Leadership in Technology - Fall 2009

VOLUME 4

ISSUE 1

NOVEMBER 2009

FEATURE: Wind Power - Clean & Reliable NEWS: CCTT AGM EDUCATION: Wind Energy Technology at NSCC

Publications Mail Agreement # 40875508

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Leadership in Technology is the official newsletter of TechNova, the Society of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists of Nova Scotia.

Leadership in Technology is published biannually by:

202 Brownlow Avenue Cambridge 1, Suite 308 Dartmouth, NS B3B 1T5 Tel: (902) 463-3236 Fax: (902) 465-7567 Toll Free: 1 866 723-8867 info@technova.ca www.technova.ca Please direct all inquiries, submissions and subscription requests to TechNova at the above address.

Leadership in Technology is published in conjunction with: Design Works Publishing Group 41 Glendale Ave Unit 1 Sackville NS B4A 1C6 Tel: (902) 468-3440 Fax: (902) 468-9044

From the Editor

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President’s Letter

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New Members

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Wind Power Clean & Reliable

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Wind Energy at NSCC

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CCTT AGM

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CCTT Director’s Report

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Registrar’s Report

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Please contact DWP Group for advertising information.

EDITOR Ed Lingley, C.Tech EDITORIAL DIRECTION Vivian Ernst ART DIRECTION Mario Zamfir The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Association. TechNova assumes no responsibility or liability for damages arising from any error or omission or from the use of any information or advice printed in this publication.

Letters regarding the newsletter should be addressed to the Editor at the Society’s address.

STORY IDEAS WELCOME* Leadership in Technology strives to present news, stories and other content in the course of each year that is of particular interest or pertinence to TechNova members. We rely in part on your input to guide and generate articles. This is your publication and you are always encouraged to contribute.

NEWS: Your technology career is ever-changing. Let others know about the changes and trends in your particular field, discipline or worksite.

PROFILES: Want to share your own story? Leadership in Technology is a great way to demonstrate the ways that members utilize technology in their careers.

FEEDBACK: Write to us and share your viewpoints (members and nonmembers alike). Write to info@technova.ca or send your letter/article to the TechNova office. (*See page 9 for more details and prize information)

Publications Mail Agreement # 40875508

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NEW PARTNERSHIP - NEW POSSIBILITIES CCTT President Stephen Gould and TechNova President Louis LeBel sign the national license agreement. As the registered owner of the certification marks, CCTT will be charged with the administration of the trade marks. This brings us one step closer to a common national designation.

As well President Gould welcomes Mr. LeBel as a national director for the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists.

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT: Louis LeBel, CET VICE PRESIDENT: Sean Piercey, CET PAST PRESIDENT: Steve Shaw, CET FINANCE CHAIR: Don Landry, CET TECHNOVA COUNCILLORS: E. Maria O’Brien, CET Hugh Campbell, C.Tech Elizabeth MacKay, C.Tech Dimitri Sourtzis, CET REGISTRAR: Joe Simms, CET EXECUTIVE STAFF OFFICER: Ed Lingley, C.Tech OFFICE MANGER Vivian Ernst

From the Editor Back again! It seems like yesterday that I was sitting at my desk assembling the spring edition of “Leadership in Technology”, I can’t believe its time for the fall edition!

It is with regret and sadness that I announce the death of Robin Hill CET. Robin was an active member of TechNova’s Council for the last two years and will be greatly missed by all.

The 38th CCTT AGM was held in Moncton, NB on October 22-24. Representing our association, including myself, were Louis Lebel, President; Stephen Shaw, CCTT Director and Joe Simms, Registrar.

A noteworthy event was the reinstatement of the Saskatchewan Applied Science Technicians and Technologists after an absence of two years.

You will be pleased to hear that TechNova’s nominee for the CCTT National Achievement Award, Charles Cartmill, CET President of LED Roadway Lighting was the winner. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Cartmill on his achievement. You will no doubt recall his presentation on LED Roadway Lighting at our last AGM meeting in March!

In other news, Alberta made history as the first province to give applied science and engineering technology professionals belonging to the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) the right to self regulate. It also granted its members the right to practice engineering independently, without supervision by professional engineers, within the existing codes and standards.

