ASTTBC e-News, April 2016
Dear Subscriber,
ASTTBC e-News is broadcast to ASTTBC members and registrants, honourary members and our many partners and colleagues. ASTTBC e-News contains the latest information about our role as a self-governing professional association of technology professionals and the many services provided by the association. Each issue is posted to the ASTTBC website.
Table Of Contents
Tech Pros Add $55 Billion to GDP
Conference Board of Canada Report Highlights Economic Contributions of Technology Professionals
Results of a Conference Board of Canada study show that employment growth for Engineering and Applied Science Technologists and Technicians has strongly outpaced overall employment growth for Canada as a whole for the past 15 years.
The report, Assessing the Economic Contribution of Canada's Engineering and Applied Science Technicians and Technologists, also states that the average weekly wage rate for this profession has remained more than 20 per cent above the national average from 1997-98 to 2013-14.
The report confirms that this diverse group of technology professionals contributed $54.7 billion to the national economy in 2011 or 3.3 per cent of GDP. The economic contribution of technology professionals extends into the professional, scientific and technical services sector, manufacturing, construction, public administration, the information, cultural and recreation sector as well as the mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction sector.
"ASTTBC's message about the rewarding, recession-proof careers for engineering and applied science technologists and technicians is proven once again with the Conference Board of Canada study,” said ASTTBC CEO John Leech, AScT, CAE. “Technology Professionals are crucial to BC's economic growth, contributing an estimated $6 billion to the provincial economy, and a vital aspect of development, enhancing our innovation agenda and improving productivity.”
Conference Board of Canada Deputy Chief Economist Pedro Antunes said, “To sustain economic growth in light of slowing labour force growth, Canadian businesses need to focus on improving productivity and competitiveness. This means that demand for this occupational group will continue to grow in coming years."
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
- Employment growth for this occupational group has strongly outpaced overall employment growth for Canada as a whole over the past 15 years thanks, in part, to Canada's move towards a knowledge economy.
- The average weekly wage rate of technologists and technicians has remained more than 20 per cent above the national average from 1997-98 to 2013-14.
- Many of the challenges facing the Canadian economy, such as growing global competition, the aging population, slower labour force growth and growing public spending on health care, point to the need for productivity gains. Efforts to increase and maintain a high productivity level would likely involve the participation of technical professionals, such as engineering and applied science technicians and technologists.
- Canada's engineering and applied sciences technologists and technicians contributed $54.7 billion to the economy in 2011 — 3.3 per cent of Canadian GDP.
The report, Assessing the Economic Contribution of Canada's Engineering and Applied Science Technicians and Technologists, is funded and supported by Technology Professionals Canada (TPC).
Read the full report HERE in English, and HERE in French.
ASTTBC 2016 AGM & Conference - Register Now
ASTTBC would like to invite you to attend our Annual General Meeting & Conference on Friday May 27, 2016 at the Sheraton Guildford Hotel, Surrey. Please visit our website to find out more information and to REGISTER to attend.
Our theme for this year's Conference is 'Tech Professionals in Demand!' The day is designed to highlight the essential role Technology Professionals play in building BC's future. Explore your fit in the growing demand for qualified techs and take your career to the next level. You will also receive an update on the affairs of ASTTBC, network with other Technology Professionals and gain Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points.
ASTTBC Technology Professionals have an important role in BC's economic advantage. This year's Conference explores a number of different elements related to Technology Professionals in the workplace including a Panel Presentation on Professional Practice. Our Panel of Experts will explore current labour market data, the impact technical workers have on Canada's GDP, and tackle both human resources strategies and accountability measures.
ASTTBC is especially pleased to have Hon. Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development, as our AGM Luncheon speaker.
After lunch, we will have an inspiring Keynote Speaker - Randy Lewis, an American businessman, disability employment advocate, and author. Randy's book No Greatness without Goodness tells the story of what it takes to lead with courage in order to change people's lives for the better. Randy's keynote will address how leadership can both improve performance and benefit the community.
Randy Lewis is a former Senior Vice President of Walgreens, a Fortune 50 company, and current board member of Wendy's Restaurants. He was head of supply chain and logistics at Walgreens for 17 years until his retirement in 2013. At Walgreens, Randy created a program in its distribution centers to integrate people with disabilities as equals into its workforce. The results speak for themselves -- his vision fosters a culture that improves performance and benefits communities. Learn how you can use your power to do good in your workplace and your community!
