ASTTBC e-News, February 2013
Dear Member,
ASTTBC e-News is broadcast to ASTTBC members and registrants, Honourary Members and our many partners and colleagues. ASTT e-NEWS contains the latest information about ASTTBC’s 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 web site.
Table Of Contents
ASTTBC's Strategic Direction for Technology Educations and Skills in BC
The Honourable Pat Bell was guest speaker at ASTTBC's Technology Education and Careers Strategy event on January 29, 2013, where ASTTBC released a paper on A Strategic Direction for Technology Education and Skills in BC. The Vancouver event was attended by Cabinet Ministers and MLAs, along with professional association, education and industry leaders.
"BC must fill more than 8,000 new job openings for technologists and technicians by 2020 - every job an opportunity for young BC adults," said ASTTBC Executive Director John Leech, AScT, CAE. "But our economy faces costly skill shortages, because technology career opportunities have been overlooked and under-promoted."
Most sectors in BC rely upon engineering/applied science technologists, technicians and technical specialists. The year-long ASTTBC study was drafted by Kerry Jothen, CEO of Human Capital Strategies, following ASTTBC's call last year for greater focus on STEM studies, courses in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, to cultivate a Science and Technology Culture in the province.
ASTTBC urges BC's Education and Jobs ministries to join forces and resources with the technology professionals, technology-reliant employers, and Science World. The 40-page report calls on government to put the same effort into attracting BC students to college technology programs that the province has in promoting trades training and university degrees.
The ASTTBC plan proposes that Science World take a lead role in creating a Science and Technology Leadership Board, mandated to attract boys and girls into science and technology studies, and to promote technology careers. "Today's youngsters are already immersed in technology, daily using computers, smart phones, robotics and games," said John Leech. "These students and their parents need to know they can build great careers using and advancing technology, within engineering, architectural and design teams. This generation of capable young women and men will keep BC's tech sector healthy and expanding."
The report notes that Forestry, mining, natural gas, technology and transportation - five of the BC Jobs Plan priority sectors - depend heavily on the productivity of technology professionals. ASTTBC wants to support the growth of these and other sectors in BC, and to ensure that sufficient numbers of young people, women, Aboriginal people and New Canadians enter these careers.
Jobs, Skills Training and Labour Minister Pat Bell and Advanced Education and Technology Minister John Yap welcomed the report. Minister Yap termed the document "significant - it provides information of interest to all concerned with technology education and skills in our province." Government ministers and MLA's and the NDP legislative critics for Education and Skills Training received copies of the Strategy, along with officials from BCIT, Kwantlen, Langara, the Vancouver Board of Education and Industry Canada. Officers from FortisBC, Stantec and other industry and public sector employers of technology professionals also welcomed the report.
From Kelly Pollack, Executive Director, Immigrant Employment Council of BC: "As always, kudos to ASTTBC for a great event! Well organized, timely and a great cross-section of attendees."
From Dr. Steve Cardwell, Past President, BC School Superintendents Association; CEO, Vancouver School District; Technology Education and Careers Council (TECC) Board Member: "There is a growing need for highly skilled, technologically qualified employees in BC and globally. In order to fulfill this demand and provide greater opportunity for BC graduates, our provincial system needs to encourage and support increased awareness, interest and experience among K through 12 students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Our Province should invest in this endeavour and support the ASTTBC proposal to have Science World take a lead role in attracting young students into science and technology studies, and to promote technology-related careers."
News coverage in the Surrey Leader.
ASTTBC Talks K-12 with Deputy Minister James Gorman
The topic was technology education and careers when ASTTBC reps met with Ministry of Education Deputy Minister (DM) James Gorman. ASTTBC has taken a lead in promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and technology careers awareness in K-12 in recent years.
"The meeting with the DM was designed to provide an update on ASTTBC programs and activities and look for areas of alignment where the Ministry and ASTTBC might cooperate and collaborate," said ASTTBC Executive Director John Leech, AScT, CAE. "The hour we had together was most productive, with several areas identified where we are of a common view on the issues and what needs to be done."