Leadership in Technology strives to present news, stories and other content in the course of each year that is of particular interest or pertinence to TechNova members. We rely in part on your input to guide and generate articles. This is your publication and you are always encouraged to contribute. Do you want to share your own story? Leadership in Technology is a great way to demonstrate the ways that members utilize technology in their careers. I encourage you to write to us and share your viewpoints (members and non-members alike).

Ed Lingley CTech Editor PS - I have included some pictures and articles from the AGM for your enjoyment.

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Dear Members, Hope this article finds you all in good health. It is with great sadness that I have to tell you of the death of one of our council members, Mr Robin Hill. He was always cheerful and brought exceptional energy to the council. He will be missed.

We have weathered the economic storm much better than other provinces and provincial associations. While there have been many job losses in the country they haven’t affected certified technician and technologist to any great extent; in fact, employers are noticing that there are not enough certified people, and have set up apprenticeship programs and subsidized education programs to combat the shortage of people entering the workforce.

We have reached the point were our members are retiring and in the next five to seven years this trend will only get worse. Here in Nova Scotia, new members are compensating for the numbers that are leaving. It is my hope that these young people will be bringing new energy to TechNova by getting involved with council or one of our boards. As you may know I will be completing my term as President in March and have already taken on the role as CCTT National Director.

In my first address as President I said that I would focus on bringing young people in to our organization. I will continue this on the national level whenever possible. To that end, I have accepted the position as Chair of the National Technology Benchmarks committee. Having strong Benchmarks will ensure that employers around the world will seek Canadian technicians and technologists, and young people will see that there is and continues to be a good alternative to the high cost of a university education.

If you have or know a grade 7-12 student that is looking for a challenge and maybe some extra cash, tell them to go to www.cctt.ca “Tech Futures” and checkout the contests. If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact me at info@technova.ca.

Have a great winter,

Louis LeBel, CET President TechNova

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NEW MEMBERS

May 2009 – October 2009 The Council has approved the following Certification Board recommendations for membership in TechNova.

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Associate Technicians

Transfers

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Luc LeBlanc Daniel Amirault

Certified Engineering Technicians (C.Tech) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Jeremy Tucker Nathaniel Dimock Angela Graham Scott Saccary Jason Giles Jason Gillis Donald Stephenson Lee Thompson Mary Collins Lawless Brian Fougere Andrew Campbell Graham Spencer James Hewitt Robert Camp Edward Loveless

Certified Engineering Technologists (CET) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

J. Steve Court Stacey Hicks Deanna Turner Larry Meagher Terry Roach Peter Fleming Jean-Guy LeBlanc Tammie Benzanson Christopher Mann Harvey Hannem Robert Jessome Brent Brophy Marc Melanson John Thompson Ross Turner Trevor MacKinnon

Upgraded from Associate Technologists to Certified Engineering Technologist • •

Deanna Jones Amanda Hill

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Phillip Duncan Graham Crawford Michelle Whidden Michael Doyle Michael Bates Shane Perry

Associate Technologists • •

Zakania Manas Andrew Keating

Applied Science Technologist (AScT) •

William Isbister

Students • • • • • • • • • • •

Douglas Finney Andrew MacEachern Kevin Macneil Kim Traff Callon Cowan Craig Cochrane Gilles Bourque Jason Simpson Jeff Maxwell Prescilla Goodwin Reginald Goodwin

Retired Plus • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

C. Edward Lingley Gary Fancey George Lantz James Branton James McGill Karl Tay Lauchin MacDonald Luigi Lucia Scott Young Terrance Cashin W. Allan MacLeod W. Bruce Slayter Wayne Bhola John Brown Lawrence MacDonald Michael Whalen Keith Swindells Michael Arseneau Peter Doherty William Gemmell

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Discovery Channel and CTV Tech Now to Promote Technology Careers As part of the National Technology Week 2009 promotion, CCTT and NcDoT have partnered with Discovery Channel, which has been running ads nationally in advance of NTW during popular technology focused programming, including “How it’s Made” and “Daily Planet.” In addition, the November 8th Sunday evening edition of CTV’s nationally syndicated weekly Tech Now show will be dedicated to National Technology Week and the promotion of technology careers.

See local TV listings for details.

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Rotary Club of Halifax Presents Distinguished Teaching Service Award to R. Ian Dempsey, P. Eng. The Rotary Club of Halifax presented the Distinguished Teaching Service Award to R. Ian Dempsey, P. Eng. of the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) on June 10, 2009. This teacher appreciation award is presented annually to a faculty member of the NSCC who possess the characteristics of teaching excellence.