AGM PROGRAMME:
- Registration & Continental Breakfast
- AGM Business Session
- Award Presentations (25, 40 & 50 years of service)
- Networking Coffee Break - Meet Council & Exhibitors
- Morning Panel: Professional Practice
- Lunch & Award Presentations
- Afternoon Professional Speaker: Randy Lewis
- Reception with a comp alcoholic beverage (have a beer on us!)
- Adjourn
The cost to attend the full day from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm is only $149.pp (taxes included).
Don't miss out - Register by May 18th, 2016. The ASTTBC Council and Staff look forward to seeing you there!
MLA Greg Kyllo Introduces Tech Skills Appreciation Week in BC Legislature
Greg Kyllo, MLA for Shuswap and Parliamentary Secretary for the BC Jobs Plan, set the stage for the first ever Technology Skills Appreciation Week (TSAW) March 21 - 25 by speaking in the BC Legislature on March 17, 2016. ASTTBC thanks MLA Kyllo for his work on the BC Jobs Plan and in supporting ASTTBC efforts to launch TSAW.
WATCH MLA Kyllo as he expresses his support for the technology workforce in the Legislature.
ASTTBC Celebrates National Volunteer Week
Where would we be without volunteers? The common denominator for all ASTTBC volunteers is their commitment to maintaining the quality of ASTTBC membership, and to protecting the wellbeing of the public. National Volunteer Week (April 10 - 16) was an opportunity for ASTTBC to thank all our volunteers for their valued support.
Each year, more than 250 ASTTBC members volunteer their time and expertise for the greater good of applicants, employers, the public, government and their communities in BC.
Volunteer activities at ASTTBC range from representing ASTTBC at annual events in the science and technology community to meeting with politicians and senior officials in provincial, federal, municipal and even international governments. The ASTTBC Boards are made up of volunteers, who are the backbone of the Association -- we couldn't do it without them, and Volunteer Week was an opportunity to say thank you!
National Day of Mourning - April 28
The National Day of Mourning, held annually on April 28, was officially recognized by the federal government in 1991, eight years after the day of remembrance was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress. The Day of Mourning has since spread to about 80 countries around the world and has been adopted by the AFL-CIO and the International Confederation of Free Trade.
The numbers tell the story. In 2014, 919 workplace deaths were recorded in Canada, up from 902 the previous year. This represents more than 2.5 deaths every single day. In the 20 year period from 1995 to 2014, 18,039 people lost their lives due to work-related causes (an average of 918 deaths per year).
The annual observance of this day strengthens the resolve to establish safe conditions in the workplace, and prevent injuries and deaths. As much as this is a day to remember those who lost their lives, it is also a call to protect the living.
Annual average according to "Number of Fatalities, by Jurisdiction 1993-2014" summary table, statistics from the Association of Workers Compensation Boards of Canada. For further statistical information visit the AWCBC National Work Injuries Statistics Program.
CTAC Standard For Tech PGLOY Available For Comment
Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) is pleased to announce that the draft edition of the Canadian Technology Accreditation Criteria (CTAC) standard for the technologist Program General Learning Outcomes (PGLOY) is now available for public comment.
The CTAC PGLOY 2015 standard is used in the accreditation of all engineering technology and applied science programs. The development of this revised edition is being directed by CSA Group, a leading provider of standards development services. Following a project start date of January, 2016, a Development Committee of expert members, with representation from industry, educational institutions, and Provincial Professional Association (PPA) members, has worked to review, discuss and improve the CTAC PGLOY standard. Through a consensus-based process, the committee has made several modifications including the addition of new learning outcome indicators (LOIs) to capture learning objectives that have grown in importance in recent years, and which had previously not been included, as well as the removal of certain LOIs that were no longer relevant or duplicated elsewhere.
The Public Review period is open until June 4, 2016. All comments received will be addressed by the Development Committee. It is expected that a revised CTAC PGLOY will be available for use by end of June 2016.
Click HERE to review the standard and post your comments.
Kevin Ramsay, AScT, RTMgr, Receives Professional Achievement Award
ASTTBC President Keith Trulson, AScT, EngL, presented Kevin Ramsay, ASct, RTMgr, with a Professional Achievement Award in recognition of a stellar career as a Technology Professional. The presentation was made at a regular meeting of the Port Moody Council. Kevin is City Manager with the City of Port Moody. Mayor Mike Clay joined Keith in the award presentation.
