ASTTBC e-News, March 2015
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 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 website.
Table Of Contents
ASTTBC Talks About the Role of Technology Professionals in its Submission on the Polley Mine
Late last year ASTTBC made a submission to the Expert Panel that was established by the BC government to review the Polley Mine tailing pond failure and report to government. The submission, authored by ASTTBC CEO John Leech, AScT, CAE, has now been reviewed and endorsed by the ASTTBC council.
In its submission ASTTBC offered the Panel four key points for consideration:
- A team of qualified practitioners is involved with the design, construction, commissioning, operation, testing and maintenance of mines. Full utilization of the members of the team will aid effective delivery of services and enable all skills
- Practitioners providing services should be appropriately qualified, registered and accountable
- Standards governing the design, construction and inspection of dams should be formalized within the regulatory framework and used as reference by practitioners
- Regulations to frame the regulatory environment including the technical standards to be employed, roles and responsibilities of the various practitioners, and accountabilities
"ASTTBC had an obligation to respond and assist the review of this failure," said ASTTBC CEO John Leech. "As a professional regulatory body with members involved in the design, construction, commissioning, operation, testing and maintenance of mines, ASTTBC has much to offer as government considers the best ways to address the issues in this situation in order to prevent future failures."
Leech stressed the point that public health and safety is at stake here, as is the integrity of the environment, and that all practitioners involved in the team should be appropriately qualified, registered and accountable.
READ the ASTTBC brief
ASTTBC Unveils New Home Page
ASTTBC announced a fresh design to its HOME PAGE during National Engineering & Geoscience Month.
"The new home page provides members and the public an easy to use pathway linking directly to the information they are seeking," said Charles Joyner, AScT, ASTTBC Registrar. "For the first time ever, navigating to the diverse range of registration programs and activities can be done in one click from the ASTTBC home page."
The ASTTBC website is designed to inform and engage a wide range of audiences, from members and potential members to employers, regulatory bodies and the general public. The new home page provides at a glance the full scope of ASTTBC professional registrations and association activities.
"We've also expanded ASTTBC's social media presence," said Anne Sharp, Manager, Marketing & Communications. "All our community links are on the home page for members to follow and join. Members can now link the ASTTBC LinkedIn company page to their individual LinkedIn profiles as a seal of credibility, which in turn directs more Techs Pros back to ASTTBC's LinkedIn page and website."
MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND! 2015 ASTTBC AGM & Conference — May 22nd, 2015
The ASTTBC Annual General Meeting & Conference takes place on Friday, May 22nd, 2015 at the Sheraton Guildford Hotel in Surrey. This event conducts the business of ASTTBC, including a review of the association's previous year and offers members the opportunity to participate in career related presentations, network and connect with ASTTBC council and staff.
This year's theme is TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS — BC's ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE. We invite you to learn how YOU fit in the growing demand for qualified techs and take your career to the next level.
ONLINE REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE END OF THE MONTH. If you live outside the lower mainland and can't attend in person, the AGM Business Session & Panel Presentations will be available by WEBINAR.
ASTTBC Connects with the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies Canada
The CEOs for the BC, Alberta and Ontario technology professionals associations met in Ottawa last year with John Gamble, CET, PEng, the CEO for ACEC Canada.
The discussion ranged from career prospects in engineering consulting, women in engineering, and profile of technology education & careers to technology professionals' practice.
"We are making an effort to meet annually with ACEC Canada to ensure solid linkages with a key group of employers. This is in addition to the excellent working relationship ASTTBC has with ACEC-BC," said ASTTBC CEO John Leech, AScT, CAE.
"We enjoyed our conversation with John, who as both a technologist and engineer understands the benefits of professional registration and recognition."
SEE photo
Manufacturers & Exporters Sign MoA with ASTTBC
Marcus Ewert-Johns joined ASTTBC CEO John Leech, AScT, CAE, in signing a Memorandum of Agreement that points to areas of common interest such as the role of manufacturing and exporting to the BC economy and the need for technology skills. As CME Vice President for BC, Marcus is leading initiatives to enhance the profile of manufacturing and exporting. CME-BC's members play a key role in the BC economy, with over 12,000 companies and 400,000 jobs making this sector the 3rd largest employer in BC.
"This MoA signals our common interest in working together to enhance the profile and assure technology skills for manufacturing in BC," said John Leech. "I anticipate the two organizations will prove great allies."
On hand to support the MoA signing at the CME offices, were members of the Technology Education and Careers Council (TECC), a group pulled together by ASTTBC to help promote technology education and careers.