Ian teaches in the Electrical Technologies Department at the NSCC Institute of Technology campus, which graduates students in the Electronic Engineering Technology and Electronic Engineering Technician programs. Ian started teaching at the college in 1997 following a career in telecommunications industry and consulting.

When asked about his greatest challenge in teaching, Ian said it is to present material clearly, logically and creatively. Technical information by its nature is logical; the greatest challenge is to make each day fresh and connect the material with information students are acquiring concurrently in other courses. Ian noted that the “hands on” approach to education at NSCC is a very natural fit with his learning style. He has been described by his students as an “academic entertainer” and uses a wide range of techniques to draw the students in.

Ian thanked the Halifax Rotary Club for generously supporting this award. It is a real encouragement personally and the fact that a matching cash donation is made to the College shows that the Rotary Club is investing in the next generation of Nova Scotians.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Wind Power Clean & Reliable Can we rely on wind power?

Yes. The wind power generating fleet of over 25,400 MW in place as of December 31, 2008 will supply an estimated 73 billion kilowatthours (kWh) in 2009, enough to serve the equivalent of close to seven million average U.S. homes. Wind power is an important part of the electric utility generation portfolios. Yet some question whether wind power, being a variable resource (meaning it generates electricity when the wind is blowing) can be relied upon as part of a system that provides reliable electricity to consumers without interruption. Based on a growing body of analytical and operational experience, the answer is a resounding “yes”.

According to many utilities and reliability authorities, wind power can readily be accommodated into electric system operations reliably and economically.

Wind Power – Clean AND Reliable High Wind Penetration and Reliable Operation In Europe, Denmark receives over 20% of its electricity from wind energy, and in 2008 Germany received over 7% of its electricity from the wind. Spain had periods in 2008 when wind energy provided over 40% of its electricity. In the U.S., Minnesota and Iowa both get over 7% of their electricity from wind energy. These examples show that high penetrations of wind power can be a valuable part of a utility generation mix that supplies reliable electrical service to consumers without interruption.

Accommodating the Variable Nature of Wind Power When wind energy output decreases, reliable electrical service is maintained by turning up the output of other generators on the electric power system. Electric utility companies serve as “system operators” which can be thought of as air traffic controllers of the power system.

System operators can control, or dispatch, generators on their system such as natural gas-fired and hydroelectric generators. They have always actively dispatched their systems in response to electrical demand, or load, which varies randomly over the course of an hour or day. Wind energy output behaves similar to load in that it is “variable,” meaning its output

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rises and falls within hourly and daily time periods; and it is “non-dispatchable,” meaning its output can be controlled only to a limited extent.

Reliable electrical service can be maintained by system operators dispatching generators up and down in response to variation in load and wind generation.

System operators also keep generation in reserve, called “operating reserves,” which can be called on in case of a shortfall.

According to Paul Bonavia, former Chief Operating Officer of Xcel Energy, one of the nation’s largest electric utility companies: “Wind energy is an integral piece of our power supply portfolio. It provides a hedge against fuel price volatility associated with other forms of electric generation. Our studies and experiences show that wind energy integrates effectively and reliably into our power systems with regional market operations to mitigate the impact of wind variability.

In these cases even with 25 percent of the electricity on our system from wind we forecast cost for operating system reserves of approximately $5 per megawatt-hour, or roughly ten percent of the cost of the wind energy. As we gain experience with wind we keep seeking ways to achieve low integration costs.”

to think batteries storage systems be needed to steady power, not needed wind energy power systems. essentially in the form of gas pipelines, coal piles that needed. Storing significantly more dispatchable future, through such as batteries energy storage effective.

The prospect

Is energy storage needed?

No, while it is natural that other

or might supply they are to integrate into electric The power system already has storage hydroelectric reservoirs, gas storage facilities, and can provide energy when electricity is currently expensive than using generation. In the technological advances and compressed air, may become costof plug-in hybrid electric

vehicles holds great promise because the expense of their batteries would be covered by their fuel cost savings and they could provide many megawatts of storage for the overall electrical power system. This would also allow wind power and other renewable energy resources to displace consumption of foreign oil. Still, energy storage will best be used as a resource for the overall power system. It would not be cost effective or efficient to couple energy storage resources exclusively to individual wind plants.

