6
Financial Planning Throughout Your Career
13
My Life as a Consultant
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The Technology Community Gives Back
www.aset.ab.ca / FALL 2014
Financial Considerations for Technology Professionals
Ideas to save your hard-earned money, trends for the workplace, and stories of giving back to the community
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main fe ature
Financial Planning Throughout Your Career
13
member profile
My Life as a Consultant
Tips and ideas for members at any
“Consulting is a balancing act of work
age looking at financial planning
and personal priorities... but you’ll be able to reward yourself in ways you never thought possible.”
1630–10020 101A Ave. NW Edmonton AB T5J 3G2 tel: 780.425.0626 | toll free: 1.800.272.5619 | fax: 780.424.5053 email: asetadmin@aset.ab.ca | www.aset.ab.ca
4 | fall 2014 | technology alberta
NOTE: Editorial opinions, reports and similar articles published herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion or policy of the ASET Council or the Association.
Available online at www.aset.ab.ca
Fall 2014 Vol. 31, No.4
ase t ne ws 20 | TAC - Pilot Project Auditor Spotlight 21 | Labour Mobility 21 | TAC - Accreditation Project Visit 22 | Title Misuse 22 | Council Nomination 24 | Awards Nomination 25 | 2015 ASET Education Conference
16 18
The Technology Community Gives Back
26 | New & Reclassified Members 27 | Next Issue of TAB
ASET Council
ASET Office
President Keith Galliott, C.E.T. Calgary
Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel
1st Vice President Norman Kyle, P.L.(Eng.), P.Tech.(Eng.) Grande Prairie
Manager, Executive Secretariat
2nd Vice President Eric Amphlett, P.Tech.(Eng.), PMP Edmonton Past President Kevin Harrison, P.L.(Eng.), P.Tech.(Eng.) Edmonton Councillors
in Calgary – June 19, 2015
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Manager, Accounting and Information Systems
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for the 2015 ASET Education Conference
Director, Government Relations
Greg Brouwer, P.Tech.(Eng.) Lethbridge
Lynda Greenwood, C.E.T., PMP Edmonton
Save the Date
Dorothy Marshall
Accounting Assistant
Perry Eddy, C.E.T., B.Tech. Sherwood Park
ASET Investigation and Discipline: Part 2
Barry Cavanaugh
Sandra Pippus, C.E.T., Grande Prairie Public Members Peter Portlock, CD, MHSA Edmonton Chris Warren, Q.C. Red Deer Linda Wood Edwards, CAE, B.Admin. Edmonton
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Canadian addresses to: 1630–10020 101A Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 3G2 Candian Publications Mail Agreement 40065106 technology alberta | fall 2014 | 5
financial planning throughout your career
6 | fall 2014 | technology alberta
main feature
s your professional association, ASET provides resources to help its members develop successful careers as technology professionals. But we also know that we all look forward to the day when we can hang it up for good and live the dream retirement we all hope for.
Apart from winning the lottery, the best way to ensure you’re prepared for retirement is to plan. Throughout your professional career, there are different things you can be thinking of that will get you prepared for the day you finally retire. We talked with Manulife Financial who provided tips from author Gail Vaz-Oxlade to get you on the right path based on your life situation.
technology alberta | fall 2014 | 7
Y
ou’re just fresh out of school, or been working for a few years, and retirement is a long ways away. That probably means that you have plenty of time to worry about retirement later because there’s more important things, like paying off loans, saving for a new home, or buying that fancy car you always wanted. But you have a wonderful opportunity in front of you – time. Starting to save now for retirement provides you with lots of opportunities for those savings to grow by the time you’re ready to retire. The key is to understand your money, and prioritize where it’s going.