In reading out the citation to the Port Moody Council, ASTTBC CEO John Leech, AScT, CAE, outlined a few of Kevin's attributes and achievements: a leader of people and enterprises; a builder of positive and productive relationships; and, a change agent helping organizations meet their full potential. Kevin has been serving in municipal government for 30 years including with Vancouver, Surrey, West Vancouver and Squamish. Congratulations Kevin!
Click HERE to see the photo!
House Inspection Opportunity - Volunteers Needed
The field training aspect of preparing new house inspectors is required both for ASTTBC certification and for licensing by CPBC. Access to houses to carry out this training has proven to be an ongoing challenge.
Now that Council has adopted changes to the ASTTBC Field Training Policy for Tech Spec groups including House Inspectors, we are looking to make some improvements.
In order to implement a new strategy, we need to recruit some people to volunteer their homes for field training inspections and/or field assessment inspections.
What do we need:
- Access to single family homes, condos, townhouses, etc. for a half or a whole day. During a training or assessment session we would expect a maximum of 4 trainees/trainers to be in the house.
- Keep in mind that we want houses in a “typical” state, not cleaned up or modified in preparation - this is what an inspector typically inspects and we are not asking you to put in extra work.
- Also keep in mind that an inspection is “visual” only, nothing invasive is done to the house, and inspectors are trained to leave everything in the same state they found it.
What do you get:
- Legally, we can't do a “real home inspection” for you during a field training exercise. However, the exercise will be supervised by a senior ASTTBC Inspector and you can expect to be informed at the conclusion of the exercise of any issue that is found during the exercise that you should be concerned about, or that could adversely affect the sale of your property should you be thinking about putting it on the market. This is particularly true for assessments which are actually “tests” where a full inspection is done by the trainee and where that inspection and the report produced is reviewed by two senior inspectors.
- Recognizing that this does represent some disruption for the home owner, we intend to provide a small honorarium to the owner as compensation.
Time Frame:
We want to set up a “bank” of potential properties which could be used throughout the year. As we develop the system we want to set specific dates in advance for training and assessment sessions based on availability of homes. At this stage, we are really looking for indications from members that they might be interested in participating and as details become clearer, we will contact those members to explain what we plan to do and to reconfirm interest.
We are also interested in homes in all parts of the Province. Most of the field training in the past has been done in the Lower Mainland, but having training sites in other regions would be very helpful.
If you are interested, please contact: Barry W Brooks, AScT, CHI, RRFA(L), PEng, ASTTBC Manager, Property / House Inspection Registration at: bbrooks@asttbc.org
Alberta Technology Association President Receives ASTTBC Feather
ASTTBC President Keith Trulson and CEO John Leech recently attended the AGM of the Association of Science, Engineering and Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) in Edmonton.
President Trulson congratulated ASET on another great year and extended best wishes from ASTTBC. Keith presented outgoing ASET President Norman Kyle with an ASTTBC eagle feather carved by Salish artist Len McKay.
See the photo HERE.
ASTTBC Applauds Federal Government Program to Support Innovation at Post-Secondary
The federal government's announcement of targeted funding for innovation at post-secondary institutions was met with a great deal of support from ASTTBC's CEO.
“This investment in BC's colleges, universities and polytechnics such as BCIT will help with applied research and innovation,” said ASTTBC CEO John Leech, AScT, CAE. “ASTTBC will collaborate with the institutions and assist as needed to encourage BC small and medium enterprises to engage with the appropriate institutions.”
Click HERE for more info.
Site-BC Bylaws Amendment
Following negotiations between our associations and a change to their by-laws, ASTTBC members are now eligible to become full members of SITE-BC. This is especially good news for Internationally Trained Engineers who are ASTTBC members. The networking opportunities and other events hosted by SITE-BC will now be open to all ITPs, not just those who were able to achieve recognition through APEGBC. As well, ASTTBC congratulates Fernando Borja, PEng, on his re-election as President of SITE-BC.
UnTapped 2016: Tapping Into Talent
ASTTBC recently contributed to the Untapped Series: Tapping Into Talent session, a panel session exploring creative recruitment tactics for accessing traditionally untapped
talent pools.
ASTTBC was included as a business leader at this Open Door Group sponsored event and asked to share our successes and challenges in attracting diverse talent from millennials, Aboriginal workers, women and new immigrants, to the field of technology professionals. At the session, participants heard an engaging panel of industry professionals speak on a variety of topics, which ranged from how to seek out and recruit diverse talent, to what to look for in a prospective candidate, to candidate engagement best practices.
