an insightful and engaging session. Watch the recording to gain valuable insights into potential support programs, and explore the ways in which you can enhance your career readiness through regulator supports.
 

About the Moderator

Christine Nguyen is a final year Electrical Engineering Student at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). She has worked with the Canadian Federation of Engineering Students (CFES) for 4 years and is currently their National Councillor. Previously, she was the VP Communications and Marketing Commissioner within the CFES, she and has collaborated with Engineers Canada most closely through National Engineering Month initiatives.  

In her free time, Christine also volunteers within her local Engineering Society as their President and enjoys playing volleyball and reading!

About the Panellists

Mohamed El Daly, P.Eng., M.Sc., is director of outreach and product services at the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Alberta (APEGA). In his role, he oversees APEGA’s outreach and equity, diversity, and inclusion portfolios while providing guidance to hundreds of volunteers in APEGA’s 10 branches across the province. He has more than 20 years of project management and leadership experience and has led many projects to successful completion. Mohamed is a registered professional engineer with APEGA, holds a master’s degree in civil engineering, and is a graduate of Cornell University’s Diversity & Inclusion program. He also holds a Canadian certified inclusion professional designation from the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) and a certified diversity executive designation from the Society of Diversity Certification. In 2020, Mohamed was recognized by CCDI as the Diversity & Inclusion Practitioner of the Year. He is also the recipient of the Human Rights Award from the John Humphrey Centre for Peace & Human Rights for his efforts to promote STEM education of under-represented groups and Indigenous communities.

As a 5th year Mechanical Engineering Co-op Student, Zaafir Olagunju aspires to make a positive impact in the world through problem solving and technological innovation. He does this by staying inquisitive and continuously expanding his skill set and competencies. Participating in the APEGA Work Readiness Program has further solidified his professional development by enhancing his communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities. It has also provided him with invaluable insight into the engineering licensure process and workplace dynamics, helping to shape his career aspirations and prepare him for the transition from academia to industry.

With over 15 years of experience as a communications professional, Lauren Nicholson has developed and executed strategic and creative communications programs that advance the goals and reputation of various organizations. In her current role as Director of Communications, she oversees internal and external communications, government and media relations and community outreach for the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of New Brunswick (APEGNB).

Lauren is passionate about telling compelling stories that engage and inform diverse audiences, using various channels and platforms, including social media, publications, events, and training. She has successfully managed communications for crisis events, issues management, corporate rebranding, and change management, demonstrating her ability to adapt, collaborate, and deliver in fast-paced and complex environments.

Cam Drost (she/they/elle/iel) is a final year Chemical Engineering student at the University of New Brunswick, specializing in Nuclear Power and Energy Conversion, graduating in Spring 2025. She has previously worked with the Limerick Pulp and Paper Research Centre, Irving Oil Ltd., and Bruce Power, each time as an engineering student in various technical teams and areas. Cam currently leads the UNB Engineering Undergraduate Society as President and is on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Federation of Engineering Students as the Atlantic Ambassador. She is passionate about equal representation and skill building for all young engineers and engineering students, and is excited to share her experience as a mentee with the new APEGNB Connections program.