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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 .
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www.asttbc.org
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■ ASTTBC
Getting the basics on the association A question-and-answer session with executive director John Leech WHAT IS ASTTBC? (www.asttbc.org) Established in 1958, The Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) is the province’s eighth largest professional association, with a membership of nearly 10,000. ASTTBC regulates and oversees its members’ scope of practice in a host of technical occupations, much as Colleges do in health professions. ASTTBC’s Mission: To serve the public by regulating and supporting technology professionals’ commitment to a safe, healthy and sustainable society and environment. WHAT DO TECHNOLOGISTS, TECHNICIANS AND TECHNOLOGY SPECIALISTS DO? Our members serve in applied science fields like architecture, bio-medical engineering, building, civil, electrical and electronics engineering, environment, fire protection and disaster relief, house inspection, computer and informa-
tion technology, mechani- include academic qualifical and related disciplines cations as a technologist within the built and natu- (diploma) or technician (certificate), plus at least ral environments. two years’ proThese profesgressive technisionals work cal experience, for consulting and passing a engineering professional and technology practice and companies, in ethics exam. all levels of WHAT DOES government, ASTTBC and as private DO FOR ITS consultants. MEMBERS? They design, A S T T B C construct, John Leech aligns its techinspect, test, - Executive director nologists and manage and technicians’ maintain much professional of the world around us: buildings, roles with inter-provincial computers and electronics and national standards, systems, electrical power, represents its memberall manner of equipment, ship’s interests and relaroads, environment, and tionships with government water and wastewater sys- and other professional associations, provides tems. professional development WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO WE HAVE? opportunities, and mainProfessional designa- tains a dispute resolution tions under the ASTT function to protect memAct include Applied Sci- bers and the public. ence Technologist (AScT) Recognizing the urgency and Certified Technician of preparing coming gen(CTech). Requirements erations for the careers of
tomorrow, ASTTBC fosters technical and scientific education. Our FEAT Foundation raises funds and presents scholarships to leading science and technology students. An extremely important function is to recognize and promote excellence in planning, designing and building sustainably. HOW DO WE RECOGNIZE EXCELLENCE? We present numerous awards to members, nonmembers and organizations that display exceptional performance and leadership. These include: • TechGREEN Award, to recognize an Individual, Corporation or Organization that demonstrates leadership in green living, sustainable best practices, energy conservation and environmental initiatives. •Top in Technology, to honour ASTTBC members who model technology professionalism. • FEAT Bursaries: Our charitable foundation provides $13,000 a year (www.
asttbc.org/about/foundation/howtoapply.php) to students in accredited BC technology programs. More than $500,000 in bursaries and other support for science and technology events has been provided since 1990. • Honorary Membership to honour non-members who are highly esteemed in their field or have demonstrated exceptionally meritorious service to ASTTBC, and Life Membership, to honor members who have given exceptionally meritorious service to the Association. • Advanced Technology Award (members and nonmembers), to acknowledge advancements in technology and promote pioneer efforts in technology, and recognize the application and adaptation of technology to new uses. • Employer Award For Career Enhancement and Success of Women as Technology Professionals, to honour employers for creating a work environment
that accommodates career success for women technology professionals. • Peter Allan AScT Leadership Award, to honor ASTTBC members who demonstrate exceptional leadership within the Association or community by promoting technology careers. • Professional Achievement, to recognize ASTTBC members who distinguish themselves in technology or have made a substantial contribution to the wellbeing of the community. • Professional Leadership Award For Women in Technology to honour women members who distinguish themselves in their field of technology, and demonstrate leadership within the Association or community as a role model and promoting technology careers. • R. Littledale Memorial, to recognize outstanding members who have made a substantial contribution to the association as recognized by their peers.