Things to consider 1) Save enough. According to VazOxlade, those who start saving in their 20’s need to save as little as six per cent of their income to maintain their current lifestyle. Compare that to the 10 per cent you’d need to save if you started in your 30’s, or the 18 per cent if starting in your 40’s. Starting early helps to prepare for retirement without affecting your cash flow too much. 2) Spend less than you make. Sounds simple enough, but life gets in the way. Society has provided a variety of ways to get you things you want before truly having the cash to afford it. Budgeting doesn’t have to be a bad word – live within your means and you’ll be paying less in the long run than had you gone into credit card debt. 3) Buy the right kind of insurance. Getting insurance while you’re young is very beneficial because you’re more likely to qualify for coverage at affordable rates. There isn’t one kind of insurance that is best for everyone, so seek the advice of an expert to ensure you have the right coverage for you.
In the end, it really is up to you how you ultimately spend your well-earned money. But learning to manage your finances now, will set you up for the rest of your life so that you’re not making sacrifices later.
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main feature
A
fter being in the work force for a longer period of time now, typically people have not really given thought to how they’ll live during retirement. Sure, you’ve started some sort of savings plan, but you’ve been focused on the added expenses of having a family, home, or other major milestones at this age.
So it comes as no surprise when people often think they’ll be able to maintain their current lifestyle when they retire. Many of us have the dream retirement, perhaps travelling around the world or settling somewhere near your kids and grandkids, but forget they’ll be living on a reduced income. Planning now for how you will realistically live during retirement will go a long way in making your dream a reality.
Things to consider 1) Have an emergency fund. With all the expenses typical of this age group, it’s more important than ever to have an emergency fund when life throws a curve ball, like a job loss or illness in the family. Don’t rely on a line of credit or other forms of unsecured debt because it costs you more in the long run – set aside some cash in the bank in the event you lose a consistent paycheque. 2) Learn about investing. Many people are afraid of investing because of the associated risk. But if you have a savings account, Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GIC), or other low-risk investments, then you’re already in the game. If you’re looking for higher potential returns, then educate yourself on other investment products and make your money work better for you. 3) Keep track of your money. There isn’t one system of money management that works for everyone, but it’s important to know where your hardearned money is going. Money is complicated, so keeping some type of tracking and budgeting tool will help ensure you control your money, and not the other way around.
Once you understand how you want to live in the next phase of your life, you’ll be able to make decisions today by prioritizing things like paying down your debt, or forgoing an indulgence, to help you achieve your future goals.
technology alberta | fall 2014 | 9
W
ith retirement hopefully just around the corner, it is very common to be a little scared about what comes next. The end of a paycheque can bring a sense of uncertainty, especially when wanting to maintain a certain level of comfort later in life. Even those who saved enough will probably feel like they haven’t done quite enough to prepare for retirement, but you still have an opportunity to set yourself up in the future. Looking to minimize current spending, boost your earnings with supplemental incomes, or even considering delaying retirement are all options to help further stretch any savings you have.
Things to consider 1) Prepare a will or powers of attorney. Dealing with one’s own mortality can be very difficult, but preparing a will has important financial ramifications. It indicates who you want to get any money you might leave behind, or helps your loved-ones deal with money issues on your behalf. There are also opportunities to minimize tax reductions, so help anyone you might leave behind by having your intentions known. 2) Budget now. With retirement so near, you can make a much-more realistic budget of your expenses and the types of income you’ll be receiving. The little details will help you determine your priorities while living on a fixed income. 3) Prioritize and make choices. It’s your money, and you ultimately have all the power in choosing what you spend it on. Look over your finances, consider the future, and decide if you’re using your money the way you want to. If not, now is the time to make the change to affect you down the road.
When you have reached the time to call it a career, stay in control of your assets through an annuity or a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF). Considering options on how you can make your savings into a regular and consistent income will ensure retirement is all you hoped it would be.
10 | fall 2014 | technology alberta
main feature
No matter your age or current life situation, preparing for retirement has three basic elements:
Your career as a technology professional is important to our society’s growth, so you deserve every opportunity to make your dream retirement a reality. There are a variety of tools and services available through Service Canada, your bank, or companies like Manulife Financial to help you prepare. We encourage you to find the options that best fit your needs when determining your path to retirement.
technology alberta | fall 2014 | 11
Apply today! Flexible career investigation and mentoring partnership options are available to meet your needs.