“All of us have a role to play when it comes to tapping into talent,” said Panel Moderator Malinee Narang, Senior Human Resources Partner, SAP Canada. “We know the benefits of a diverse workforce, but more importantly, we know we're facing a talent shortage. If we don't think outside the box now, we won't be able to maintain our success.”
22nd Annual SkillsBC Canada Competitions
ASTTBC was pleased to be an exhibitor at the Skills Canada BC Pathways to Careers Showcase held in conjunction with the Annual SkillsBC Competitions on April 13, 2016 at Tradex in Abbotsford.
The SkillsBC Competitions featured more than 40 competitions involving secondary and post-secondary students. The competition hosted over 600 competitors from around the province and provided students with the opportunity to watch their peers showcase trades & technology skills and compete for gold in these Olympic-style contests. Approximately 6,000 visitors from the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland attended, including youth, members of the general public, dignitaries, educators, and business and industry leaders.
ASTTBC actively sponsored the BCIT GearBots Engineering Challenge (coding robotics) competition at this event and applauds host Dereck Dirom of GearBots Educational Resources for his commitment to inspiring the next generation of robotic coding enthusiasts.
ASTTBC - BCWiT Celebrates International Women's Day
In celebration of International Women's Day, ASTTBC - BCWiT attended a special full day conference, The Art of Leadership for Women, to honour and celebrate women leaders and organizations who help women achieve their goals. This unique event featured a lineup of extraordinary women who established themselves as dynamic and successful leaders. Engaging and inspirational stories of leadership, succession planning, performance, and communication were shared and enjoyed by all.
APEGBC Pilot Program Permits Eng.L. Licensees to Bridge to Professional Status
A new pilot program with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (APEGBC) now enables qualified Engineering Licensees (Eng.L.) to demonstrate they have met the requirements for full professional status to obtain their P.Eng. designation. Challenging and rigorous, the pilot program is designed to help ensure successful candidates meet the requirements to become a professional engineer.
The Eng.L. allows an individual to practice professional engineering within a clearly defined scope of practice. As professional members of APEGBC, Eng.L.'s take full professional responsibility for work within their defined scope, and sign and seal documents, just as a professional engineer would. The pilot bridging program now provides a way for qualified licensees to achieve full professional licensure through a P.Eng. designation.
“This is an opportunity for our Eng L holders to reach P. Eng. status through a fair, yet rigorous, process that continues to safeguard the public while providing them with a means to further their careers,” says Mark Rigolo, P.Eng., APEGBC's Associate Director of Engineering Admissions. “There was a high degree of interest from our licensees as soon as this program was announced, so we're very encouraged by that.”
Early comments include, “The bridging program recently announced in an excellent and positive show of leadership by APEGBC. This provides an excellent opportunity for licensees to expand their practice.”
In order to participate in this pilot program, candidates must meet specific criteria related to their education, level of experience, and professional competencies within the engineering field. Candidates must also pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Professional Engineers (PE) exams, complete an engineering project based on their area of practice, prepare a technical project report, and pass an interview by a professional panel about the report.
The report and its defense are judged on the extent to which the candidate demonstrates the clear understanding of engineering principles and key technical aspects relating to the topic assigned that one would expect of a professional engineer.
“Essentially, candidates need to design, conduct, and defend a technical thesis project,” says Rigolo, “but rather than their project being based on university course work, it's based on real-world work experience.”
Engineering licensees might opt for the bridging program to advance their careers or as a means to open the door to a broader range of projects and responsibilities. For more information on the Eng.L. designation and the pilot bridging program, please visit the APEGBC website or contact Mark Rigolo, P.Eng., Associate Director, Engineering Admissions, at mrigolo@apeg.bc.ca.
ASTTBC Members Eager to Apply for PTech Registration
Over 50 per cent of the ASTTBC members participating in a webinar indicated they plan to apply for PTech in 2016. During the ASTTBC UPDATE, webinar President Keith Trulson, AScT, EngL, and ASTTBC staff provided information on the status of PTech roll-out in BC. The results of the poll showed 52% indicating they will be making application this year.
Click HERE to watch the webinar if you missed it.
ASTTBC Foundation Bursary for High School Student who is Child/Grandchild of an ASTTBC Member
One $1,000 bursary is offered directly from the ASTTBC Foundation each year to a Grade 12 student who is a child or a grandchild of an ASTTBC member.
