From Student Engineer to E.I.T.: Will Wonodi’s Journey of Growth and Discovery

When Will Wonodi joined the Confederation Centre of the Arts in July 2022, he was eager to take what he’d learned in the classroom and see how it worked in the real world. As a Student Engineer in the Operations Department, he dove into projects that would help modernize and support the Centre’s daily operations.

Working under the supervision of Professional Engineer Troy Gallant, Will gained hands-on experience that helped him bridge the gap between school and industry. “It was a pivotal point in my career,” Will says. “I had the chance to learn from experienced engineers, collaborate across different teams, and really understand what it means to apply engineering principles in practice.”

Building a Strong Foundation

During his time at the Centre, Will contributed to several important projects, including updating fire safety plans and digital floor records. One project that stands out was the room numbering initiative, where he assigned and labeled more than 200 spaces throughout the facility.

He also spent time working in AutoCAD, a skill that became second nature and remains a key part of his daily work today. “That hands-on experience with real software and real problems prepared me for the challenges I face now,” he reflects.

Learning Through Collaboration

Will describes his time at the Centre as one of growth, mentorship, and teamwork. Working alongside cross-functional teams, he learned the value of clear communication and collaboration. He also gained exposure to professional engineering practices and developed a strong work ethic that continues to guide him.

In September 2022, Will returned to UPEI for his final year in the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering while continuing part-time at the Centre. Balancing both roles taught him how to manage time, adapt quickly, and apply classroom theory directly to real-world challenges.

Taking the Next Step

After graduating in May 2023, Will registered with Engineers PEI as an Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T.) and accepted a full-time position with Amsted Canada as a Product Development Drafter for Amsted Seals.

“The mentorship and experience I gained at the Confederation Centre played a big part in helping me reach this point,” he says.

In November 2024, Will transitioned to Brenco, another division within Amsted, following a company reorganization. Then, in February 2025, he successfully passed the Certified SolidWorks Associate Exam (CSWA) — and later, in August 2025, he went on to pass the Certified SolidWorks Professional Exam (CSWP), marking another proud milestone in his journey as a design engineer.

Looking Back

Will often reflects on his time at the Confederation Centre as the experience that truly launched his career. The mentorship, hands-on learning, and real-world problem-solving gave him both confidence and purpose.

“It was that early exposure to real engineering work that made all the difference,” he says. “The Centre gave me the foundation to build on — and I still carry those lessons with me today.”