The ASET Mentoring Program brings together senior technology professionals with students, junior ASET members, and internationally-trained professionals.
Be a mentor... ...become a leader Mentors typically have at least three years of experience in their field of expertise and sufficient knowledge to speak to a mentee about their industry and occupation. • Enhance your leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills • Help a student to learn more about the profession and make career decisions • Work with junior ASET members as they explore career changes and build career development strategies
We are currently looking for mentors in the disciplines of: • Biomedical • Electronics • Environmental • Industrial • Instrumentation • Mineral Resources • Petroleum • Renewable Resources
• Assist internationally-trained professionals to better understand the profession in Canada and Canadian workplace culture Laura Negium Program Coordinator, Education and Mentoring (780) 425-0626 | lauran@aset.ab.ca
www.aset.ab.ca/mentoring
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member profile
My Life as a Consultant Roger Fluter, P.Tech.(Eng.) “Consulting is a balancing act of work and personal priorities... but you'll be able to reward yourself in ways you never thought possible.”
T
oday’s workplace is vastly different from 25 years ago, especially in Alberta. The rise in technology, the focus on key industries in a particular region, and the differences in generations has shifted what a typical workplace looks like. The standard work week of yesteryear is being transformed to suit today’s economy and workforce.
According to Forbes.com, one of the top workplace trends for 2014 is the normalization of freelance/consulting work. Hiring consultants can be very beneficial for companies, providing experts for specialized projects without the added expense of things like benefits provided to full-time employees. People working as consultants embrace the opportunity for higher compensation, and more flexibility in their work schedule. “One of the things I like most about consulting is the ability to focus on a project without having to worry about other corporate distractions that company employees might face,” says Roger Fluter, P.Tech.(Eng.). “On the flip side, sometimes you can miss out on the fun opportunities with a client company if they do not include you as part of the company.” As a graduate of the Engineering Design and Drafting Technology program at SAIT, Fluter had no idea where his career as a technology professional would take him. Starting work at a small oil and gas engineering company, he moved up the corporate ladder taking a variety of technical and management positions. “Most of my career was spent working at three companies where I began as a consultant,” recalls Fluter. “Each consultant position got my foot in the door and led to staff positions with higher responsibility.”
With the opportunity to work abroad in South Korea, Indonesia and Australia, he gained technical expertise that he was able to bring back to Canada. In addition to new positions in different industries, it gave Fluter the opportunity to mentor his colleagues and watch them grow. “One of the challenges of working as a consultant is to keep a strong network while remaining focused on a client’s needs,” states Fluter. “Being able to pass my knowledge to others provided me with a chance to build a network beyond the company I was working for.” As a result of his innovative technical solutions, leadership and professionalism, Fluter was recognized as the 2014 recipient of ASET’s Technical Excellence Award. He looks forward to continue growing his career and technical knowledge, currently transitioning to a new company as a contract Project Manager. And while he has thoroughly enjoyed his experience as a consultant, he understands that consulting work is not for everyone. With all things, there are pros and cons and the best thing is to fully educate yourself on areas that you might be responsible for when self-employed – like insurance, taxes and other legal regulations. “Consulting is a balancing act of work and personal priorities, and can sometimes lead to burning the candle at both ends,” warns Fluter. “You can expect to put in extra hours for the administration of the company, but with support from your family, you’ll be able to reward yourself in ways you never thought possible.”
Looking to become a P.Tech.? Check out our website on the criteria you need to move to this level. technology alberta | fall 2014 | 13
The Technology Community Gives Back
T
hroughout Alberta, we sometimes forget how interconnected we all are. We often live our lives without thinking about how we fit within our own community, and the impact our work has on our province’s progress. We are fortunate to be in a province that provides a wealth of opportunities, and so it comes as no surprise when companies choose to give back.
