the publication of choice for technology...

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VOLUME 1 ISSUE 2 MARCH 2007

T H E P U B L I C AT I O N O F C H O I C E F O R T E C H N O L O G Y P R O F E S S I O N A L S I N N O VA S C O T I A

Publications Mail Agreement # 40875508

Inside:

Technical Expertise at Work

New Members

Hugh Campbell designs Sand Walker

MISA Mentoring Program

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LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY THE PUBLICATION OF CHOICE FOR TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS IN NOVA SCOTIA

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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 quarterly by:

202 Brownlow AvenueCambridge 1, Suite 308Dartmouth, NS B3B 1T5Tel: (902) 463-3236Fax: (902) 465-7567Toll Free: 1 866 [email protected]

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 Group1242A Bedford Hwy.Bedford NS B4A 1C6Tel: (902) 468-3440Fax: (902) 468-9044

Please contact DWP Group for advertising information.

EDITOREd Lingley, C.Tech

EDITORIAL DIRECTIONVivian Ernst

ART DIRECTIONMario Zamfir

The opinions expressed in this publica-tion are not necessarily those of the Association. TechNova assumes no re-sponsibility or liability for damages aris-ing 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.

Publications Mail Agreement # 40875508

volume 1issue 2

Mission, Vision & Values 4

From the Editor 5

President’s Letter 6

Technical Expertise at Work 7

New Members 8

Promotional Merchandise & Gifts 9

Hugh Campbell designs Sand Walker 10

MISA Mentoring Program 13

Biography - Louis LeBel, CET 15

In The News 18

Promote TechNova 20

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MISSIONProviding leadership by certifying technology professionals and promoting the profile

of technology professions in Nova Scotia.

VISIONTechNova will promote safety and proficiency in Nova Scotia and contribute to the

province’s economic prosperity by certifying technology professionals.

TechNova will be a solution-focused organization, pro actively meeting the professional needs of members.

TechNova will enhance the profile of technology professions by fostering relationships with strategic partners.

VALUES We value Respect:

By actively listening to members and stakeholders, we develop relationships from a foundation of mutual trust and respect.

We value Innovation:We promote innovation by welcoming change, encouraging creative problem solving and continuous improvement.

We value Collaboration:Through open communications with members and stakeholders, we foster a spirit of teamwork and cooperation by promoting inclusivity and welcoming a diversity of ideas.

We value Integrity:We are committed to excellence and integrity in all that we do by employing high standards and incorporating best practices.

We value Service:By providing prompt, relevant service, we are responsive to our members and the technology professions.

We value Accountability:We are accountable to our members and stakeholders by practicing good stewardship of our resources and by being transparent in our activities.

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PRESIDENTJohn G. Siggers, CET, PE

VICE PRESIDENTLouis LeBel, CET PAST PRESIDENTSteve Shaw, CET

FINANCE CHAIRDon Landry, CET

TECHNOVA COUNCILLORS: Anthony Lewis, CETHugh Campbell, C.TechKevin MacInnis, CETSean Piercey, CET Tim Frankton, CET

REGISTRAR:Joe Simms, CET

EXECUTIVE STAFF OFFICER: Ed Lingley, C.Tech

OFFICE MANAGER: Vivian Ernst

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

From the Editor

Hello and welcome to the second edition of Leadership in Technology. Although it is too soon to call our first edition a success I am very pleased with the positive responses, which we have received. I have included some portions of these responses in the section “In The News”

Since our last edition the Council and Staff have kept very busy.In late October, president John G. Siggers, CET, PE, past president Steve Shaw, CET and I attended the 35th Annual General Meeting of The Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) in Edmonton. One of the highlights of the event was the dinner and tour of the Fuel Cell at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT).

A noteworthy event was the awarding of the National Achievement Award by the president of CCTT, Louis Sterner R.E.T. to Dana Boutilier, CET, TechNova member and president and CEO of ECCO Environmental.

In November, TechNova members attended a Meet and Greet hosted by NSCC IT Campus as part of National Technology Week. During the evening Students from Auburn High School demonstrated the Model of the ROV, which they designed and won international recognition, at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at the NSA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Also Students from NSCC gave a demonstration of the Brain Cell Transplant Instrument. They designed this project in cooperation with the Halifax Brain Repair Center under the leadership of world-renowned neuro surgeon Dr. Ivan Mendez. Be sure to read the articles on both of these projects in this newsletter.