ASTTBC-BCWiT Celebrates International Women's Day
In celebration of International Women's Day, ASTTBC / BCWiT sponsored a special International Women's Day Breakfast hosted by MLA Stephanie Cadieux.
This year's theme #MakeitHappen, represented an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women as well as highlight the work still to do in pursuit of equality.
ASTTBC members, staff, and students from KPU and BCIT, enjoyed inspirational stories by local women who really "Make It Happen", and money was raised to support Servants Anonymous Society of Surrey.
INFORMATION on BCWiT
Technologist Extraordinaire Brad Walton & ASTTBC CEO at CFT Engineering
A Principal in CFT Engineering, Brad Walton, AScT, has been a long time member of ASTTBC and leader in the field of fire protection. He recently invited ASTTBC CEO John Leech, AScT, CAE, to visit the CFT office to talk about future directions for professional credentialing in fire protection. Brad has represented ASTTBC on various boards and committees over the years. Mindful of how sensitive we all are to time management, John presented Brad with a highly valued ASTTBC clock.
Internationally Trained Technology Professionals Leadership Forum Meets
The ITTP was set up by ASTTBC to assist internationally trained technology professionals secure recognition for their credentials, gain ASTTBC certification and registration and establish careers here in BC.
"The ITTP Leadership Forum flowed from a joint partnership with the BC Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training in which ASTTBC made changes to its certification policies and processes and developed resources to assist ITTPs," said ASTTBC CEO John Leech, AScT, CAE.
VIEW the ITTP website
ASTTBC Photo Contest Deadline March 31st Midnight
YOU STILL HAVE TIME! Wow do we have GREAT Techs in ASTTBC... . Your photos have been coming in and clearly show that ASTTBC members really are the backbone of this province. There have been some amazing shots but we want to see more! You still have time to get your photo entered... visit our WEBSITE today.
ASTTBC Once Again Sponsors Georgie Awards
The 23rd Annual Georgie Awards took place February 27, 2015 and ASTTBC showed its support for this showcase of the building profession by once again coming in as a Bronze Sponsor.
Presented by the Canadian Home Builders' Association of BC (CHBABC), the Georgie Awards highlight how the province's residential construction industry continues to raise the bar of excellence, skill and professionalism throughout BC.
ASTTBC President Dave Rutherford, AScT, BCLS, CLS and CEO John Leech, AScT, CAE were in attendance at the award ceremonies and praised the caliber of submissions that were presented and offered congratulations to the chosen winners.
VIEW the full list of finalists and winners
Licensing of Builders is Enhanced
ASTTBC applauds the decision of the BC government to enhance professionalism and standards of BC builders through professional certification and mandatory continuing professional development. Under the Homeowner Protection Act the regulations that enhance licensing will work to protect new homebuyers.
"This is a great step forward for BC consumers and industry. A great deal of credit goes to Minister Coleman, Ministry staff, Homeowner Protection Office and the Canadian Home Builders Association of BC who worked diligently over many years to bring about this historic change," enthused ASTTBC CEO John Leech, AScT, CAE.
For more information:
READ the government press release
LETTER from Shayne Ramsay, CEO, BC Housing
NEWS RELEASE from Canadian Home Builders Association of BC
The HPO is also offering free information sessions on the Enhanced Licensing System for BC Residential Builders across the province.
ASTTBC Senior Members Contribute to Labour Market Information Project
Five senior ASTTBC members recently attended a Labour Market Information (LMI) Project focus group meeting in Kelowna, facilitated by The Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table (APGST). The project is to gather data and project LMI scenarios in BC from 2015 to 2024. Representing ASTTBC at the Kelowna session were Gerry Born AScT, Engineering Technology Co-op Education Coordinator Okanagan College, Todd Blackstock AScT, Senior Manager AEM Anodyne Electronics Systems, Kevin Witzke AScT, Project Manager and Senior Process Designer AECOM Canada, Russ Foster AScT, President and CEO Blenk Developments and Bruce Stevens AScT, Regional Manager ASTTBC.
The focus group, which also included representatives from APEGBC and technology industry HR Managers considered the preliminary data, assumptions and possible outcomes across three growth scenarios as they impact jobs in BC for Technologists, Technicians and Engineers. ASTTBC members spoke to the importance of recognizing the inherent competencies of Applied Science Technologists and the critical need to recognize their ability to undertake many aspects of engineering and that they are in fact quite capable of filling roles frequently set aside for engineers.
Consensus at the table supported this position that will be taken into account during development of the project data. Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table is undertaking this critical investigation with support from ASTTBC, APEGBC and ACEC-BC and is planning a series of similar focus groups around the province, with the goal of having the outcomes available by the end of summer 2015.