Associated Engineering, ASET’s 2012 Technical Employer of the Year, has a long history of innovative and technological success. Recognized six times as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies, the company has embodied their vision of being a leader, and creating effective solutions to build better communities. But their efforts to build better communities go beyond the services they provide – it’s also the time, effort and money they give to charities throughout Canada. “With so many groups to partner with, it is the employees’ initiative and passion that really drive the charity work we do,” states Helder Afonso, P.Eng., Vice President & General Manager, Alberta North. “Associated Engineering is proud to support the causes most important to our staff.” With such a diverse base of employees throughout Canada, it’s easy to understand why there is such an assortment of municipal, provincial, national and international charities that the company supports.
“The best part about our support of charities and non-profit organizations is we try to go beyond simple fundraising,” states Melvin Lacebal, C.E.T., Electrical Engineering Technologist, and one of the many ASET members among the 309 employees in Alberta. “Many activities we do involve using our technological expertise within the community to make it a better place.” Here is just a sample of Associated Engineering’s charity work:
UNITED WAY The annual United Way fundraising event is directed by a group of employees volunteering their time and effort throughout the campaign. Beyond gathering pledge forms, these employees form sub-committees for different fundraising activities such as the United Through Diversity Lunch and Wine Survivor Challenge. They also dedicate 4-5 of its employees for the United Way Engineering Day of Caring – an event bringing 15 Alberta engineering companies together each year on a collaborative community project in support of the United Way.
14 | fall 2014 | technology alberta
CALGARY FLOOD RELIEF IN 2013 During the emergency and recovery efforts of the June 2013 floods in Southern Alberta, many citizens displayed remarkable acts of bravery, resilience, and compassion, helping those who went above and beyond to help family, friends, neighbours, and strangers get back on their feet. In February 2014, ASET member Barry Way, C.E.T., a Senior Engineering Technologist in the Medicine Hat office was recognized as an official Hero of the Flood by the Office of the Premier of Alberta.
PHILIPPINE T Y PHOON RELIEF With many staff hailing from the Philippines, and the scale of the tragedy at the forefront of many of their minds, Associated Engineering made a donation to the Typhoon Haiyan Relief efforts, matched by the Federal Government and the Knights of Columbus.
NATIONAL SHORELINE CLEANUP With participation from three of its offices, Associated Engineering cleared hundreds of kilos of garbage from Deer Lake Park in Burnaby, the Walterdale shoreline in Edmonton, and the 23rd Street Beach in Toronto, making these waterfronts a little safer and healthier.
community feature
CA NS TRUC TION FOR THE FOOD BA NK MOV EMBER The popular annual Movember campaign – getting men to grow moustaches – aims to fund the Movember Foundation’s men’s health programs, and start conversations about men’s health. Representatives from Burnaby, Edmonton, Regina, Calgary, Saskatoon, Victoria, Toronto, Lethbridge and St. Catharines joined together to bring awareness and understanding of the health risks men face, and encourage men to take action to remain well.
Canstruction is a not-for-profit, friendly competition between architects, engineers, designers, contractors and the community in general to design and build amazing sculptures out of cans of food. The Edmonton CANstruction team captured the Jurors’ Favourite Award and the opportunity to rebuild their structure at the Taste of Edmonton, sharing Associated Engineering’s creative thinking and community involvement while spreading awareness about the Food Bank and the CANstruction competition.
Row for K ids Row for Kids is a joint fundraiser for the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Edmonton Rowing Club. Having trained hard over the summer, the AE team offered up strong competition to the other boats on race day, winning the first heat and finishing just short of making the finals. In the end, Associated Engineering donated funds collected through both individual efforts and by holding a variety of fundraisers.