Is wind less “reliable” than conventional generation?

No. Conventional resources occasionally shut down with no notice, and these “forced outages” require operating reserves. For example, a power system that has a 1000 megawatt (MW) nuclear or coal plant will typically keep 1000 MW of other generation available, to be ready to quickly supply electricity if a plant unexpectedly shuts down.

The power system can still be operated perfectly reliably in this fashion. Thus, “reliability” is not specific to any single generation facility; rather it is measured on a system-wide basis. Because significant generation reserves are already required to accommodate unexpected changes in electricity supply and demand, in many regions large amounts of wind power can be added to the grid without increasing the total amount of reserves that are needed.

As noted by Jon Brekke, Vice President of Member Services for Great River Energy, a utility that operates in Minnesota and Wisconsin, “Wind energy is a valuable part of our diverse and growing energy portfolio. When partnered with other traditional generation resources, wind energy is an effective way to provide reliable, clean and affordable power to our member cooperatives. Geographic diversity of wind energy helps even out the variability of wind energy in the regional market. In addition, wind farms are typically made up of many individual turbines which reduce the impact of outages.

This is a significant benefit when compared with the instantaneous forced outages of conventional units.

In addition, wind forecasting tools that warn system operators of upcoming wind output variations are becoming widely used and better integrated into system operations.

What is the cost of wind integration?

When large amounts of wind energy are added to the grid, modest amounts of additional generation may be required to accommodate wind energy’s variability. The exact costs of these incremental reserves depend on the mix of generation on a given system and various other factors, but they are generally quite small. In a document prepared by the Utility Wind Integration Group (UWIG) in coordination with the trade associations of all three utility sectors (investor owned, public, and cooperative) the studies and experiences with utility wind integration are summarized as follows: • • • • •

“Wind resources have impacts that can be managed through proper plant interconnection, integration, transmission planning and system and market operations.

System operating cost increases arising from wind variability and uncertainty amounted to only about 10% or less of the wholesale value of the wind energy.

A variety of means – such as commercially available wind forecasting – can be employed to reduce these costs.

(Printed with permission from the American Wind Energy Association)

For instance, there are 67 1.5 -MW turbines at our Trimont Wind Farm, so if one is down for maintenance, only 1.5% of the total wind farm’s generating capacity is lost.” Changes in wind energy output are not instantaneous, as are conventional generator failures.

Because of the geographic diversity inherent with large numbers of wind turbine installations, it typically takes over an hour for even a rapid change in wind speeds to shut down a large amount of wind generation.

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EDUCATION

A Windspire roof-mounted, vertical axis turbine. This is just one of the wind energy technologies being installed at NSCC’s Waterfront Campus. The propeller-free design ensure an ultraquiet operation.

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WIND ENERGY TECHNOLOGY At Nova Scotia Community College

RHONDA BROWN

In September 2010, Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) will open the doors to its brand new Centre for the Built Environment (CBE), located at the Waterfront Campus in Dartmouth. The CBE will be unlike any other learning facility in the country. Designed as an open and integrated learning and research lab, it will be home to a number of trades and technology programs with a focus on sustainable building practices, environmental stewardship and collaborative learning.

The Centre for the Built Environment will be a provincial leader in applied research in renewable energies. To support that work, a full suite of renewable energy technologies will be installed, including wind turbines, a ground source geothermal system, photo voltaic panels and solar thermal including evacuated tubes and flat plate passive technologies.

While all of these technologies have the potential to reduce the College’s grid dependence, the objective is to provide an array of technologies for learning. “Having access to this equipment means we can help prepare our learners for the future of power generation and consumption in a sustainable environment,” says Don Jardine, Academic Chair of Environmental and Sustainable Development, NSCC School of Trades and Technology.

Renewable wind energy will be studied using five different wind turbines. The turbines will come in a variety of sizes, but all will be scaled to the urban environment. They include two different towermounted turbines, both designed for homes and small businesses; a roof-mounted vertical axis turbine; a solar-wind hybrid; and smaller roof-mounted units.

Jim Farrell, NSCC’s Manager of Environment and Sustainability, says several factors were considered when selecting the wind energy technology. “First and foremost was the educational significance of the technology,” says Farrell. “Then we looked at cost, energy output, LEED benefits, site prevailing wind conditions and the suitability to the environment and community.” The entire system will be studied over the coming years to determine the best energy approaches for urban settings, and will also afford an opportunity for public demonstration and education.