Tim Winkelmans, Lead for Graduation and E-Learning with the Ministry, provided an outline for a career pathway in mining. ASTTBC representatives offered support for the initiative and indicated support and assistance for similar in all engineering and applied science fields. ASTTBC spoke about its support of events such as Spaghetti Bridge and Robocup as well as funding assistance for the Big Little Science Centre. ASTTBC suggested that Big Little be replicated in others areas of BC.
ASTTBC indicated its support for technology courses in K-12 similar to the trades ACE-IT program where a high school student attends a post-secondary institution to take trades courses and after completing Grade 12 leaves with a high school diploma (Dogwood certificate) plus credit towards a trades apprenticeship. The DM was advised of the agreement between the Vancouver Board of Education, BCIT and ASTTBC to offer technology programming in K-12 leading to enhanced credits in a technology program at BCIT plus some form of certificate from ASTTBC. There was general agreement on a few areas for action. ASTTBC will follow up with the DM on next steps.
MLA Harry Bains Visits ASTTBC Office
Surrey-Newton MLA Harry Bains, visited the ASTTBC office to talk with ASTTBC Executive Director John Leech, AScT, CAE, about matters of interest to the Association. Top on the list was ASTTBC's recent report, A Strategic Direction for Technology Education and Skills in BC.
Harry was particularly interested in learning of ASTTBC's efforts to promote technology education and careers, indicating that this area of training, in addition to trades and university education, is critical to BC's future growth, development and sustainability. Harry is the Official Opposition Critic for Transportation and Infrastructure and in this role reviewed with John some of the needs he has identified in the area of rapid transit.
"We had a great chat about ASTTBC's role as a professional regulatory body as well as ASTTBC's considerable efforts in the past eight years to promote technology education and careers," said John. "I reviewed with Harry a few of the changes needed to the ASTT Act to address administrative issues, changes needed for ASTTBC to be effective in its role as a self-governing professional association."
Harry was toured through the ASTTBC office and in his time visited with several staff. Harry said he was quite impressed with the ASTTBC office and the Association's approach to telecommuting for staff and asked that the Association stay in touch.
ASTTBC Award Nominations Due March 15, 2013
We ask that you bring to ASTTBC's attention those who go the extra distance in their professional, business and community lives. Award Nominations are sought for awards to be presented at the ASTTBC Annual General Meeting and Professional Development Day on May 24, 2013 and the Technology Awards and Recognition Celebration on November 2, 2013. Please take a few minutes to submit an Award Nomination.
Nominations will be accepted from Members as well as Non-Members of the Association, and are due by March 15, 2013. If you require any assistance or have questions regarding your Award Nomination please contact Cindy Aitken, Manager, Governance and Events: caitken@asttbc.org
ASTTBC Annual General Meeting May 24, 2013
The ASTTBC Annual General Meeting and Professional Development Day will be held on Friday, May 24, 2013 at the Hilton Hotel Metrotown, Burnaby. This well-attended event conducts the business of the Association, including a review of our previous year, and offers members and guests the opportunity to take CPD seminars, network and meet ASTTBC Council and staff.
Our theme this year is FOCUS 2015, which is all about enhanced practice and professional accountability. The day will include a panel discussion on practice and accountability, Qualified Person (QP) recognition, professional reliance, and the status of PTech. We will present ASTTBC awards at the luncheon, which recognize the leadership and innovation of technologists, technicians and technical specialists of BC who support ASTTBC on contemporary issues and visionary activities.
The full day from 7:30am - 3:30pm costs $125.00 (GST included). The AGM Business Session is no charge and part of the day will be available by Webinar. Please make plans to attend. www.asttbc.org/agm
ASTTBC Member Meetings Across BC
ASTTBC has held a number of member meetings throughout the province where Executive Director John Leech, AScT, CAE, updates members on ASTTBC's direction in a few key areas:
- ASTTBC - APEGBC Joint Board
- Professional Reliance: Qualified Professional (QP) Recognition and Status
- PTech and its future in BC
- Professional Accountability: CPD, Practice Audits
- Technology Education and Careers Strategic Focus.
