How one former Centennial student became a WIMTACH industry partner

In just five short years, Justin Caguiat went from Centennial College graduate of the Software Engineering Technology – Interactive Gaming program to becoming the Technical Director of Shaftesbury, an award-winning digital media production company. This journey all began when he became a student researcher at Wearable, Interactive and Mobile Technology Access Centre in Health (WIMTACH).

In 2015, Caguiat began working on applied research projects for Shaftesbury (WIMTACH industry partner) through WIMTACH, designing game assets and programming hardware and firmware for their health and wellness solutions. He was hired shortly afterwards. He had no idea the opportunity would lead him back to Centennial College, this time as an industry partner.

Not only has Caguiat returned to WIMTACH to carry out projects, he has also participated in WIMTACH hackathons in a meaningful way: some of the hackathon participants have been hired.

Justin credits WIMTACH with a large part of his career success: “That initial connection with WIMTACH helped me jumpstart my career. WIMTACH was a stepping stone, an advocate for my skills, and encouraged me to be better.”

WIMTACH offers practical skills and real-life experience to students, as well as support to industry partners. As a Centennial graduate, Justin has seen first-hand the quality of these students and the benefits of working with them. Now well into his own career, Justin encourages current students to be problem-solving, capable self-starters, so that one day they, too, might come back to WIMTACH as an industry partner.

Read the full story on the Centennial College ARIC website here