INNOVATION November-December 2012

as soc ia t ion notes

APEGBC and ASTTBC Approve Applied Science Technologist Concept The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC and the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) have announced an agreement on a regulatory model that will lead to the recognition of the specialized skills and knowledge of Applied Science Technologists (AScT). The two associations will recommend the model to government and seek enabling legislation. This initiative will enhance the protection of the public in selected areas outside the fields of professional engineering and geoscience. The recommended model endorses key principles to guide the development of areas of professional reliance for Applied Science Technologists in BC and was approved by both APEGBC and ASTTBC councils in September 2012. APEGBC and ASTTBC endorsed the model following significant consultation with government officials, and local and national stakeholders. The model builds upon current practice, with APEGBC partnering with ASTTBC through a joint board to define and promote to regulatory authorities the areas of professional reliance that are suitable for designating Applied Science Technologists as Qualified Persons. “This agreement is a significant milestone and new beginning for the two associations as we work jointly to recognize ASTTBC members and in this way better serve the public interest,” said ASTTBC President Bill MacPherson, AScT. APEGBC and ASTTBC have agreed to establish a joint board to guide the short- and long-term development of the program, and have appointed the inaugural members to this board. ASTTBC, with the support of APEGBC, will seek a legislative amendment to the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians Act to enable and empower the joint board. “This model will enhance and enable the work being done by both associations to clearly address and identify practice areas for Applied Science Technologists,” affirmed APEGBC Past President Jeff Holm PEng FEC. “It is a step forward in working towards a mutually acceptable model for the engineering team in BC.”

Science Games Registration Opens for Students Registration for the 2013 APEGBC Science Games is now open. Students in grades 1–6 across the Lower Mainland are invited to register a team of three to five students and participate in this hands-on science event on March 2. The Science Games will be held at the H R MacMillan Space Centre and Museum of Vancouver and has been expanded to include even more aspiring engineers and geoscientists. There is a $25 registration fee per team. Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event. If your organization would like to sponsor the 2013 APEGBC Feedback link - The input and feedback of all members and licensees is valued. Those who do not receive an invitation will be able to access and participate in the online sur- vey, available at www.apeg.bc.ca/ethicsinpractice/ for the duration of the survey period. The more input from APEGBC engineering and geoscience professionals, the greater the insight gained into the issues and challenges that members and licensees encounter in their work. This insight will inform APEGBC’s efforts to provide ethics-focused profes- sional development opportunities and resources to serve the ongoing practice needs of members and licensees. Ethics in Practice − The View From the Field APEGBC launched the Ethics in Practice initiative in September 2012. This initiative is intended to deliver on the Professional Renewal Task Force (PRTF) Recommendation that APEGBC “promote and enhance the use of the Code of Ethics as the driving force and principal instrument to guide members in the provision of safe and ethical profes- sional services and to preserve the confidence of clients, industry, government, other regulators and the public at large in the professions.” The Ethics in Practice initiative is being rolled out over the next 12 months. It will include ethics-related resources to supplement the current guidelines for the APEGBC Code of Ethics, tools for integrating best practices, and continuing professional develop- ment opportunities focusing on ethical issues and strategies for dealing with ethical chal- lenges arising in the workplace. One of the first components of this initiative is to create opportunities for members and licensees to provide feedback on ethics-related issues and input on resources and professional development to support the integration of ethical standards in everyday practice. This information will inform the development of resources that will be available to assist members and licensees in maintaining, strengthening and responding to chal- lenges to the professions’ ethical standards. APEGBCWants To Hear FromYou Throughout November, APEGBC will be using two methods to gather member and licensee input on ethics related issues. Member survey - An invitation to participate in an online survey has been sent to a ran- dom sample of APEGBC members and licensees. Members and licensees who receive an invitation are strongly encouraged to participate in the survey. Survey responses will not be attributed and will only be viewed as aggregate data.

Science Games please contact Chelsea Smith at csmith@apeg. bc.ca. For more information about the 2013 Science Games, visit: www.apeg.bc.ca/ students/Science Games/.

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