Online Self-Assessment Tool
Many foreign trained engineers that choose to relocate to British Columbia to further their careers encounter many hurdles to achieving their goal of enjoying the prominence and stature they may have had in their country of origin. The harsh reality is that engineering and engineering technology in Canada is a highly regulated profession requiring qualified individuals to be registered by either the Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists BC (APEGBC) or by Applied Science Technologists & Technicians BC (ASTTBC).
The two regulatory authorities (ASTTBC and APEGBC) jointly developed an online self-assessment tool to help applicants determine if their education qualifications and work experience earned outside Canada qualifies for certification as an Engineer or as a Technologist or a Technician.
Anyone completing the APEGBC self-assessment who discovers their education qualifications fall short of the requirements to certify as an Engineer has another option, which is to be certified and registered with ASTTBC as an AScT or a CTech.
Full details of certification requirements for ASTTBC and a detailed free self-assessment tool are available HERE.
BCIT BTech Info Session for SFU MBA in Management of Technology (MOT)
Do you have a BTech Degree from BCIT in a technical area and a minimum of five years of work experience? Consider building a solid business foundation with our MBA in Management of Technology, a part-time business curriculum tailored to the challenges technology managers face. Hear one of our renowned faculty members deliver a mini-case; MOT alumni with BTech degrees share their experiences; the Career Management Center's advice on how an MBA can advance your career and the Admissions team's overview of the program and it's requirements.
Thursday, April 2nd, 2015, 6:00 PM, Segal Graduate School of Business, 500 Granville St, Vancouver, BC
REGISTER here
Member Services Partner Spotlight: CSA Group
CSA Group, established in 1919 as Canada's first Standards Development Organization, has offered standards-based training for over 20 years, drawing on the expertise of instructors who, in many cases, have contributed to the development of standards. CSA training helps organizations advance their knowledge of standards, technical skills, codes and management systems.
ASTTBC members receive a variety of training programs, at a preferred rate, in areas including 2015 Canadian Electrical Code, Business & Quality Management, Construction, Infrastructure & Public Works, Energy, Occupational Health & Safety and Health Care. The accelerated Learning programs are flexible and can be delivered through a variety of formats, including: traditional classroom training, online and on-site at your facility.
MORE course info
Finance Department Update
IMPORTANT REMINDER ABOUT YOUR 2015 DUES:
2015 Annual Dues, electronic and hard copy invoices have been mailed several times this year, to access your invoice and to pay your dues, please CLICK HERE.
If you still haven't received your 2015 Dues Notice please EMAIL Lumi Guias or call (604) 585-2788 Ext. 237 to update your contact information.
Please pay by March 31st, 2015 to avoid cancellation and EMAIL Nicky Malli if facing financial hardship or health problems.
A $75 FEE will be applied after membership is cancelled for non-payment of dues to UNCANCEL and reinstate membership.
What does professional certification in ASTTBC says about you?
- You are qualified, registered and accountable
- You belong to one of BC's largest professional associations, 10,000+ strong
- You are highly qualified and in demand
We thank you in advance for your prompt attention and your continued support.
TechPROfile: Sarah Campden, CTech, RTMgr
TECHPROFILE is an online showcase of technology professionals registered with ASTTBC.
Sarah Campden, CTech, RTMgr, is a Victoria-based Civil Technician and Project Manager, for Herold Engineering Ltd.
When asked why she became a Technology Professional, Sarah responded:
"I have always been interested in building and began my post secondary education in architecture, later changing to surveying and civil engineering. I enjoy the challenging projects, my clients and associates, and community involvement."
Sarah has a diploma in Architectural Drafting and Building Technology and has since added AutoCAD, Civil 3D, subdivision design, project management and leadership courses to her resume. She has worked as a Geomatics, GIS and Engineering Technician, Technical Services Coordinator and Project Manager.
Some of her career highlights include working in Site Servicing Design and Municipal Infrastructure, Land Development, Stormwater Management, Project Management and with Yukon and Nunavut First Nations Land Claims.
ASTTBC is very thankful for the volunteer work Sarah has been doing for BCWiT and for the ASTTBC council.
ASTTBC Mentors Needed!
As you may know, ASTTBC members are a highly-valued resource for a number of mentorship programs run by Immigrant Service Provider agencies, mostly in partnership with IEC-BC. One of the understandings which came to light during our trip to India last November was that many immigrant professionals come from regions of the world where government regulation of engineering, and professional recognition, are not practiced in a way which parallels what we do in Canada. We're about to add that aspect of our professional culture to the Working In BC page and the Self Study Guide from the ITTPBC website, and we need you, as a volunteer professional, to help explain our sector's national culture to immigrants in one-on-one mentoring relationships. Please consider volunteering as a mentor — add a line to your résumé to say how you've helped new arrivals get a foothold in Canada and help them launch their careers. It will be time very well spent.
