Durham College (DC) is excited to announce that the Young Pipeliners Association of Canada (YPAC) has launched a new chapter for DC’s Mechanical Engineering Technician – Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) students and alumni. As one of only two schools in Ontario to offer the NDE program, the launch of YPAC’s DC chapter will expand opportunities for students to gain relevant work experience and training in the field.

The DC chapter joins YPAC’s community of 2,500 members across Canada who benefit from access to peer networking, scholarships and industry opportunities and events, such as the 2021 YPAC Conference. YPAC also has a number of technical committees for young pipeliners to collaborate on issues of design, production and distribution.

Compared to its fellow chapters across Canada, typically comprised of mechanical, civil, chemical and environmental engineering professionals, DC’s chapter will have a unique focus dedicated to protecting the integrity of the pipeline. This chapter will leverage its expertise in the latest methods and developments to promote ways in which NDE technologies can be used during pipeline construction and maintenance. Virtual chapter events will offer a platform for discussion and are open to all YPAC members.

“The Durham College chapter of the Young Pipeliners Association of Canada will create an exciting network for students and alumni to establish meaningful relationships and access to resources that will ease their transition into the industry,” said Michelle Hutt, executive dean, School of Science & Engineering Technology (SET). “The college’s unique focus on non-destructive evaluation technologies will add value to the membership while also raising awareness for important advancements in the field.”

The two-year program, which also has an available one-year fast-track option, requires students to complete in-depth training and gain relevant work experience before obtaining their license and entering the workplace. By connecting current students and recent graduates through YPAC, the DC chapter will work to create a network for early-career individuals in the pipeline industry.

“I am confident that this initiative will bring new networking opportunities for our students and position Durham College as a leader in Non-Destructive Evaluation nationally,” says Katy Zaidman, professor, SET and chapter mentor-advisor.

DC has elected the following Executive Committee, comprised of faculty and students to lead the chapter:

• Lovlesh Kamudu, co-chair, fast-track NDE student
• Jamaal Betts, co-chair, second-year NDE student
• Maya Wijeratne, vice president secretary-treasurer, fast-track NDE student
• Jim Cree, vice president events, second-year NDE student
• Almigdad Ibrahim, chapter founding member, second-year NDE student
• Simon Susac, DC graduate and industry liaison, senior lead NDE technician/pipeline specialist, NDT Group
• Katy Zaidman, professor, program co-ordinator, SET

“Since announcing the DC chapter, we have had a positive response from students and alumni inquiring about the Young Pipeliners membership,” explains co-chair Lovlesh Kamudu. “On behalf of the executive committee, we look forward to building a membership base of like-minded individuals and engaging in meaningful discussions about how to successfully navigate the pipeline industry as young professionals.”

To learn more about YPAC’s Durham College chapter, please visit https://ypacanada.com.