The Dawson Creek Daily News was on hand to cover the recent ASTTBC member meeting in Fort St. John.
Another ASTTBC member meeting, in Kamloops, updated members on professional accountability.
Please check for events planned for your area
ASTTBC 2013 Annual Dues Notice
Please note important information about 2013 Annual Dues. We encourage all Technologists, Technicians, Graduate Technologists and Associates to take note of the immediate changes.
- INTERAC has been added as a payment option online.
- Second electronic reminders were sent on January 18 and paper copy statements on February 1, 2013.
- We encourage you to pay your dues online
- A $25 LATE PAYMENT FEE will be applied to all dues if unpaid after March 31, 2013.
- CANCELLATION for non-payment of dues will occur much earlier in 2013.
- A $75 FEE will be applied after membership is cancelled for non-payment of dues to UNCANCEL and reinstate membership.
"These changes will ensure a smoother and timelier handling of Annual dues invoicing, achieve greater effectiveness and further advance ASTTBC's TechGREEN agenda to reduce paper in our business processes," said ASTTBC's Executive Director, John Leech. "We hope members appreciate the efforts being made to make better use of the funds entrusted to the Association."
If you have not yet received your 2013 Dues notice and you have changed your mailing or email address, then please contact Lumi Guias at lguias@asttbc.org or (604) 585-2788 Ext. 237.
March is National Engineering and Geoscience Month
National Engineering and Geoscience Month (NEGM) is an annual celebration of engineering and geoscience across Canada. ASTTBC technologists, technicians and technical specialists are a vital part of BC's engineering teams. This month-long event promotes awareness of the engineering and geosciences professions, highlights career choices in these fields and reminds the public of the many ways in which engineering and geoscience touch everyday life.
ASTTBC is sponsoring many events in the science and technology community (see list below) and publishing full-page ads in Prince George and Kelowna. ASTTBC is also partnering with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (APEGBC) to sponsor the 2013 National Engineering and Geoscience Month Drawing Contest to engage kids in science.
Visit our NEGM webpage for all the latest information.
ASTTBC Sponsors Upcoming Events
One of the important ways ASTTBC supports the science and technology community across the province is by participating as a sponsor of industry and education events. Here are highlights:
- Title Sponsor of the 30th Annual Okanagan College Spaghetti Bridge Building Contest, to be held on March 1, 2013.
- Silver Sponsor of the Prince George Startup Weekend for budding entrepreneurs on March 1-3, 2013.
- Gold Sponsor of the Wood Design Awards BC, Canadian Wood Council (WoodWORKS!), on March 4, 2013.
- Silver Sponsor of the Association of BC Land Surveyors Annual General Meeting, March 6-8, 2013 in Whistler BC.
- Sponsor of the APEGBC Popsicle Stick Bridge Contest, Sea to Sky Branch on March 17, 2013.
- ASTTBC is a Sponsor of 33rd Annual Physics Balsa Bridge Building Contest at Notre Dame Regional Secondary School on March 12, 2013.
- Platinum Sponsor of the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies of BC Annual Awards for Engineering Excellence, to be held on April 6, 2013.
- Sponsor of Creating Connections Conference, to be held May 10 - 11, 2013 at UBC in Vancouver. From BC Women in Technology (BCWiT) Chair Sarah Campden, CTech, RTMgr: "This event will attract students, professionals and academics for personal and professional development, networking and inspiration. Roberta Bondar, Canada's first female astronaut in space, is slated to deliver the keynote speech."
Growing Use of Technology Registrations Canada
The Technology Registration Canada (TRC) self-assessment and application management website is now a fully-fledged part of ASTTBC's registration process. Staff estimates that some 60 percent of new applications are received through the TRC site and momentum is building towards achieving the complete changeover to a paperless process by mid-2014.
ASTTBC has processed 75 applications through TRC to date and has another 50 in the system. Feedback from applicants has been positive, including:
- At this time of modern technology, online application process is easy to use. As long as the applicant is already prepared and has a hard copy, it is very easy to encode and edit the information and at the same time upload copies of the documents.