“We felt it was important to include a wide variety of wind technologies at the campus,” says Jardine.

“Wind power is a growing industry in this province and consumers are looking for options they can use to reduce their environmental footprint. Through this Centre, NSCC is building capacity to become a provincial resource for industry, home owners, students and the public.

Wind turbines will be installed in the coming months and will start providing power to the CBE by early 2010.

Rhonda Brown is a communications specialist with NSCC who is working on the CBE project.

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CCCT AGM

1 Outgoing CCTT Directors with their “original Mactaquac walking sticks”. These sticks are made by the beavers living in the Head Pond of the Mactaquac dam on the Saint John river in New Brunswick. They are collected and varnished by Ed Leslie, Executive Director of NBSCETT.

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CCTT Directors 2009

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TechNova delegation to the CCTT AGM

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Yaro Zacjac acknowledging Stephen Shaw for his long time service as CCTT Director.

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East & West Directors saying good bye

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Chuck Cartmill thanking judges for his award

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Chuck Cartmill accepting the National Achievement Award

HIGHLIGHTS MONCTON AGM National Avhievement Award Purpose: To recognize an individual technician or technologist affiliated with one of the Constituent Member (CM) associations of the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT), for their achievement in one of the disciplines of registration in engineering or applied science technology recognized by the Council.

The year’s recipient was Chuck Cartmill, president of LED Roadway Lighting.

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CCCT AGM

Moncton AGM Concludes an Historic Process Some 80 delegates converged on Moncton’s Beauséjour Hotel, October 23 to 24 to bring to a conclusion a process that had started approximately 18 months ago. The recommendations on governance and on national programs that had gone through three stages of deliberation: first the Third Party Review consultants, then the Assembly of Presidents, and finally, the CCTT Board itself were now all brought to a final focus and instituted. It all culminated in the formal Annual General Meeting, which took place on the morning of October 24. The AGM, being the highest authority in the federation, adopted a set of by-law changes that address CCTT’s governance model, it is termed the complementary model, and which clearly identify the core programs of CCTT. They are: • National Accreditation • Measures of Accreditation and Certification • Protection of Trademarks Nationally • National Transferability; National and International Affairs • Maintenance of the International Qualifications Database • Uniform Professional Regulation and Practice Rights So it seems appropriate that the AGM was run under the slogan “Change starts here”. That change was indeed historic. CCTT will come out of this process much the stronger because it will be in closer communion with its Constituent Members. And those Constituent Members now also include the Saskatchewan Applied Science Technicians and Technologists, who, after a hiatus of almost two years, have now been reinstated as a full member of the federation.

The AGM also saw the announcement of the election of Barry Tucker P.Tech to the post of Chair-elect. Thus Mr. Tucker will take his post as the CCTT Chair in two years time after Robin Dunn, CET, the current Chair, completes his term of office.

The get-together was an opportunity for the major operating entities of CCTT--the Assembly of Presidents, the Council of Registrars, and the Executive Staff Officers--to convene their separate meetings. All reported productive meetings.

But all work and no play….On Thursday evening, conference delegates found themselves tapping feet and clapping hands to traditional reels as performed by the fiddlers of the Famille Arsenault. And the Saturday night gala saw delegates practically rolling on the floor in laughter as Lucien shared his views of Canadian politics from an Acadian’s perspective.

All in all, a great success and an historic moment.

Special thanks to our sponsors, TDI Meloche Monnex, Manulife Financial, and LMS PROLINK.

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Canadian Technology Accreditation Board The 2009 fall meeting of the CTAB was held in Toronto on October 3-4. On October 3, the meeting was observed by three members from an International Review panel (relating to the Sydney and Dublin Accords) who were in Canada to observe our processes. These members were from the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand. In addition to observing our meeting, they participated as observers in accreditation visits.

In 2009, there were 74 Biennial Reviews successfully completed as of September 30 – eight from NS. These were the first group of programs to use the new National Technology Benchmarks, and the experience was positive overall with relatively few hiccups.

Fifteen training sessions were held across the country for reviewers and educational agencies. In 2010, there are expected to be 111 programs to be reviewed (triennial reviews) – four from NS.

There is also a new template being developed for the Applied Research Report to help educational agencies (and reviewers) better understand the requirements.