APPLICATION CRITERIA and how to apply. Email your complete application by August 1, 2016 to the ASTTBC Foundation, c/o Heather Stevens.
To be eligible to receive an ASTTBC Foundation bursary or award, you must be a full-time student and a member of ASTTBC. The ASTTBC Student Membership is free. To apply, CLICK HERE.
TechPROfile: Ian Bruce Beckler Grant, AScT
Mining TechnologistatMcElhanney Consulting Services Ltd
Ian graduated from the Mining and Mineral Exploration Technology program at BCIT in 2014 and has been working ever since at McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd. in Prince George.
Prior to graduation, Ian worked at Gibraltar Mine for a year as an Engineering Co-op Student, where he was heavily involved with environmental and geotechnical monitoring, surveying and reclamation.
At McElhanney, Ian started out doing odd jobs and data entry, but soon began working on much more complex projects writing reports. Eventually Ian became proficient in AutoCAD Civil 3D and RoadEng, so he began to undertake design and drafting projects. Currently, Ian mainly designs and draft roads and open pit quarries, in addition to assessing permitting requirements and completing permit applications for these projects.
Specific career Highlights include...
- Recognized by Taseko for work that helped them win BCTRCR's 2011 Metal Mining Reclamation Award
- Trained and supervised a crew of labourers from the Xatsull First Nation on reclamation projects
- Designed and permitted 30+ aggregate pits for oil and gas clients
- Performed on-site management of a road reconstruction program
- Created blast plans, traffic management plans and other technical reports for mining clients
Professional & Community Activities
Prince George Tennis Club - Board of Directors 2015
Why I Became a Technology Professional
“For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to work with rocks in the great outdoors and not be cooped up in an office. Becoming a Mining Technologist allowed me to accomplish both of these goals.”
Click HERE to submit your TechPROfile with us today for a chance to be featured in future eNews.
'Post-Graduation Blues'
A Personal Recollection by Ian Grant, AScT
It was August and I had been unemployed and flat broke since I graduated in May. My post-graduation giddiness and confidence had all but vanished and a harsh reality had set in; no one wants to hire a recent grad in the thick of a recession! I applied to over 80 jobs online in that three-month span and did not land even one interview. It's not that I had nothing to offer, but why would a company take a chance on me when a recently laid off 5-year technologist could perform the job with no additional training? It was time to rethink my tactics.
In one of my failed applications, I referred to my expertise as “nads-on” instead of “hands-on,” so obviously my writing skills were not helping my cause, though, as I found out later, they were good for a few laughs! I knew that I needed to meet someone face to face to properly showcase my abilities, but I could not for the life of me make it to the interview stage. So I did what my dad forced me to do as a teenager; I hit the pavement and handed out resumes.
I spent an evening printing resumes and searching for potential employers and the following morning, I drove to Prince George to find my future. I spent all morning dropping off resumes with receptionists and being told that there was no work for someone like me. With almost all potential employers now checked off of my list, I just couldn't face another rejection. I had made a contingency plan for this very case, because there was no way that I could return to live in my dad's basement any longer. I begrudgingly made my way to the Employment Services Center.
It was depressing. I just spent years of my life pursuing a Mining Diploma and here I was looking at cashier and line cook jobs. I tried for a while to convince myself to just take one of these jobs, but there was one more company on my list and it happened to be only a few blocks away, so I figured I should give it a try.
I walked into the office with every intention of just handing my resume to the first person I saw and walking out. To my surprise however, the receptionist asked if I would like to meet with someone. As it turned out, there were indeed people who were looking for someone with my skillset and after a two hour interview, I received a job offer. I found out later that I was hired mainly because I was brave enough to enter that office.
My Dad had it right. There are some skills that words on a resume cannot convey, but good, old-fashioned face time can. Many firms don't advertise all of their job postings online, so the only way to discover them is by leaving your comfort zone and making personal connections with potential employers.
Patrick Cochrane, AScT, Volunteers for Engineering Ministries International
While volunteering on an Engineering Ministries International (EMI) project trip to Uganda in February 2011, Patrick Cochrane, AScT had the opportunity to work alongside a Ugandan surveyor. He soon discovered that although Ugandan universities do a great job of teaching the
theory of surveying, resources to impart its practical application are not always available. He and a colleague, who had graduated from a four-year geomatics engineering program two years, previously, appreciated the practical skills that Cochrane was able to share with him - skills that empowered him to greater excellence in his career, in serving others, and in providing for his family.