- I liked the online application format. Online access facilitates ease-of-use and enables users to access it multiple times to complete the questionnaire.
- Yes, it was straightforward, quicker than the old process. Being able to track the progress of the application is a great feature.
- The online application website is well designed and contact information is provided in case there's any question.
- Thank you for developing and continuously maintaining TRC. Keep up the exemplary work!
TRC updates planned under an HRSDC contract are now complete but ASTTBC is already working on additional improvements, including the addition of an online PayPal application fee payment capability.
Registered Fire Protection Technician (RFPT) Update
ASTTBC placed a full-page advertisement in the Fire Prevention Officers Association of BC magazine for their annual Conference to be held May 6 - 10, 2013 in Kelowna. The ad explains how ASTTBC certifies technicians who inspect, test and maintain fire protection systems in buildings. Registered Fire Protection Technicians (RFPTs) can be certified in 10 disciplines - portable fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, emergency generators, fire alarm systems, smoke control systems, water-based fire protection systems, special suppression systems, fire pumps, fire alarm system verification and commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning.
ASTTBC encourages members and the public to check the fire protection equipment in the buildings where they live, work and play, to ensure it has an ASTTBC Technician's tag. ASTTBC is reaching out in a pro-active manner to local governments that do not have a Fire Bylaw requiring ASTTBC certification. ASTTBC continues to work with BC Government to achieve province-wide implementation of bylaws requiring RFPT certification to ensure public safety through professional practice.
Eighteen municipalities now have a bylaw that requires ASTTBC certification as a Registered Fire Protection Technician to inspect, test and maintain fire protection systems. These include Abbotsford, Bowen Island, Chilliwack, City of North Vancouver, Coquitlam, Courtenay, Creston, District of North Vancouver, Hudson's Hope, Nanaimo, Pitt Meadows, Port Moody, Richmond, Sechelt, Squamish, Surrey, Vancouver, and Whistler.
ASTTBC works with Municipal Councils and Fire Chiefs, the BC Fire Commissioner, the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) and others to assure public safety. The BC Fire Commissioner approves ASTTBC certification as best practice, and the Fire Chiefs' Association of BC and UBCM endorse ASTTBC certification.
Limitation Act Comes Into Force June 1, 2013
The Civil Policy and Legislation Office, Ministry of Justice, has updated its website materials explaining the new Limitation Act. Transition information has been developed to help the legal community and the public transition from the current Act to the new Limitation Act. The new Limitation Act comes into force on June 1, 2013.
ASTTBC Code of Ethics: Principle 4
Members of ASTTBC shall act with integrity towards clients or employers, maintain confidentiality and avoid a conflict of interest but, where such conflict arises, fully disclose the circumstances without delay to the employer or client.
Amplification:
- Members shall act judiciously when administering a contract on behalf of their client or employer and be realistic and honest in all estimates, reports and statements.
- Information gained in confidence during the course of assignments shall not be used for personal gain, or divulged to either another client or new employer without the express permission of the pervious client or employer.
- Any conflict of interest concerning, for example, personal friends, close associates or relatives shall be revealed immediately to the client or employer. If, in spite of a conflict, members are instructed to continue, the interest of the clients or employers shall be held paramount over the member's interests.
- Any outside activity shall be avoided if it will have an adverse affect upon their employer's business.
Commentary: The interpretation of agreements and contract documents must be undertaken with fairness and impartiality, and if members become aware of errors or omissions in their services they should report immediately to their superiors and work to rectify these problems.
Any information received of a confidential nature during the performing of their professional service shall be deemed the exclusive property of its owners and shall not be disclosed to others or used by the member except with the owner's specific approval.
When members use designs supplied by clients, the designs remain the property of the clients and should not be duplicated by members for others without express permission from the first client.
Technical knowledge of a non-confidential nature gained by the member through exposure to the work environment is part of a member's experience and may be used in subsequent projects without further consent.
Members must ensure in their professional activities and business dealings that both potential and perceived conflicts of interest are avoided.
Precise rules in conflict of interest are not possible and members must use their common sense, conscience and sense of honour for guidance.
