Arnulfo Augustin recently received the CINDE award, recognizing excellence in the Mechanical Engineering Technician Non-Destructive Evaluation program. The Durham College student intends to obtain a professional licence in mechanical engineering.
Arnulfo Augustin, a recent graduate of Durham College, was recently honoured with the prestigious Canadian Institute for Non-Destructive Evaluation (CINDE) Ontario Student Chapter Award.
The award is presented annually to a student who has completed his or her first year of the Durham College Mechanical Engineering Technician Non-Destructive Evaluation program and has maintained a minimum 2.75 GPA. The candidate must also have completed two co-op semesters, be involved in extracurricular activities and demonstrate strong oral and written communication and leadership skills.
"I am so honoured to receive this recognition," said Augustin. "I will try to promote the membership, principles and objectives of (CINDE) to the best of my abilities!"
As the recipient, Augustin received an all-expenses paid trip from November 12 to 16, 2007 to the four-day American Society of Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT) fall conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. The award had an approximate value of $2,000.
While at the conference, Augustin attended numerous courses and exhibits showcasing the advancement in NDE testing equipment and techniques. The speakers and attendees gave Augustin a sense of the wide scope of the need for Non-Destructive Technology (NDT) in numerous different industries, including petro-chemical, aerospace and construction.
"It is such a dynamic field, constantly growing and expanding to meet the needs of its ever-increasing number of clients," said Augustin.
Augustin took particular interest in a course about the development of advance measurement techniques to monitor hydrogen content in steel pipelines. "Considering that it's still in its experimental phase, I think that its development is worth monitoring," he said.
Growing up, Augustin had always been fascinated with machines and how they work. He realized at a young age that he was naturally adept at working with his hands and possessed the patience and persistence to complete a project with even the finest detail.
"When the time came to choose a career, I found after some research, that NDE appealed to me because it suits my inclination," stated Augustin. "I found that there is a demand for technicians and technologists in the country now, and there will be an even greater demand in the future, and would therefore provide me with a with a steady source of employment."
Augustin is currently employed as an engineer-in-training at Acuren Group Inc., a company that provides material testing and inspection services throughout North America. His experience with NDE inspection, machine shop supervision and laboratory work will be extremely valuable as he prepares to write his certification exams and eventually obtain his professional licence in mechanical engineering.
"It gives me a sense of satisfaction knowing that evaluating the safety of building structures, bridges, machinery and other equipment would make Canada safer for people," said Augustin. "It is truly an honourable profession."