This summer, Patrick Cochrane and his wife will be returning to Uganda for 11 weeks to continue their 5th year as volunteer leaders for Engineering Ministries International's (EMI) mentoring program. This is a great program that builds up hands on practical application skill sets of up and coming Ugandan technical professionals, and also builds into their professionalism with encouragement in healthy workplace practices and integrity. They provide an 8 week Survey Practicum for 9 Ugandan Geomatics Engineering students and 2 weeks program for 30 Civil/Environmental Engineering students. This program continues to have a significant effect on participants, their profession, and their communities.
To view a short VIDEO
Joan Cochrane also posts details about the program on their BLOG
This program is also an opportunity for design professionals in the developed world to share their hearts, skill sets, and resources to build capacity in our peers in the developing world.
Patrick Cochrane welcomes those who would like to partner with EMI in sponsoring a student to participate in this survey practicum. Being a non-profit, they rely and value partnerships to join with them in their cause to help others help themselves. The program costs close to $10,000 to cover equipment and maintenance, supplies, local team transport, and support for a Ugandan intern; this does not include international transportation nor housing and meals for expat volunteers (They cover their own costs).
"As one who has had the good fortune to visit Africa to support and assist development of technology training and certification programs, I am appreciative of Patrick's work in advancing surveying and mapping training in Uganda," said ASTTBC CEO John Leech. "I visited some six countries in seven separate trips, getting on the ground in several countries on many occasions. African countries can benefit from support from Canadians, and what better way to help than to provide needed skills that will lead to a meaningful and rewarding career and provide development services to help grow the economy."
Leech concluded his comments by encouraging ASTTBC members to make a financial donation to help Patrick with his service. "Just as I personally support the ASTTBC Foundation, I will cut a cheque to help this ASTTBC member in his support of young people in Uganda."
EMI thanks ASTTBC members for their consideration and encourages techs who are interested in the work of EMI, to contact Patrick Cochrane at:
EMI CANADA
#201, 625-14th Street NW
Calgary, AB T2N 2A11-403
Please Attach Note stating:
Survey Practicum eMi Canada
Project #10058
___Sponsor a Ugandan student
___Sponsor Patrick and Joan
www.emicanada.org/donate
Visit ASTTBC TechJOBS Website for Career Opportunities
Looking for a new challenge or job opportunity? Visit ASTTBC TechJOBS website to view our current postings.
Featured Job:
The Village of Pemberton currently has one opening with applications currently being accepted:
Click on the positions above to learn more about each one.
Situated in a lush valley surrounded by stunning mountain vistas, just 35 km from Whistler, Pemberton is one of the most desirable communities in BC. Enjoy mild winters and warm summers, and a young, vibrant community with a unique pioneer heritage. Opportunities abound to enjoy arts, culture, recreation, family amenities and comfortable lodging. The Village of Pemberton prides itself on its creative and collaborative approach with the business community, local volunteer groups, and neighbouring communities.
Science Odyssey Takes Place May 6 - 15
There is good news for the celebration of science and technology in Canada: what was previously known as the annual National Science and Technology Week is in a process of revitalization and resurgence. Under the lead of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), it is now known as Science Odyssey and will take place from May 6 to 15, 2016.
With a particular emphasis on Canadian youth, Science Odyssey will be ten days of discovery and innovation. Hundreds of events will take place all across Canada, bringing science to the streets and the general public closer to research labs, museums, research centres, and many other science & technology institutions and organizations.
We encourage ASTTBC Members to watch for further details regarding activities across the Province during the month of May and to let us know of any happenings taking place in your community.
BEST 2016 Program Announced
BCEIA's BEST Conference attracts Environmental Professionals every May for two days of technical sessions, networking opportunities, and a sponsor exhibition. Conference registration includes a welcoming reception, technical sessions, panel discussions, an off-site networking reception, and all meals and coffee breaks.
BEST 2016 will feature Keynote speeches by:
- Gary Shigenaka, Senior Biologist, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's Emergency Response Division (Seattle), who studied the long-term effects of the Exxon Valdez spill in Prince William Sound.
- Ryan Harris, Senior Underwater Archaeologist for Parks Canada Underwater Archaeology Team, who discovered Frankin's lost ship the HMS Erebus.
Click HERE to register now.
Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table Knowledge Transfer Presentation
May 16, 12 - 2pm, Terminal City Club (light lunch served)
Many companies are concerned about losing institutional knowledge as long-time employees and managers retire in the baby boom retirement wave. The Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table has undertaken a pioneering study on knowledge transfer, working with local companies to develop plans to identify critical knowledge and ensure it is passed on, and will present findings from this study, including practical options for companies to undertake to address the issue. The presentation will be led by the study's author, Rebecca Schalm, one of BC's foremost experts on the topic of leadership transition and succession planning, who has applied this expertise to the emerging area of knowledge transfer.
Click HERE for more info. To attend, please RSVP to irene@apgst.ca - registration is free and spaces are limited.
Upcoming Events
- May 2-5
- Fire Prevention Officer's Association of BC (FPOABC) Annual Conference & Seminar, Vernon. https://www.fpoa.bc.ca
- May 3
- Tetra Society of North America Gizmo Awards, Vancouver. ASTTBC and APEGBC are Co-sponsors of this event. http://www.tetrasociety.org
- May 7
- Mining Day 2016, Big Little Science Centre, Kamloops. http://blscs.org
- May 11-13
- BC Institute of Agrologists (BCIA) Conference & AGM, Prince George. https://www.bcia.com/events/bcia-69th-agm-and-conference-prince-george
- May 15-18
- Building Officials' Association of BC (BOABC), Richmond. ASTTBC is a Silver Sponsor of this event. http://boabc.org
- May 16
- Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table (APGST) Knowledge Transfer Presentation, Vancouver. http://apgst.ca
- May 27
- ASTTBC Annual General Meeting & Conference, Sheraton Guildford Hotel, Surrey. Register Now! http://asttbc.org/agm/
- June 12-14
- BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA) Economic Summit, Richmond. ASTTBC is a Bronze Sponsor. http://www.bceda.ca
Find more events at ASTTBC's Events, Conferences & Seminars.
Hire Civil Engineering Technology Co-op Students
ASTTBC invites members to post positions with the intent to hire Civil Engineering Technology Co-op students from Camosun College, as they are currently accepting co-op opportunities for the Summer 2016.
- 1st year students are available for a 2 month work term: June 27- Sept 3 (35 hours/week)
- 2nd year students are available for a 6 month work term: June 27 - Dec 24 (35 hours/week)
- 2nd year students who Bridge are available for a 3 month work term: June 27 - Sept 26 (35 hours/week)
Consider where in your operation the following skills could be of benefit:
- Drafting and CAD
- Surveying
- Materials Testing
- Designing
- Performing Field Services
- Supporting Environmental Aspects
Click HERE to begin an application!
Member Services Partner Spotlight
ASTTBC is pleased to welcome the addition of ATI Insurance Brokers to TechCLUB, our member services program that provides ASTTBC members with valuable discounts on various products and services.
ATI Insurance Brokers is a Canadian owned independent insurance brokerage specializing in niche insurance products, including Travel Insurance and Pet Insurance, for Canadian association members and their staff. ATI represents a number of Canada's leading insurance companies and administrators, all of whom share their commitment to exceptional customer service, product value, and competitive pricing.
As a member of ASTTBC, you have access to a Comprehensive Travel Health and Accident Insurance Plan. This coverage is available for you to purchase at a substantially discounted price. Click HERE learn more about the benefits of ATI Travel Insurance.
Member Services Promotion & Product Update
Fund a mortgage with Dreyer Group Mortgage Brokers and receive a FREE Apple TV* in addition to all the other benefits available to members!
Mortgage Benefits for ASTTBC Members include:
- Up to 1% off Bank Posted Rates
- Free Appraisal
- Legal Fee Credit
- 120 Day Rate Guarantee
Apply Now in 30 Seconds or call (604) 669-6006 / 1-800-687-9020
*Mortgage must fund between May 1, 2016 - November 30, 2016. No exchanges or cash value.
As well, save hundreds on discounts from merchants that include restaurant meals, entertainment, travel, clothing, consumer goods by tapping an ASTTBC icon on your smartphone.
New Merchants and New Locations:
- Tip Top Tailors, Mr. Big & Tall, Jones New York & George Richards Big & Tall Menswear
- Save 10% of your entire purchase (includes sale items) at all 78 Western Canadian locations.
- Gold's Gym
- Recently added with various discount offers at their UBC, Langley and Port Coquitlam locations.