In any inquiry to adjudicate an alleged conflict of interest the total circumstances surrounding the conflict must be investigated.
ASTTBC Mentoring Program Update
The first group of ASTTBC members who volunteered to mentor their ITP Mentees are nearing completion of their four-month mentoring program. They received orientation sessions in November 2012 conducted by representatives from the immigrant service provider agencies that have partnered with IEC-BC (Immigrant Employment Council of BC): ISSofBC, MOSAIC and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Those representatives are the Mentoring Coaches, who monitor and guide the new mentoring relationships.
ASTTBC wishes to thank these first Mentors, and the representatives from IEC-BC and the Service Provider organizations for their dedication to this worthy cause. ASTTBC invites more of our members to volunteer as Mentors and be ready for a second Orientation session, now tentatively planned for April 2013. For more information on this program, and to find the application forms, please go to www.itpbc.com.
Geoff Sale, AScT, Honoured by ICTC
The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) Immigration Initiatives acknowledged the support of Geoff Sale, AScT, Manager of ASTTBC's Internationally Trained Professionals Program, for his dedication of time and energy to advance the talent agenda for Canada's ICT sector.
ICTC's partnership-based initiatives provide solutions for attracting, retaining and advancing women, youth and internationally educated professionals into the ICT workforce. "With the support of individuals like Geoff and ASTTBC, we've continued to work towards solving the integration challenges and helping internationally educated professionals or IEPs gain meaningful employment in Canada's ICT sector," said Stephanie (van Riel) Wilson, Manager of Employer Relations - Talent Initiatives, ICTC.
John Leech Speaker at WCOWMA AGM
Professional Reliance: Serving the Public Interest was the theme when ASTTBC Executive Director John Leech, AScT, CAE, spoke to members of the Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association (WCOWMA) in Abbotsford. John spoke to about 175 members of WCOWMA in attendance at the 2013 AGM.
"I welcomed the opportunity to speak with Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioners (ROWP) as it enabled me to speak about future directions for enhanced professional regulation as it applies to ROWPs," said the Executive Director. "ASTTBC enjoys a solid partnership with WCOWMA. I applaud WCOWMA for their efforts to provide professional development for their members."
WCOWMA President Brent Dennis, PEng, expressed appreciation for ASTTBC's support and cooperation in delivering qualified, registered and accountable professionals.
The trend toward professional reliance has been gaining a head of steam in recent times, with Government and Regulatory bodies looking to individual practitioners to set and maintain standards for training, certification, registration and professional accountability. As Governments continually look for more effective ways of doing business (read cut costs) and reducing and even removing administrative barriers, the notion of professional reliance has gained acceptance as a viable model by which to conduct business. The model is not new. Professions such as engineering, medicine and law have self-governed within a professional reliance model for the better part of a century. ASTTBC's Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP) program was one more step in applying professional reliance.
Enhanced elements of professionalism such as mandatory reporting and auditing of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), practice audits, peer reviews, standard practice guides and professional errors and omissions insurance are all part of the work ahead. Greater professional accountability and enhanced public awareness help to round out ASTTBC's role as a professional regulatory body.
AIBC Approach to Associates
In the Architectural Institute of BC (AIBC) President's Message, Feb 1, 2013 e-Blast, the AIBC President outlines latest developments as the AIBC Council considers next steps in dealing with the issue of Associates, including Building Designers.
The AIBC Council's decision to include Associates has been very divisive within AIBC ranks since the Council made the decision to head in this direction. ASTTBC has been concerned from the very beginning with the approach AIBC has taken to including Associates. ASTTBC continues to monitor the situation and regularly advises the BC Government of concerns about AIBC's actions. As well, ASTTBC continues to seek changes to the Architects Act to recognize ASTTBC-registered designers. AIBC has advised ASTTBC that it will not meet with ASTTBC on this matter.
"It is unfortunate we have no connection with AIBC regarding the recognition of ASTTBC-registered building designers," said ASTTBC Executive Director John Leech, AScT, CAE. "The AIBC situation is very different from ASTTBC's relationship with other professional associations, notably APEGBC where the two Councils have agreed to set up a Joint Board to define areas of professional reliance that are suitable for designating AScTs as Qualified Persons."
