Two Step Engineering Program (Ages 18-27)
This is an engineering educational program in two stages; the goal is to allow more young men and women from the periphery to attain a higher education and to integrate into the IDF in their fields of study.
Engineering studies in two steps
Step one: practical engineering studies combined with academic studies. During this stage of the program, participants earn 40% of the points needed towards a BSc in engineering.
Step two: after completing their army service as practical engineers, participants continue their studies, completing 5 semesters to obtain their BSc degrees.
Subjects studied:
It is possible to specialize in one of four areas: electronics, mechanics, programming, and construction.
Program partners:
The program has been in operation since 2004 in coordination and cooperation with the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education, the Sacta-Rashi Foundation, and the academic colleges.
The cooperating academic institutions
The cooperating academic institutions responsible for the success of the program are:
· The ORT – Braude Academic College in Carmiel, majors in electronics and mechanical engineering
· The Kinneret Engineering College (Jordan Valley)
· The Sami Shimon Academic College of Engineering in cooperation with the Amal College in Beersheva, majors in electronics, programming and construction engineering
· The Sami Shimon Academic College of Engineering in cooperation with Air Force Technical School and the Amal Network, major in electronic engineering
The track includes studies in two steps:
The first step – after completion of high school and prior to army service: academic studies combined with practical engineering studies in the fields of electronics, mechanics, and programming. Studies are over a two year period and during this period participants earn 40% of the points needed towards a BSc in engineering.
Army service: 3 year mandatory service plus 15 months service in the standing army, as practical engineers in the area studied; results in extensive professional experience.
Step two – after completion of army service: continuation of engineering studies for an additional two to two and a half years, in the fields of: BSc Electronic Engineering, BSc Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Mechtronics, or Computer engineering.
The selection process and conditions for acceptance:
Academic conditions:
· Eligible for a matriculation certificate including 4-5 point matriculation exams in English and math
· Minimum of 500 points on the psychometric exam
· School recommendations (teachers, principal)
Personal conditions:
· Meet the requirements of appropriateness for the program as defined by the IDF
Appropriateness for the program:
· Academic acceptance already at the point of beginning engineering studies
Participation in the program is dependent on the annual number of places available.
During October – February of the academic year, registration is held for the two step engineering program. The applicants have until April to take the psychometric exam (the April test date being the last option) and to succeed in achieving a minimum score of 500. In June, the first selection committee is held. Those applicants who meet the requirements are invited for a personal interview with the military and college staff during July. The last stage is in September: matriculation exams scores are received and decision made by the acceptance committee.
The student receives:
· Most of the tuition for the first step is covered.
· A stipend for living expenses of 15,000 NIS (according to personal eligibility)
· A place in the dormitories (paid for by the students)
· Tutoring
· Group practice classes –for program participants only
· Social coach – an older student who accompanies participants during the absorption process and the program
· Accompaniment by the Atidim administration during the registration process, the academic program and during army service
· Professional placement – the graduates of the first step are placed in quality practical engineering positions in leading IDF technological units and receive extensive professional experience during their army service.
The student must commit to:
· Successfully meeting the academic conditions set by the program
· 3 year mandatory service plus 15 months service in the standing army, as practical engineers in the area studied
Advantages of the program
· Practical engineering studies at leading academic and technological colleges
· Acquire 40% of a BSc in engineering already in the first step
· Students who excel can earn extra academic points during the first step of the program and request to continue their engineering studies in a continuous fashion (join the Academic Reserve)
Did you know?
· The first cycle of the program opened in October 2004 with 24 students. A year later, the number had already risen sharply to 151 students
· In the second cycle there were 5 participants from the Druze and Cherkessk communities, in the third cycle this number rose to 11.
In the second cycle there were 5 women participants, a year later this number rose to 14. In the third cycle there were also Ethiopian participants.
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