- Rogers Wireless
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ASTTBC Code of Ethics: Principle 1
Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public, the protection of the environment and promote health and safety within the workplace.
Amplification:
- This principle must be considered the most significant in the Code of Ethics. Realistically any project undertaken involves some risk to safety, health and welfare and may have some impact on the environment. To 'hold paramount' is to emphasize the need to give diligent regard to this principle and to rank it ahead of expediency or economic gain to either client or self.
- Members shall take appropriate action and notify proper authorities if in their professional opinion, unacceptable hazards to the public, human welfare or the environment do exist.
- Members shall not complete, sign or seal plans or other documents that, in their professional opinion, would result in unacceptable hazards to the public, human welfare or the environment, or do not conform to current standards. If the clients or employers insist on such conduct, and members are unable to dissuade them, then the commentary regarding Principle 8 should be followed.
Commentary
Members must be familiar with current safety codes, standards and other external regulations pertaining to their discipline. They must understand their implications to the safety and welfare of the public.
Members should maintain a responsible interest in both the immediate and long-term effects of the application of practices that affect the public welfare and should be aware that the use of technology may create situations that endanger the long-term safety and welfare of the public. If necessary, members should advise clients, corporate management or appropriate agencies accordingly.
Occasionally the obligations that members have to their clients/employers and to the public may be in conflict. While the members are obliged not to disclose confidential information, or to use such information to the disadvantage of the clients/employers, failure to report a situation that members believe may endanger the safety or welfare of the public would be contrary to this paramount principle. There should be no doubt as to how members must act.
When members are retained as an expert in litigation cases, any information received or developed in the case is bound by the general rules of litigation, including rules of privilege and disclosure. Members face a dilemma when information they have poses an imminent danger to the public but is bound by legal privilege.
Members must act out of a sense of duty, and although the member's ultimate responsibility is clear, there is no universally applicable procedure to be used for discharging it. Responsible disclosure must be conducted with the interest of the public in mind, and obviously requires that the members put their names on the action and sometimes their occupations on the line.
All Members, who provide services directly to the public or perform work as independent contractors, have a duty of care to ensure adequate financial protection to their clients in the event of their errors and omission. The Council of ASTTBC may also from time-to-time specifically name certain registrants (practicing), who then become obliged under the ASTT Act, to carry errors and omission insurance.
Finance Department Update: Dues Notice
ASTTBC DUES/ANNUAL RENEWAL INVOICING FOR 2016
Technologists, Technicians, Graduate Technologists and Associates, please note some important dates regarding ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES:
Third hard copy reminders were sent on February 18, 2016 and the dues are due and payable upon receipt.
Phone campaign for ASTTBC members is underway, if you get a call please get your questions and concerns addressed in regards to your membership and annual dues.
We encourage you to pay your dues online.
- A $25 LATE PAYMENT FEE has been applied to all late payments after January 31, 2016.
- A $100 FEE will be applied after membership is cancelled for non-payment of dues to UNCANCEL and reinstate membership.
- Cancellation June 15, 2016
TECHNICAL SPECIALIST GROUPS ANNUAL RENEWAL FEE FOR 2016/2017
All Building Design, Construction Safety, Electrical Work Practitioner, Fire Protection, House & Property Inspection, Onsite Wastewater, Public Works Inspection, Registered Reserve Fund Analyst, Registered Technology Manager, Site Improvement Surveying, Steel Detailing registrants were sent Electronic invoices for the annual renewal fee on April 13th and fees are due and payable before June 1, 2016.
Hard copy invoices will be mailed April 27, 2016.
- A $25 LATE PAYMENT FEE will be applied to all late payments after the first week of June.
- A $100 will be applied after membership is cancelled for non-payment of fees to UNCANCEL and reinstate membership.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a Requirement
A reminder that ASTTBC registrants are encouraged to review ASTTBC's policy on CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT and use the website designed to help members record CPD activities.
Professional technologists, technicians and technical specialists are accountable to the public and their profession. As a professional regulatory body ASTTBC is required to assure the public that members continue to meet the high standards set for registration and the CPD Program provides a guide for members as they consider their continuing education needs.
Click here to read out policy.
There are links to many worthwhile professional development opportunities, SEMINARS AND COMING EVENTS on the ASTTBC website. Stay current and grow your capacity as technology professionals.
Update Your Contact Info
To update your ASTTBC contact information, please LOGIN and use our online form.
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