ASTTBC would welcome a renewed relationship with AIBC in order to better serve the public interest and formally recognize, enable and more fully utilize ASTTBC-registered building designers.
In the Media and on the Move
The Canadian Home Builders' Association of BC (CHBA BC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Bonney as the new Chief Executive Officer of the association. Prior to joining CHBA BC, he was Director of Provincial Affairs for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, Vice President for Uniserve Communications and Director of Communications with the Province of British Columbia. Brian Bonney has also owned and operated two telecom companies. He succeeds M.J. Whitemarsh, who had been CEO for more than 13 years.
The Kamloops Big Little Science Centre (BLSC) newsletter featured ASTTBC's Strategic Direction for Technology Education and Skills in BC Report. BLSC Founder Gordon Gore, an Honourary Member of ASTTBC, offered an opinion piece in which he notes ASTTBC's sponsorship of BLSC and the great success of the Centre. www.blscs.org
Bruce Joiner, AScT, was featured in a Nanaimo Daily News story -- BC Hydro Applauds City of Nanaimo. Bruce is the Energy Manager at the City of Nanaimo and has played a lead role in introducing sustainability practices and services. The City was a recipient of the ASTTBC TechGREEN Award in 2012. Bruce attended the 2012 ASTTBC Technology Awards and Recognition Celebration last November to receive the award and ASTTBC Executive Director John leech, AScT, CAE, attended a City Council meeting later last year to personally congratulate the Council and Bruce for his leadership.
The Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) BC Regional Design Awards of Excellence for the British Columbia Region will be held on May 23, 2013 in Vancouver. Projects for award consideration must be submitted by March 7, 2013.
Glen Duxbury, CHI Featured in BIV
ASTTBC Certified House Inspector (CHI) and active volunteer, Glenn Duxbury, CHI, was featured in a fall issue of Business in Vancouver.
The article focused on the Metro Vancouver home renovation market. Glenn was interviewed about the need for house inspections as homeowners consider renovations. The article described the $4 billion home renovation market as a 'wild west' environment where some shady practices result in the homeowner out of pocket and left with an unsafe home.
"Metro Vancouver's industry is a Wild West," said Glenn, who was working with a couple as they re-grouped to get their renovation work back on track. ASTTBC encourages homeowners undertaking house renovations to consult with an ASTTBC-registered house / property inspector or an ASTTBC - registered building designer.
TechPRO: Kristopher Peters, GradTech, Dipl.T., B.Eng.
Kristopher Peters, GradTech, Dipl.T., B.Eng.: Kamloops resident Kristopher Peters is a Junior Engineer with the McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd., and serves as a board member of the First Nations Careers Council (FNCC).
A member of the Seabird Island First Nation, Kristopher's ancestry includes Sto:lo and Carrier. He benefitted from strong family and teaching support for his thirst for learning, as he grew up both on and off reserve in Seabird Island, Kamloops, and Vancouver. He recalls gaining early inspiration from the book "How Things Work", given to him by a Grade 3 teacher at the Seabird Island Community School.
His secondary school years in Chilliwack and Vancouver included advanced learning courses in mathematics and applied sciences and set Kristopher on the path to a Civil Engineering Technology diploma from Camosun College, followed by a Civil Engineering degree from Lakehead University.
Career highlights to date include being able to recruit and train First Nations workers on engineering projects, and participating in the launch of FNCC in Tk'emlups (Kamloops). Kristopher is currently working on his Engineer-in-Training (EIT) application with APEGBC, and AScT application with ASTTBC. He belongs to the Kamloops Astronomy Society and several sports organizations, and credits participating in football, basketball, ice hockey, ball hockey, volleyball, hardball, and tennis with developing his personality and skills in leadership, confidence, friendship, and teamwork.
With his partner Jessica, Kristopher is the proud parent of children Talia, Cierra, Orion and Cassiopeia. Along with his extended family, the support of Jessica and the children have helped Kristopher to overcome the challenges of pursuing higher education with stops in Victoria and Thunder Bay.