■ JOB-SHADOWING PROGRAM
Engineering looks like a booming employment area “We’re looking at tremendous career opportunities throughout northern B.C. Mines, power lines, roadways, ports; all sorts of projects,” enthuses Glen Wonders, Prince George division manager of Allnorth Consultants. “Our main limit is finding qualified technologists and technicians to plan and build these projects.” Allnorth and other private and public northern B.C. employers are preparing to welcome regional Grade 11 and 12 students in a “Job Shadowing” experience, a ‘Year of Science’ activity being arranged by BC’s Applied Science Technologists and Technicians. ASTTBC members and their employers want to expose mathand-science-minded second-
ary students to a huge array of applied science careers. “Our Job Shadowing experiences will let interested students visit workplaces of scientists, technologists and technicians to explore their own career futures,” explains John Leech, executive director of ASTTBC. “What are their coming opportunities, training requirements, the day-to-day work and the pay and benefits of technology and science careers right here where they live?” Allnorth Consultants alone currently employs about 300 staff in 14 locations, with Prince George the main location and head office. “Right now we have about 40 technicians and technologists in the field and will definitely
‘‘
add more through the coming Wonders belongs to the Northdecade,” says Wonern BC Technolders. “We face retireogy and Engineerments biting into ing Society, formed the workforce, ever to add muscle to more projects, and regional education frankly, difficulty and recruiting initiaattracting qualified tives. He also chairs people from the Right now we have “Initiatives PG”, the south.” about 40 technicians economic developThe Prince George and technologists ment arm of the city, division manager in the field, and will and serves on the enthuses over a definitely add more local Tech Careers planned Civil Engi- through the coming Council. neering Technol- decade.” “Qualified techogy program for - Glen Wonders nologists are worth 2012 at College of their weight in gold New Caledonia, and up here,” Wonders hopes for more techconcludes. “All the nology educational programs to local consulting and engineercome, including paid work terms ing firms in the region prefer where possible. to hire qualified local people,
R. Radloff & Associates
and we offer very competitive wages, benefits, advancement and working conditions. We’re looking forward to introducing capable students to a world of opportunity.” Northern firms interested in hosting students for daylong “job shadow” experiences between now and June can register proposed opportunities at www.asttbc.org/careers/yos. Contact project manager Robert Stitt, AScT, for further info, at 250-701-9031, or e-mail techworks@asttbc.org. Qualified students will be directly notified of science and technology job-shadow opportunities by their Grade 11 and 12 teachers at their regional secondary schools.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2011 ASTTBC GRADUATES
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Northern technology leaders honoured A S T T B C president Doug Carter, CTech, capital projects manager, UNBC, and executive director John Leech, AScT, CAE, extend warmest congratulations to a trio of Northern BC Leaders in Technology
ern British Columbia. The founder of MacDonald Dettwiler, John MacDonald is a leading international figure in space science, technology and renewable John MacDonald Born - UNBC energy. and raised in Prince Rupert, Dr. MacDonald has conUNBC Chancellor tributed greatly to the John MacDonald growth and prosperity of We congratulate Dr. John the region, the province S. MacDonald on his 2010 and far beyond. installation as Chancellor ASTTBC is proud to of the University of North- have welcomed Dr. Mac-
Donald as an Honorary Member of our Association in April 2000.
Sutherland was instrumental in bringing a Medical Lab Technology program to CNC in 2007, and gainBruce Sutherland, presiing a Medical Radiography dent, Wolftek Industries Program commencing this Bruce Sutheryear. land has served B r u c e as chairman of Sutherland the Northern has long b Development been active Initiatives Trust in promoting since 2004 and technologichair of the cal education Board of Govfor students ernors of the and graduCollege of New ates of CNC, Caledonia since and is closely Bruce Sutherland iinvolved with 2006. - Wolftek UNBC research Inducted as an Honorary in terahertz Member of ASTTBC in 2010, technology devices that
Year of Science expo set for city Prince George will host a Year of Science themed expo in April, ‘Science and the World Around Us.’ The public is invited to the free expo at the Prince George Civic Centre on April 11 and 12. It will feature expert presenters, workshops and displays on topics ranging from forestry, cooking and wine, fisheries, green technology, bio fuels and mining. A popular feature of
the expos is the career roundtables for students that give them a chance to hear from some of the
brightest experts in their field on what it took to get where they are today. Recruitment for school
participation and booking for classes to attend the expo will begin shortly.
Airport Authority, member of the Council of Chairs of Canadian Airport Authorities, treasurer Jim Blake, MBA, CA and director of The Explo– Public Representative Jim Blake of ration Place Prince George Science Centre is one of three and Museum, Public Repand a director re s e n t a t i v e s , of the British providing Columbia Avipublic input ation Council. and oversight Blake retired within the as vice presiASTTBC Board dent, adminof Governors. istration, and b An educabursar with Jim Blake tional leader the College - Public Representative of New Calefor much of his career, Jim donia in 2000, is active in retirement as after a 23-year career with chair of the Prince George the College. will permit scientists to ‘see’ inside wood.
Agreement coming for First Nations students ASTTBC plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the First Nations Careers Council (FNCC), a provincial body working through the internet to engage communities, at the association’s AGM in May. Bill Baglot, chair of the First Nations Careers Council, and then-Minister of Aboriginal Relations & Reconciliation, George Abbott, met with ASTTBC Executive Director John Leech in Prince George last fall. At that time the three discussed the work of the FNCC (an ASTTBC initiative), noting great strides in FNCC’s work to engage others in offering bursaries for First Nations students studying in technology programs. FNCC Chair Bill Baglot commended ASTTBC’s strong support with bursaries offered by its charitable foundation, FEAT.