The support of companies, like Associated Engineering, demonstrates their power to improve the quality of individuals’ lives, in Canada and beyond. Everyone benefits from the contribution to others, and so we thank all of those who tirelessly work to impact the communities where we live and work.
technology alberta | fall 2014 | 15
Understanding the ASET Investigation and Discipline Process Part Two: Resolving the Complaint Here is a flowchart to describe the steps to resolve the complaint through the Discipline Process.
As a self-regulatory organization, ASET has a legislated duty to ensure that certified members engage in safe and ethical practice within the profession. In the last issue of Technology Alberta, we introduced the ASET Investigation and Discipline Process, focusing on what happens when a complaint is made against an ASET member. Now we conclude with Discipline process and the responsibility of the parties involved. As previously described, upon the conclusion of the preliminary investigation by the Investigative Committee, they can recommend to:
Investigative Committee determines a course of action
A) investigation terminated
B) Resolve matter by way of a recommended discipline order
A. Terminate the investigation; B. Resolve the matter by way of a Recommended Discipline Order; or C. Refer the case to the Discipline Committee.
C) Refer to discipline committee
Discipline Committee The ASET Discipline Committee is a group of at least three experienced ASET members appointed by ASET Council to review recommendations from the ASET Investigative Committee and determine a disciplinary course of action. The ASET/APEGA Discipline Committee is a group of at least three experience ASET members appointed by the ASET Council and three experience APEGA members appointed by the APEGA Council to review recommendations from the ASET/APEGA Investigative Committee and determine a disciplinary course of action.
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investigation & discipline
Investigative Committee issues RDO to Case Manager (assigned by Registrar)
Case Manager reviews RDO with investigated member
complaint resolved
In the event the Case Manager or investigate Member disagrees with the RDO, the complaint is referred to the Discipline Committee
Discipline Committee holds a formal hearing
Appeal Board Throughout the Discipline Process, the complainant or investigated member has the option to contest a decision of the Investigative Committee or Discipline Committee. The complaint will then be referred to the ASET Appeal Board or ASET/APEGA Appeal Board for Review. Subsequent appeal of a decision by the Appeal Board is submitted to the Alberta Court of Appeal for judiciary review.
Decision by Discipline Committee
If the investigated member is found guilty of unprofessional conduct or unskilled practice, some examples of possible outcomes are the member may face suspension or cancellation, conditions to practice such as periodic inspection or restrictions from engaging in sole practice, and fines or payment of costs (s. 63 of the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act).
technology alberta | fall 2014 | 17
Understanding the ASET Investigation and Discipline Process Part Two: Resolving the Complaint Conclusion
Fairness and transparency are also key elements of the process to ensure that the rights of both the member under investigation and the complainant are protected. Both parties remain informed throughout and a formal appeal process is in place if the complainant or member under investigation would like to contest a decision of the Investigative or Discipline Committee. ASET members are encouraged to maintain their professional currency and be fully aware of their obligations under legislation and ASET’s Code of Ethics. As regulated professionals demonstrating the highest quality of technology practice in the province, protection of the public and the reputation of the profession is your privilege and your responsibility.
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ASET Members get special pricing, please contact us for your promo code today. Live Webinars
GIC has expanded with a new distance program, exam prep courses (NPPE), and over 12,000 courses in our library, as we are anticipating training needs worldwide. As an Education Partner to many organizations, we develop training solutions based on their business goals. GIC takes on the challenges that organizations face, whether it is technical competencies, process evaluation, project management and leadership training, or essential skills. We help organizations continuously improve.
1-888-384-4863 www.gic-edu.com/ASET 18 | fall 2014 | technology alberta
Distance Learning
Hire the Best Technical Staff The Alberta Technical Employment Network (ATEN) connects technical employers with technicians and technologists.