Leadership Recognition Awards April 9th
IEC-BC (Immigrant Employment Council of BC) will hold its first Leadership Recognition Awards event on April 9, 2015 from 4:30 - 6:30 pm at the Terminal City Club in Vancouver. This event will honour individuals, employers and key stakeholders who have demonstrated leadership in integrating skilled immigrants into BC workplaces and who have worked with IEC-BC to develop effective solutions to connect BC employers to immigrant talent.
This by-invitation event will be attended by senior executives and human resources professionals from leading BC businesses and organizations, federal and provincial government representatives, other stakeholder groups and the media.
Please join us in recognizing and honouring BC's immigrant employment champions. Space is limited so please RSVP by Wednesday, April 1, 2015.
DEX 2015 Coming to Coquitlam May 5, 2015
The Design Engineering Expo (DEX) is coming to Coquitlam on May 5, 2015. ASTTBC is again proud to be an association partner and will be at the event to represent technologists, technicians and technical specialists. For the second year running, DEX will be coming to showcase the latest design and manufacturing technologies for the OEM market.
REGISTER for FREE and see the full list of exhibitors. Enter tracking code 'asttbc' so they know we sent you!
Share Your Innovations
Are you or your colleagues creating some innovative technology applications? Want to tell the technology community about it? Let us know. We'll gladly publish a story on your accomplishments.
Send 200 words or less to the E-NEWS EDITOR
In the Media and on the Move
The ASTTBC sponsored 32nd annual Spaghetti Bridge Contest that happened in Kelowna was covered in the Vernon Morning Star.
The same contest was also covered in castanet.net.
BC Jobs Plan: Skills and Training in BC
Of the one million job openings ahead, 43 per cent will need trades and technical training. For more info on how students can start early, how parents can get involved, employer tools and resources, or how to change your career, go the BC JOBS PLAN WEBSITE.
Visit ASTTBC TechJOBS Website for Career Opportunities
Looking for a new challenge or job opportunity? Visit ASTTBC's TECHJOBS website to view our current postings.
Featured Posting
The City of Campbell River is seeking a full time Engineering Technologist I in Campbell River. The closing date is April 3rd.
ASTTBC Code of Ethics: 8
Present clearly to employers and clients the possible consequences if professional decisions or judgments are overruled or disregarded.
Amplification:
This principle needs no further amplification.
Commentary:
Members may occasionally find themselves in a situation where their employer, client, or another expert is questioning their recommendation.
Communication should be established both in writing and by personal contact, particularly for contentious issues, to ensure that the information and assumptions are laid out simply and lucidly. When disagreement exists between two members and the senior member chooses to overrule the other member's recommendation, the senior member consciously takes responsibility.
Note that members have continuing obligations, even though their recommendations may be overruled (see Principle 9).
Another element of difficulty is introduced when members find their recommendations being questioned by a non-member. The non-member may not have the technical expertise to appreciate both the rationale of the recommendation and the potential consequences of failure to accept the recommendation. Bearing in mind that the member remains the last line of defense for the public welfare, the member must make all reasonable efforts to ensure that an appropriate decision is made.
When a situation arises wherein a client or employer makes a decision that adversely affects the public interest and is contrary to the recommendation of the member, the member must inform the client or employer of the consequences of the decision. If the client or employer is unresponsive, the member should notify the appropriate regulatory authorities that have the ability to evaluate the concerns and the power to suspend activities until the technical issue is resolved.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a Requirement
ASTTBC registrants are encouraged to review ASTTBC's policy on CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT and use the website designed to help members record CPD activities.
Update Your Contact Info
To update your ASTTBC contact information, please LOGIN and use our online form.
ASTTBC on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
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Professional Development Opportunities
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!
Here's just a sample if you follow the links:
BCIT BTECH INFO SESSION FOR SFU MBA IN MANAGEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY (MOT)
Vancouver BC, April 2nd, 2015
VOI ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING PRESENTS - UNDERSTANDING YOUR FOREST TENURE
Merrit BC, April 13th, 2015
HPO PRESENTS - BUILDING SMART #21 - CHANGES TO 9.32 VENTILATION IN THE BC BUILDING CODE
Saltspring Island BC, April 21st, 2015
Thank-you for reading our March e-News and have a wonderful April!