IniƟaƟves Prince George Development CorporaƟon supports a full engineering program at UNBC and the conƟnued advancement of CNC as a major trades and technology insƟtuƟon
www.apeg.bc.ca Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia 200 - 4010 Regent Street, Burnaby, BC V5C 6N2 p. 604-430-8035 | f. 604-430-8085 | toll free 1-888-430-8035
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■ PELLET SYSTEM
Douglas Carter – turning pellets to power Bioenergy project at UNBC receives plenty of recognition Prince George Certified Technician Douglas Carter, CTech, sees the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC as the uniting voice of his profession. Driven by passion for education and technology, the ASTTBC president’s been a pillar in the University of Northern B.C.’s commitment to sustainability since 1994, first as its chief engineer and, more recently, capital projects manager. As an ASTTBC council member over the past decade, Carter has dedicated himself to advancing technology practice in B.C. The ASTTBC president’s service to the association has repeatedly driven home the value and complementary skills and abilities technologists and technicians bring to the engineering and design professions. He admits frustration with lingering ‘turf’ restrictions and outdated scope of practice limitations – and welcomes a current revision of the BC Building Code that should remove outdated barriers to certified ASTTBC members. “I’m proud of our members’ commitment to promoting careers in technologies and science – especially to under-represented First Nation students and women. We create linkages with employers who rely on technology, and we offer professional development opportunities, incentives and awards to entrepreneurs and our members.”
Carter arrived at UNBC in 1994. The original Prince George campus, opened that year by the Queen, was designed to be ‘off the grid’ – but the budget at that time didn’t allow so major an investment. Instead, Doug says, the ‘upstream’ campus infrastructure was designed for eventual development that last year won international acclaim. “With the ‘downstream’ installation in just one part of our existing power plant, we converted almost our entire campus to renewable energy,” Carter smiles. “The project has two main components: a wood pellet system at the Enhanced Forestry Laboratory, and a biomass gasification system,” Carter explains. “In both cases, the fuel is from the local forest industry, either in wood pellets or residue from sawmill operations. Both systems heat water that integrates with existing systems to heat the buildings and provide hot water, but they function differently. The wood pellet system burns pellets to produce heat, while gasification converts the biomass to a synthetic gas that is then burned.” The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education last year recognized UNBC’s Bioenergy Project for connecting teaching and research to campus operations, while serving as an operat-
Ph o to s ub mitte d
Douglas Carter, CTech, ,shows some of the pellets used in the bioenergy work being done at the University of Northern B.C. ing model for communities and other campuses. UNBC President George Iwama called both systems “models for Canada, and indeed, North America – for using local, renewable energy; for energy efficiency and ultra-low emissions. They are also models for integrating campus operations into teaching and research.” Carter’s strong interest in
things mechanical appeared at an early age. “As a youth I had technical professionals and tradespersons as role models. I learned to problem-solve and troubleshoot issues, and enjoyed working on cars, motorcycles and other mechanical items. I’ve carried these interests into my profession in power and mechanical engineering.”
Reminded of the exceptional effort, time and leadership he’s given ASTTBC, Carter grins. “I’ve received a lot from ASTTBC. My professional life has brought me friendships all over the province – given us social and recreational contacts and absolutely convinced me of the value of collaborative professional practice among designers and builders.”
CNC readying civil engineering program for 2012 “The gap of demand for engineers and technologists in BC’s North is already above 1,000.” – Northern Technology and Engineering Society of BC report, 2009 The College of New Caledonia is urgently working toward a Civil Engineering Technology diploma program for 2012 – but it’s not a sure thing yet. Catherine Wishart, the vice-president of community and student services,
says the College is striving for a September 2012 start. “We will submit the necessary paperwork and budget this month - we need full start-up and ongoing government funding committed by this summer.” Wishart emphasizes that CNC has worked closely in program development with the Northern Technology & Engineering Society (www.ntes.ca), adding, “We are discussing bridging entry programs with our regional and Aborigi-
nal partners, and links to a planned degree program in civil engineering at UNBC.” CNC president John Bowman cites the need for the program as “responding to well-researched labour market needs of industry across the north. “The sustainability of our northern economies depends on having skilled employees committed to living here, contributing their knowledge and expertise over years. That
means training them in the north.” Bowman stresses the importance of math and science education, in preparing future technologists. “Our industry partners recognize that many northern high school students are not well-prepared to enter a technology program. “Parents and students need to understand the opportunities that engineering brings to their lives, and to the future of the
north. Industry and educators are working across the region to improve science and technology graduation rates from high school, and entry into college.” “Failure to launch” new engineering problems in the north would be terribly negative, states NTES president Dr. Albert Koehler. “Every mine, pulp and paper company, pellet plant, road construction, house or building requires the input of engineers or technologists and techni-
cians. The shortage of engineers and technologists in the North became evident 10 years ago. “My company and many others could not find sufficient qualified technical personnel....We now educate physicians in the north for the north – and the shortage of physicians is slowly disappearing. I recommend we apply the same approach to the technical side, educating technologists and engineers in the north, for the north.”
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