The language is also changing – there is concern from those institutions that are involved in Applied Research that our terminology is misleading. The name will likely change to Technology Report from Applied Research Report.

There was a great deal of discussion around the National Technology Benchmarks and the roles and responsibilities of NCDOT, CCTT, COR, NTBC (National Technology Benchmarks Committee), and CTAB. There seems to be a lot of confusion around issues of maintenance and updates which needs to be resolved.

The next meeting is scheduled for PEI in late March 2010.

The accreditation process is moving to a new ten-year model – initial accreditation will be granted for up to four years, then there will be two triennial reviews.

There will still be random audits every year and verification visits when necessary. Every program will have a site visit at least every ten years. The Triennial Review Process for 2010 will be released shortly (projected this month) and the National Accreditation Guide for 2010 for new/full accreditations will be published in January.

There is a large increase in the number of new accreditations, from Ontario in particular, and there is always a need for reviewers and accreditation team members and chairs. If you are interested in getting involved in the process, please contact the office.

There was a request from Janet Lang, DND office of Equivalencies and Accreditation, that her office be informed of any projects or bridging opportunities that are underway for military personnel. They can add them to their knowledge base which benefits all members.

There was discussion around the math requirements and it was agreed to canvass NCDOT and COR regarding this topic. Math seems to always generate discussion during accreditations and reviews. There are considerable differences on what each of the disciplines perceives as being required.

Standing (l-r): Roger Poitras, NB; Pirie Elliot, BC; Jean-Yves Guigere, QC; Bryan Burt, PE; Will Millar, Chair; Pam Gosewich, Accreditation Coordinator; Isidore Leblond, Director, Program Development; Geoff Sale, Past Chair; Janet Lang, DND; Newton Pritchett, NL; Joy Brown, NS Sitting (l-r): Perry Nelson, COR; Roy Nelson, AB; Harold Vokey, MN; Shawn Bonneville, ON

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CCTT Director’s Report Government Relations In keeping with the national – provincial scope of its mandate, the CCTT government relations committee (GRC) is composed of both CCTT Directors and the Executive Staff Officers (ESOs) from a number of provincial associations. This past year, the GRC focused efforts on skill shortages, professional practice issues and career awareness initiatives. As part of this program, all 308 federal Members of Parliament received letters of introduction from CCTT. The letter noted who we were, whom we represented, as well as the role played by our provincial member associations in maintaining and safeguarding the professional standing of the country’s 52,000 certified technicians and technologists. As a follow-on, CCTT staff also met with selected Ministers responsible for public sector hiring practices, certification requirements in public sector procurement, and the promotion of careers in the technology professions.

Third Party Review A Third Party Review commissioned by the Assembly of Presidents of the provincial associations was completed during the third quarter. The review sought ways to enhance relations between the constituent members of CCTT and the national body by studying governance issues and by defining respective roles in the service of Canada’s certified technicians and technologists. A wide range of recommendations were presented to the CCTT national board for consideration. In turn, the CCTT Board will be presenting those same recommendations in the form of By-Law change proposals to the Members when they meet during the formal AGM. The National Technology Benchmarks The national Technology Benchmarks have successfully surpassed their first year milestone.

Launched on January 1, 2008, the benchmarks for technologists have since seen five updates.

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Those for technicians have been updated twice already. Perhaps “upgrade” is the better word since each new version of the NTB is the result of input and feedback received from technicians, technologists, educators, and employers.

The Engineering and Technology Labour Market Study A joint venture of CCTT and Engineers Canada, funded by HRSDC, “The Labour Market Study of Canadian Engineers, Technicians and Technologists,” was completed in the spring of 2009. With more than 15,000 respondents voicing their views on the nature of work undertaken by engineer, technicians and technologists, the results, in statistical terms, are considered extremely valid. The specific subject matter of the study covers five broad areas: employer labour requirements; the available workforce; attitudes and practices related to certification and licensure; the role of diversity groups; and globalization. Overall, the study results provide a better understanding of current and future employment trends in the engineering and technology occupations. These findings will also to be used formulate policy decisions and strategic in initiatives by both CCTT and Engineers Canada.

