INNOVATION January-February 2012

as soc ia t ion notes

CEO and Registrar Derek

Consultation on Professional Technologist Concept for British Columbia In June 2011, the Councils of APEGBC and the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) appointed a PTech Framework Development Group, composed of equal members of both association Councils, to advise on the options and preferred alternative for the development and regulation of the designation “PTech” (Professional Technologist) in BC. The Group met six times between July and November 2011 to develop a concept for a PTech that would contribute to public interest and safety, while fulfilling a role that: a. Is clearly not the role of a professional engineer or engineering licensee; b. Will clearly enhance public safety and health; c. Will be created through thirdparty legislation and regulation; and d. Is easily understood by the public. At the December meetings of the ASTTBC and APEGBC Councils, an interim report was presented that summarized the work of the Group and presented a concept for the development and regulation of PTech. The full text of the report, “A Conceptual Framework for the Development of the Professional Technologist in BC” can be found on the APEGBC website at www.apeg.bc.ca/about/ASTTBC_TaskForces.html. The concept was approved in principle by both councils, as was the undertaking of formal stakeholder consultation to provide input to shape the future direction of the PTech concept, including benefits, opportunities and concerns. Member Consultation As key stakeholders, members of APEGBC and ASTTBC will be surveyed both individually and through consultations with professional and trade associations and government. An online survey will be sent to all members and licensees of the two associations in February. Following stakeholder consultation, the final report of the PTech Framework Development Group will be submitted to both association councils by April 15, 2012. The PTech Concept The proposed concept is based on the principle that implementation of a PTech designation in British Columbia will result in improved protection of the public interest. Key Principles upon which the proposed concept is based are: 1. PTech practice addresses a recognized existing problem of public safety 2. A PTech is recognized according to individual competencies (academic and experience) 3. A PTech is a member of and is governed and regulated by ASTTBC 4. PTech areas of practice are articulated and embedded in third-party municipal, provincial or other regulatory third-party legislation. (ie, not in the Engineers and Geoscientists Act or the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians Act ) 5. PTech areas of practice are determined and proposed to third parties by a legislated APEGBC/ASTTBC Joint Board which is embedded in ASTTBC and APEGBC legislation 6. The area of practice for a PTech is not professional engineering but is applied science technology as it pertains to the application of engineering principles 7. PTech practice does not include the field of geoscience 8. Practitioners who wish to practise professional engineering in British Columbia must become engineering licensees or professional engineers; and 9. PTech areas of practice do not prohibit practice by professional engineers. An example of a possible PTech area of practice is to require that a PTech sign Letters of Assurance for structural, mechanical and electrical technology for Part 9 buildings, as defined in the BC Building Code (exclusive of single family dwellings). Members are encouraged to participate in the upcoming survey. ASTTBC and APEGBC have also established a mailbox where members can voice additional opinion: ptech@apeg.bc.ca. E-mails sent to this address are distributed to both APEGBC and ASTTBC.

Doyle PEng Announces Retirement

CEO and Registrar Derek Doyle PEng has announced his decision to retire effective December 2012. Mr Doyle joined APEGBC in January 2007 after 40 years of broad experience in industry, consulting and government. During Mr Doyle’s term, the association has developed a robust and living strategic plan supported by a Council workplan and performance measures, providing better transparency and accountability. A recent organizational realignment was designed to closely align with Council’s strategic plan, and reflects the three core components of the Association: regulatory, financial, and operational. Doyle says he is particularly pleased to have witnessed several transformative programs grow and advance during his tenure at APEGBC. One that is especially meaningful to him is the Professional Renewal Program, which was established to examine best association practices and identify areas for improvement. The 38 recommendations that came out of this work are well on their way to being implemented and are 72% complete on average after just two years of a five-year program. “It has been a great privilege for me to support the work of Council,” says Doyle. “I have been humbled not only by their volunteer efforts, which I have seen transform the professions, but also by the commitment of the hundreds of other volunteers who sustain this work and make it a success.” In the last few years, APEGBC has built a collaborative relationship with government at the technical, executive and political levels. This relationship, says Doyle, has brought innovative leadership to protecting the public through collaboration on the school seismic retrofit program, as well as guidelines for wood frame buildings, slope stability, and flood risk. “Derek has been dedicated to achieving Council’s vision throughout his time with us,” says APEGBC President Jeff Holm PEng FEC. “His wisdom and leadership have helped us to become a better organization. I know his insight will be truly missed at the Council table and beyond.”

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