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Friday, March 4, 2011
A15
National
ENGINEERING MONTH
Purchase gets TOP in tech award Prince George is home to an award-winning role model for women considering the challenges and rewards of a career in technology. Gina Purchase, AScT, project manager with Allnorth Consultants Limited, is the latest recipient of a “TOP in Technology” award from the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC). “At just 34 years of age, Gina has contributed to important public and private building projects, and earned acclaim from her professional peers and colleagues,” John Leech, executive director of ASTTBC, commented in presenting the award. “Gina is a rising star in the universe of applied technology.” Gina loves her career in a non-traditional calling for women: civil engineering. “As civil project manager, I am responsible for successfully managing a project’s life cycle. I’m in touch daily with a variety of professionals – clients, contractors, municipal and regional staff and coworkers in Allnorth’s multiple offices.” On completing high school in Prince George, Gina worked a few years in retail but wanted much more in a career. “I heard about a Civil Engineering Technology college program and was thrilled by the idea of being involved in infrastructure design. I was one of just four women in the 1997 class intake, and the only woman among the graduates” During 16 months of paid
work-study within her program, Gina honed her skills in the bridge department of the Ministry of Transportation, and as an engineering assistant developing road approaches for the new Okanagan Lake Bridge in Kelowna. After graduation she worked in Victoria for five years, designing and inspecting the remediation of ‘leaky condos’. Gina returned home to Prince George in 2005, working with L&M Engineering Limited. “I was involved with projects from the beginning to ribboncutting. As assistant project manager I did design work, field inspection and liaison on the River Point Shopping Centre, the UNBC Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre, Treasure Cove Casino, PG Gaming Centre, and a LEED Gold project, the Prince George Native Friendship Centre Lodge.” In 2009, Gina took time off for the birth of her daughter. “Since joining Allnorth in 2010, I’ve confirmed what a wonderful career choice civil engineering technology is for me. Allnorth is a great company with unlimited career potential, and they have proven they can accommodate a healthy work-family balance.” Gina suggests that more females should try her profession. “I truly encourage women to consider careers in technology. It demands serious effort – but the rewards are there. The Ph o to s ub mitte d variety of work is appealing Gina Purchase, AScT, project manager with Allnorth Consultants Limited, is presented with her and the sky’s the limit!” TOP in Technology award by ASTTBC executive director John Leech, AScT, CAE.
Technology Professionals... Essential to Engineering and Geoscience Teams ASTTBC technologists, technicians and technical specialists are important members of the professional teams that design, construct, inspect, test, maintain and manage much of British Columbia’s built and natural environment. The Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC) is a self-governing association of 9,500+ technologists, technicians and technical specialists in applied science and engineering technologies. Formed in 1958, ASTTBC was incorporated under the ASTT Act in 1985 to regulate the standards of training and practice of members, and to protect the interests of the public.
ASTTBC provides… • Professional Recognition • Employer Awareness • Career Development • Member Benefits TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS QUALIFIED . REGISTERED . ACCOUNTABLE .
for more info, visit…
www.asttbc.org