Reaching Tomorrow’s Technicians and Technologists Today This past year featured three major programs aimed at raising awareness of the technology professions with Canada’s youth. Last November 3-7, 2008, marked the 7th anniversary of National Technology Week (NTW), which showcased a host of activities and contests designed to help students, teachers and parents explore technical careers. Complementing NTW, was the highly-successful Go TechGirl initiative that comprised a series of special events targeted at young women in grades 7-11. Finally, this past September, CCTT coordinated the technology

exhibition in Canada House at World Skills 2009, held in Calgary. This 40th edition of World Skills attracted 2,100 competitors from 49 countries and an estimated 150,000 visitors. In Canada House, 15,000 students during each of four days saw the five CCTT technology displays.

International Mobility As a signatory of the Sydney and Dublin Accords and the Engineering Technologists Mobility Forum (ETMF), CCTT participated in the June 16-17 meeting of the International Engineering Alliance (IEA). President Stephen Gould and Executive Director Yaroslaw Zajac represented CCTT. The full Canadian contingent also included delegates from Engineers Canada, the signatory of the Washington Accord and the Engineering Mobility Forum. The event took place in Kyoto, Japan with representation from twenty-six signatory and candidate states. As well, CCTT Director of Program Development Isidore LeBlond, participated in a review panel mission to the United States. A as result, the U.S. moved from provisional membership status to full membership in the Sydney Accord.

Canadian Technology Immigration Network (CTIN) With funding support from the Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC), Foreign Credential Recognition Program, CCTT launched. The Canadian Technology Immigration Network (CTIN), a 30 month project that will seek out skilled immigrants overseas, expedite the recognition of their foreign credentials in Canada, and facilitate their integration into the labour market. In short, CTIN aims to address growing skills shortages by increasing the numbers of foreign-trained technology professionals seeking employment in Canada and certification from CCTT’s provincial constituent members (CMs).

CTIN will work with the CM’s in developing programs and capacity that will expedite credential recognition and ultimately their ability to attract and retain new members.

ASTTBC, ASET and CCTT Meet Stockwell Day On October 13, in a meeting arranged by ASTTBC Executive Director John Leech, he along with ASET Executive Director Barry Cavanaugh, CCTT Executive Director Yaro Zajac and Jan Marston, the Vice President of Terasen Gas, spent some quality time with the federal Minister of International Trade, the Hon. Stockwell Day. Given Mr. Day’s portfolio, the themes raised with him centred on credential recognition for internationally trained professionals, the need to support our international mobility agreements and the importance of creating in Canada a uniform regulatory regime that allows technicians and technologists to work at the highest levels of their demonstrated competencies. Since the Minister’s ultimate role is the strengthening of the Canadian economy, all the topics raised were, quite properly, framed in that context.

No specific results were gained nor expected from the meeting. Rather this is part of a continuing effort to raise the awareness of elected officials about the function and value of Canada’s certified technicians and technologists. That goal was certainly reached.

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REGISTRAR’S REPORT With the down turn in the economy over the last year or so, membership in TechNova has maintained steady but modest growth. Our membership stands at approximately 1600 members, with 34 new members added since June 2009.

With the introduction of the National Technology Benchmarks (NTB’s) slated for 2010 we are hoping for greater growth in membership. Along with the NTBs, applicants for certification will be introduced to a new form of self assessment namely Technology Registrations Canada. This program once complete will enable applicants to complete a detailed assessment of all prior learning and work experience in pursuit of certification as a Technician or Technologist in their chosen field. It will also have the potential to inform applicants for certification in which areas they need upgrading and where to obtain additional educational courses.

The Certification Board is anxiously awaiting the implementation of the NTB Standards for certification and registration. This outcome competency based approach will leave far more flexibility in how applicants are assessed and will allow for better use of tools such as interviews, work samples experiential learning and references to assess applicants who are not graduates from a CTAB accredited program. The process will also become more transparent for the applicant, with better information provided on the factors that determine how the decisions of the Board were reached with respect to an individual’s application.

Training in the new process for Certification Board members is expected to start in early 2010 and applications will start to be received under the new self-assessment approach soon after. The transition between the current and new NTB process is anticipated not to create a major disruption to the Registrations Department, but it is possible that some unforeseen minor procedural issues may arise.

Again I must stress the importance of members maintaining their certification. More and more we see industry, especially in the technical fields, requiring its potential employees to be certified. Certification proves to the employer that the candidates have met all educational and technical training in their field of expertise. It is a medium whereby a potential employer in one part of the country can ascertain to the technical education and training a person as acquired in other provinces or even countries.