Member Benefits: • Communication tool between you and technical employers looking for ASET members specifically • Showcase your skills by posting your profile and resume • Customized job alerts • ATENLINK e-newsletter providing you with exclusive job opportunities from employers who demand your talent
For more information: www.aset.ab.ca/aten
technology alberta | fall 2014 | 19
ASET News TAC spotlights auditors integral to successful pilot project from audit to audit. Attention was given not only to documentation but also to audit preparation, human soft skills and qualification of auditors, ability to communicate and engage with other auditors and colleagues as one team,” said Moutine. Auditor-in-training David Saunders is a civil technologist (CET) and was one of OACETT’s presidents during the establishment of Technology Professionals Canada (TPC) and TAC. He answered TAC’s call for auditors as a way of continuing to contribute to the advancement of the profession. He valued how polished the process was for an inaugural audit. When Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) set out to create a new national accreditation model which would maintain an uncompromising degree of quality control and assurance, a cornerstone of that endeavour was the involvement of trained, specialized auditors. Lead auditor Gary Closson is a professional engineer and Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) in the electrical discipline, and served as dean of Sheridan College’s faculty of applied science and technology. He knew previously that accredited programs attract students and enhance their employability. As dean, he initiated a two-year project to have all technician and technology programs nationally accredited. He said that the overall organization of the TAC process was excellent, the review of student work illuminating, and he enjoyed discussing program content with other industry specialists, graduates, faculty, and students. “The online auditor training and support tables made it easy for the auditors to come to a consensus related to strengths and weaknesses of the program,” said Closson. Auditor Iouri Moutine (CET) has a bachelor of systems engineering with expertise in control systems. He has spent 20-plus years in the aviation industry within facility maintenance for Greater Toronto Airports Authority, managing contracts of electro-mechanical systems such as automated people movers (trains), elevating devices, and escalators. He believes that TAC’s pilot project has proven how an auditing model for national accreditation should be done. “Having experience in national accreditation and the aviation industry which relies heavily on documented protocols and procedures, I was impressed by TAC’s auditing process. It’s clean, concise, based on industry best practices and accepted standards worldwide, and will be consistent
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“I believe the effort made to involve industry, institutions and associations in developing the model, combined with incorporating best practices of other certification bodies, will ensure that the accreditation process has rigor for an outcome-based review. This, in my opinion, will significantly raise the bar when engineering technology and applied science programs are reviewed and accredited,” said Saunders. Jeffrey Harris, Applied Science Technologist (AScT) and auditor-in-training, is an electrical designer with 11 years’ experience in industrial and commercial electrical. He relished the opportunity to interact with his peers and the college and now has a different perspective about the chosen field of study. “TAC’s accreditation process is much more thorough and will, in the long run, help create better programs, technicians and technologists,” said Harris. TAC will officially begin accrediting engineering technology and applied science programs at post-secondary educational institutions in January 2015.
ASET News
aset news
ASET Members: Your Labour Mobility Rights
TAC conducts first ever site visit for accreditation pilot project
A Certified Engineering Technologist from Alberta was recently rejected as a C.E.T. by another provincial technology association when she attempted to transfer her ASET designation. This is a good opportunity to outline for our members and the public the labour mobility laws in place in Canada and how ASET protects its members’ rights.
A successful site visit in August for a pilot project at a Canadian college marked another milestone towards the official launch of Technology Accreditation Canada’s (TAC) accreditation program.