Post Your Career Story
ASTTBC encourages you to join Kristopher Peters in posting your career story at www.techprofile.ca. Connect with former colleagues get your name in front of 10,000 ASTTBC members and to the many visitors to the ASTTBC website.
Post your profile and if your name is mentioned in the e-News, it will be linked to your TechPROfile page. See the guide for posting your information at the TechPRO website.
Need a House Inspector?
Look to an ASTTBC-registered Certified House Inspector (CHI). ASTTBC is not the largest organization licensing inspectors but it has the highest and most stringent professional regulatory framework in BC. We encourage our 10,000 members to hire a CHI or Certified Property Inspector (CPI). To find an inspector in your area.
SPEATBC Annual General Meeting
The SPEATBC (Society of Punjabi Engineers and Technologists of BC) Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, March 3, 2013 from 2pm to 4pm at Royal King Palace, unit number-365-8158, 128 Street, Surrey. Plan to attend, and RSVP speatbc@gmail.com
Camosun Trades and Tech Careers Fair Feb. 28
ASTTBC is a sponsor of the upcoming Camosun College Trades and Technology Career Fair on February 28, 2013 from 10am to 2pm at Camosun's Interurban Campus. A number of employers, including BC Hydro, Kiewit, McElhanney and many others, will be on hand to discuss employment and networking opportunities. Drop by to visit the ASTTBC booth; we hope to see ASTTBC members there!
Hire a Co-op Student
Invest in the future and consider where a co-op student can contribute to your business. Camosun College has enthusiastic and energetic Mechanical Engineering Technology Program Co-op students ready to work for you beginning April 2, 2012.
To hire a Co-op student, contact Nan Judd juddn@camosun.bc.ca, Co-op Employment Facilitator for Engineering Technologies: 250-370-4185.
ACEC-BC Young Professionals Group
The Association of Consulting Engineering Companies of BC (ACEC-BC) sponsors a Young Professionals Group (YPG) for member firms. YPG's general purpose is to bring together professionals for networking and career development. ASTTBC members are invited to participate, a result of ASTTBC and ACEC-BC leadership meetings and exchanges. Most of the YPG participants are Engineers, however the organization is open to all professionals working for ACEC-BC firms. You can register to attend the Vancouver meeting to be held on March 1, 2013.
There is also a YPG meeting in Victoria on March 12, 2013.
Message From:
Oksana Exell, Executive Director, Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table and Technology Education and Careers Council (TECC) Board Member: "Our Labour Market Information work has concluded that demand across all sectors of the economy for increased technology skills combined with the demographic challenges in supply, Technology professions will increasingly lead to a talent crunch. The crunch will be caused by attrition as well as by industry growth over the next ten years. With this knowledge at hand, it is imperative that the governments of Canada and BC, colleges and universities and the BC technology industry take action and use the ASTTBC Strategic Direction for Technology Education and Skills in BC as a valuable roadmap in HR and skills development planning."
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a Requirement
ASTTBC registrants are encouraged to review ASTTBC's policy on Continuing Professional Development and use the web site designed to help members record CPD activities.
Professional Development Opportunities
There are links to many worthwhile professional development opportunities, seminars and coming events on the ASTTBC website.
Here's just a sample if you follow the links:
- Energy Impact: Building and Retrofitting Efficient MURBs: March 6, 2013, Vancouver. Power Smart and Light House offer a new half-day workshop on energy efficiency improvements for both new and existing mid to high-rise residential buildings.
- Canadian Professional Management Services (CPMS) Leadership Programs More info
- BCIT's Part Time Studies More info
Update Your Contact Info
To update your ASTTBC contact information, please use our online form.
ASTTBC on Twitter and Facebook
Follow us on Twitter @asttbc
Take a moment to Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/asttbc
Everyday Science Music Video
ASTTBC commissioned another fun music video by The Kerplunks to engage children in math and science. Science World had this to say about Everyday Science: "Kudos to ASTTBC for finding a way to put the words centrifugal, propulsion and diffraction into the same song."