Joe Simms, CET Registrar 20

SCHOLARSHIP

WIN A PRIZE

TD MELOCHE MONNEX SCHOLARSHIP Through TechNova TD Meloche Monnex offers annually $ 1000 in scholarships, to students enrolled in a nationally accredited Technician or Technology program. These scholarships recognize and reward academic excellence displayed by TechNova student members.

STORY IDEAS WELCOME Leadership in Technology strives to present news, stories and other content in the course of each year that is of particular interest or pertinence to TechNova members. We rely in part on your input to guide and generate articles. This is your publication and you are always encouraged to contribuite.

To be ellligible to apply for the TD Meloche Monnex scholarship, students must meet the following criteria: • be a registered student member with TechNova • be enrolled, as a full time student, in a Technician or Technology program accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board, • be in his/her second year of study in the accredited program.

The successful candidates will receive notification via email and mail and will be announced during the AGM of TechNova held in March.

The TD Meloche Scholarships will be presented during the awards ceremony of TechNova AGM. Applications for scholarships are available on the TechNova website (homepage), www. technova.ca Candidates must print the scholarship application and mail the completed document, together with a copy of their academic transcripts, to: TechNova 202 Brownlow Avenue Cambridge 1, Suite 308 Dartmouth, NS B3B 1T5

NEWS: Your technology career is ever-changing. Let others know about the changes and trends in your particular field, discipline or worksite.

PROFILES: Want to share your own story? Leadership in Technology is a great way to demonstrate the ways that members utilize technology in their careers.

FEEDBACK: Write to us and share your viewpoints (members and non-members alike).

Write to info@technova.ca or send your letter/article to the TechNova office.

STORY PRIZES: If your article/story is published in our newsletter we will send you one of the following gifts valued at $50.00: 1. Executive Laptop Case (or) 2. Executive Travel Mug Set Each article submitted must be accompanied by good quality photography if available.

Articles not published will be archived for future use.

Forward all articles to the editor at info@technova.ca

TECHNOLOGY AWARD Each year, the Technology Champion Awards are presented to teachers in grades 7-12 who have been nominated by students for outstanding efforts in encouraging and promoting interest in technology studies.

This year, TechNova is pleased to congratulate Mr. Robert MacIIreith, of Leslie Thomas JH, Lower Sackville, NS as Technology Champion.

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LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY Advertising Rates 2008-2009

1/4 PAGE 4” X 5”

HALF PAGE 8.5” X 5.5” HALF PAGE vertical 10.5” x 4”

FULL PAGE 8.5” X 11” (plus 1/8” bleed) 1/4 PAGE 4” X 5”

JUMBO SIZE 4” X 3”

1/4 PAGE 4” X 5”

B/C SIZE 4” X 2”

Full Page Half Page

$1000.00 $ 500.00

Quarter Page $ 250.00 Jumbo Size $ 150.00

Business Card $ 100.00 Cover 2 & 3 $ 1250.00

All prices listed are per issue. Prices are subject to change. All advertisements are printed in full color. Leadership In Technology is printed biannually. All submitted material is subject to suitability and space availability.

CIRCULATION All Certified, Associate and Student members in Nova Scotia. A variety of government, industry and private sector. Copies are also mailed to the offices of the other nine provincial constituent members as well as the Council of Certified Technicians and Technologists in Ottawa, Ontario.

We can print from many popular publishing and graphics programs.

The list of accepted file formats are on the right. Questions? Call toll free 888 339-1848 or review the details below.

Accepted File Formats : PDF Files are our preferred format. The reason we prefer this file is that the file is totally self contained. All text, graphics and fonts are part of the single PDF file making it the fastest to proof and print. It also compresses the file for easier uploading or emailing.

Please save all PDF files at 300 dpi and embed all fonts. Any fonts that are being used for areas that will have our Variable Input Technology must be included separately with your file. No artwork marks, crop marks or color bars are needed, so make sure to shut them off.

Submit artwork to Design Works Publishing Group

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E-mail: bdt@dw-publishing.com

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Contact 202 Brownlow Avenue Cambridge 1, Suite A308 Dartmouth, NS B3B 1T5 Tel: (902) 463-3236 Fax: (902) 465-7567 Toll Free: 1 866 723-8867 info@technova.ca

www.technova.ca