In this particular case, the C.E.T. member was granted a C.Tech. designation in the new province. This is a direct contravention of Chapter 7 of the Agreement on Internal Trade. Chapter 7 was established “to enable any worker qualified for an occupation in one part of Canada to have access to employment opportunities within that occupation in any other province or territory.” The right of ASET’s members to transfer across Canada with their designation is a matter of law. ASET’s designations are granted by the ASET Board of Examiners with the full authority of the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act of Alberta and must be recognized by other provincial technology associations upon transfer to another province or territory. An ASET member who is rejected or is unsuccessful in obtaining the equivalent designation in the province to which they have transferred should contact the ASET Registrar who will then gather information on the case and connect the member with the appropriate contact at the Domestic Labour Mobility Office of the Government of Alberta. The Labour Mobility Office will then initiate a dispute resolution process that includes first attempting diplomatic discussions with the Labour Mobility Office of the province in question, followed by a comprehensive consultation process with all parties involved in the dispute, and concluding with a hearing before a dispute panel if necessary. Throughout this process, ASET provides support to the member and the Alberta Labour Mobility Office as needed to assist with resolving the case. ASET is serious about protecting our members’ rights and takes action when necessary to ensure the recognition they deserve. For more information please contact: Jennifer Bertrand, ASET Registrar 780-425-0626 / jenniferb@aset.ab.ca
The college began participating in TAC’s pilot project late last year, gathering student materials and fulfilling the selfassessment submission requirement. Prior to the site visit, TAC selected an audit team comprised of two members from Ontario and one from BC, as well as two auditors-in-training. All of the auditors completed TAC’s comprehensive online training program. The site visit took place Aug. 6 as a follow up to the auditors’ review of the college’s submission. The purpose of the site visit was to confirm the legitimacy of the submission and involved the audit team, a few observers from TAC, and the provincial professional association’s Registrar. The audit team met with college administration, faculty, representatives from program advisory committees, and alumni, and received exposure to college facilities including classes, labs and support services. They examined equipment, students at work, and safety components such as appropriate signage and student accessibility to equipment and labs. “As an observer, I was pleased with the process in action and the outcome of the site visit. TAC will be reviewing feedback from all parties involved in the pilot to assess what works and what doesn’t so that we can make any necessary changes to the accreditation process,” said Barbara Chappell, TAC Executive Director. The next step for the audit team will be to issue a draft report to the college. The college will, in turn, have a chance to clarify questions and/or provide further information in response to this before the audit team issues its final accreditation report and decision. TAC’s accreditation program is expected to formally debut in January 2015. Incorporated in December 2013, Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) accredits engineering technology and applied science programs at post-secondary educational institutions.
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ASET News ASET Designations: Protected Titles in Alberta Although ASET members are fully aware of the protected status of their designations, many non-certified technology professionals in Alberta continue to unlawfully use the titles of Certified Technician, Certified Engineering Technologist, and Professional Technologist (Engineering/Geoscience). ASET works hard to educate students, employers, and the public about the use of these titles, but unfortunately title misuse still occurs.
For more information please contact: Jennifer Bertrand, ASET Registrar 780-425-0626 / jenniferb@aset.ab.ca To report title misuse please contact: Melanie Leaf, Regulatory Compliance Assistant 780-425-0626 / melaniel@aset.ab.ca
Under the ASET and Professional Technologists Regulations, only regulated members in good standing are authorized to use the titles of C.Tech., C.E.T., and P.Tech.(Eng.)/ (Geo.). Graduation from a technical program does not automatically authorize graduates to use ASET’s designations. A number of non-certified professionals have also been identified as using the title of C.E.T. to mean “Civil Engineering Technologist” or “Chemical Engineering Technologist.” This is also not permitted under legislation. Only ASET’s members are permitted to use the designation abbreviations.
2015 Council Election
Title misuse is typically reported to ASET by ASET members and occasionally by members of the public, APEGA, or employers. To investigate these reports, ASET requires documentation demonstrating the unlawful usage of an ASET designation—for example, a copy of a business card, a screen shot from a website, or a copy of an email signature—as well as the contact information for the individual under investigation.
Now Accepting Nominations
ASET first sends a letter to the individual outlining the protected status of ASET’s designations and requesting either an explanation for the usage of the title or confirmation that the individual will cease using the title immediately. In some cases, the individual obtained a designation in another province and was not aware of the transfer process to have the designation recognized in Alberta. In other cases, the individual is not aware of ASET’s legislation and agrees to discontinue use of the designation. If ASET does not receive a response from the individual within 30 days, the case is forwarded to legal counsel and an injunction is sought to compel the individual to cease using the ASET title without proper registration. ASET takes all cases of title misuse seriously. Only ASET members, rigorously evaluated and held to a high standard of professional practice, have the right to be recognized as certified technology professionals in Alberta.
