PR in the Philippines

Quebec City, Quebec Jul 20, 2025 – A seasoned electrical engineer is urging Canadians to embrace hands-on, do-it-yourself learning as a vital component in addressing the country’s STEM skills shortage and preparing young people for careers in engineering, trades, and technical fields.

Lauzier, who has spent the last 15 years contributing to the modernization of Canada’s energy systems and industrial infrastructure, credits practical experience as crucial in his own development.

“When I was 15, I built a barely functional FM transmitter from salvaged parts,” he recalls. “It wasn’t for a school assignment or competition. I simply wanted to see if I could do it. That single project was more educational than an entire semester of lectures.”

A Tinkering Crisis

Engineers Canada reports that nearly 45% of engineering firms are experiencing a shortage of skilled professionals, particularly in areas such as power systems and industrial automation. Simultaneously, fewer students are pursuing trades or technical programs, and many young learners lack opportunities for practical, hands-on learning.

“We have become overly reliant on digital simulations and ready-made kits,” Lauzier argues. “However, engineering is tangible; it exists in the wiring, the heat, the timing. You need to feel the resistance in a wire to truly grasp the concept of current flow.”

Lauzier’s background includes involvement in a federal smart grid initiative, where he assisted in the installation of over 15,000 smart meters across rural Canada. Currently, he is involved in R&D, focusing on developing embedded energy systems for remote northern communities—technology that must function autonomously without continuous human oversight.

“There are no second chances when you’re 400 kilometers from the nearest technician,” he points out. “That’s why fundamental principles and hands-on experience are so important.”

His personal pursuits also reflect his dedication to practical skills. He restores vintage radios—most recently a 1947 wooden tabletop model with vacuum tubes—and conducts soldering workshops in his hometown of Gatineau.

“Kids remember wires, solder, and tools more vividly than diagrams,” he states. “And they quickly gain confidence.”

No Labs? No Problem.

Lauzier emphasizes that promoting practical learning doesn’t necessitate sophisticated labs or costly equipment.

“You can accomplish this with a few hand tools and a breadboard,” he suggests. “Repair a flashlight, construct a basic circuit, disassemble an old coffee maker. The key is curiosity, not elaborate setups.”

He encourages parents, educators, and community organizations to provide opportunities for unstructured exploration: “Allow kids to experiment and take things apart. Encourage them to inquire about the function of each component. That’s where true learning happens.”

Why It Matters

In a world increasingly driven by automation, smart grids, and AI, Canada’s demand for skilled technical problem-solvers is rapidly increasing. However, Lauzier cautions that we risk losing the very inquisitiveness that fuels innovation.

“We are teaching children to code before they understand how a switch operates,” he observes. “This is a flawed approach. A solid grasp of the fundamentals leads to better coders, builders, and citizens.”

What You Can Do

Lauzier is not launching an organization or promoting a product. Instead, he is urging individuals to take initiative within their own homes and communities:

• Parents: Allow children to participate in household repairs, even if it requires more time.
• Educators: Incorporate real-world projects into your curriculum, such as circuit kits, repair tasks, or local field trips.
• Communities: Organize tool-sharing programs or weekend build clubs.
  Mentors: Share your expertise, regardless of your field.

“The next generation of engineers will not emerge from screens,” he concludes. “They will come from garages, basements, and kitchen tables—where they were given the freedom to explore.”

About Frederic Lauzier
is a licensed Professional Engineer and Certified Energy Manager based in Ottawa, Ontario. He has contributed to national smart grid projects, off-grid infrastructure, and industrial automation. He restores vintage electronics and mentors young engineers across Canada.