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We are now accepting submissions for nominations for the 2015 ASET Council Election. This is your opportunity to nominate a fellow member who you think has the passion and dedication to represent the Association’s members. If there’s someone you’d like to nominate, please visit www.aset.ab.ca/pages/ AboutASET_Council/ElectiontoCouncil.aspx and submit the nomination form to: Dorothy Marshall, Manager, Executive Secretariat dorothym@aset.ab.ca / 780.425.0626
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The flexibility of this plan allows you to pick and choose options, depending on YOUR needs. We invite you to fill out a quote request online or give us a call for more information. We are proud of our long standing relationship with ASET and look forward to being of service to you. For more information or a FREE quote
Toll Free: 1-877-900-0250 or info@unigroup.ca
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ASET Awards Recognize Excellence Nominate Today! Some people and organizations just stand out from the crowd, and the ASET Awards Committee wants to hear about them! It only takes a few minutes to submit nominees for the 2015 ASET Awards. This is your opportunity to give praise to an outstanding colleague, showcase your cutting edge technology or tell the rest of the technical community how great your company is to work for.
Awards for outstanding contribution to technology ASET Technician/ Technologist of the Year
Technical Employer of the Year
The objective of this award is to publicly showcase an ASET member who has demonstrated an outstanding level of professionalism and excellence in making a significant contribution to technology.
This award is presented to an employer for their outstanding contribution to technology and recognizes organizations that excel at supporting, promoting, utilizing, and rewarding technicians and technologists.
Judging criteria used by ASET’s Awards Committee include: level of knowledge, importance to organization, ability, leadership, creativity/ innovation, etc.
These key stakeholders form the backbone of Alberta’s technology community and play critical roles in business, industry, and government. Employers who make maximum use of their technology professionals are considered for this award. Professional development, encouragement of volunteerism, corporate achievements, safety, innovation, profitability, and growth are also considered key factors.
ASET Technical Excellence This award recognizes individuals or organizations for their consistently outstanding work in the technical arena. Criteria include significant contributions to technical works, innovative technical solutions, leadership, education, consistent professional attitude and progressive contributions to the advancement of technology. This award may be presented to both members and nonmembers.
Nomination deadline is March 6, 2015 Nominate someone deserving today! Visit the ASET Awards page at www.aset.ab.ca
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ASET Award for the Excellence in Technical Instruction The objective of this award is to publicly showcase a technical instructor who has demonstrated an outstanding level of professionalism and excellence in making a significant contribution to the study of technology. Nominators must be members of ASET - T.T. or higher. The award is open to active (employed full- or part-time at a technical program in a discipline recognised by ASET) or retired instructors.
Education Conference 2015
Sustainable Development: Progressive Solutions in Science and Technology June 19, 2015 | MacEwan Conference & Event Centre, Calgary Learn… Innovate… Advance The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta is hosting the second annual Education Conference. With a focus on sustainability and advances in the profession, the ASET Education Conference is a distinct cross-disciplinary networking and learning experience for applied science and engineering technology professionals and employers. The conference includes a variety of education sessions delivered throughout the day, a luncheon with keynote speaker, and employer exhibits with scheduled networking and discussion opportunities. Member and employer needs will drive the presentation content via an advisory committee with broad representation from related industries, disciplines, and occupations. Visit http://www.aset.ab.ca/pages/Membership/EducationConference.aspx for more information on presenting, sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, and registration.
ke ynote:
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For more information please contact: Laura Neigum, Program Coordinator, Education and Mentoring, 780-425-0626 / lauran@aset.ab.ca
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236
New and Reclassified Members The following is the New/Reclassified member statistics for the period of July 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014.
548
Total of new/reclassified members
142
125
Student
9
35
T.T. C.Tech. C.E.T.
1
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