TechNova encourages and supports and the endeavours of all students and has pledged $1000 to NSCC IT Campus in support of future ROV projects.

Also, as part of National Technology Week and to show our new facilities, TechNova hosted an open house attended by members and guests from the industry sectors and educational institutions.

Ed Lingley, C. TechEditor

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Letter from the PresidentAfter the distribution of our first newsletter we could not believe the positive feedback we received from our constituents. It is challenging us to continue to produce a high quality newsletter that is both

interesting and practical! In this issue we would like to discuss the relationship between employers and certified technicians as well as technologists regarding their mutual benefits. Hopefully you will have an opportunity to show this issue to your employer and invite them to express themselves in an interview!

Since the last quarter we have been busy with the 2007 renewals, our open house and the national technology week. Ed Lingley, C.Tech our ESO representative and Steve Shaw, CET our CCTT representative and myself have attended the

During the CCTT AGM on October 20, 2006 in Ottawa the Presidents of our sister organizations of Technicians and Technologists had an opportunity to assemble together as the “The Assemble of Presidents” (AOP).

During this annual event the presidents had the opportunity to share ideas, issues and concerns.

“Assembly of Presidents” (AOP) at the CCTT AGM, October 20, 2006. Presidents representing all the CM’s. From left to right (1) John G. Siggers, CET, PE, TechNova (2) Melanie Schineider, CET, ACETTPEI (3) E. James

Nyers, PTech, NBSCETT (4) Keith Switzer, AScT, ASTTBC (5) Natalie Emond, CET, CTTAM (6) Gene Stodolak, CET, C.P.C., A.I.C., OACETT (7) Derek Tsang, A.Sc.T., ASET (8) Alain Bernier, T.P., OPTQ.

The Assemble of Presidents

CCTT annual general meeting in Edmonton Alberta. Details of the above will be included in this issue.

The year 2007 is bringing with it biennial reviews of our national accredited applied science and engineering technology programs so as they continue to meet the profession’s approved standards and criteria.

I would also like to give you a heads up in regards to some of our priorities in our strategic plan. We are looking at making some changes to our By-Laws, continuing marketing, future membership

and searching out real estate possibilities that will remove us from the landlord tenant relationship! We will, no doubt, talk about some of this at our upcoming AGM.. Now relax, sit back and enjoy this issue of Leadership in Technology.

John G. Siggers, CET, PEPresident

7From Design to Reality;Technical Expertise at WorkMore than lines on paper, the drawings created by engineers and designers at Neill and Gunter represent various systems and how they interact, all through the application of engineering principles. That’s why Gerry Boulos, vice president at Neill and Gunter and manager of the civil/structural department, sees a business advantage in hiring certified engineering technologists and technicians.

“CET and C.Tech members understand engineering concepts and how different systems work together,” says Boulos. “In

fact, our technical team can take the product pretty far before presenting back to the engineers.”

A design and consulting engineering firm, Neill and Gunter has hired CET and C.Tech staff for close to 30 years and continues to be impressed by the ability of its 23 accredited staff to meet technical challenges.

With the increased ability to do design work, designated technicians and technologists supplement and facilitate the design effort. Accompanying engineers to onsite client visits, experienced technologists at Neill and Gunter are capable of making preliminary drawings which can then be reviewed and refined by engineers.

“It’s all about safety and it’s all about working as a team,” Boulos says. “Because of their education and training, accredited members in the civil/structural department have been exposed to, for example,

concrete design and structural steel design. If something needs to be changed in the design, they have an understanding of how that will affect the drawing.”Peter Chapman is the technical section head of the civil/structural department, and with CET designation, feels the education involved with attaining these credentials gives technicians greater ability to move within the field.

“In the consulting world, having this designation provides established credibility,” Chapman notes. “CETs will often liaise between the engineers and the clients. Clients see our faces, our designs, our drawings, which all reflect our company.”

Attaining designation also helps provide a versatile background for members to explore multiple career avenues. Since he started working in the field, Chapman notes that he’s been the “jack of all trades” and his scope of work has covered everything from surveying and drafting to construction management.

“The variety of my work changes weekly.”

The three designations offered through TechNova – CET, C.Tech, and AScT – are now better recognized across Canada and internationally. With more clients requesting

accredited technicians and technologists, the trend to hire more TechNova members can also be seen at Neill and Gunter.“CET and C.Tech staff have taken engineering courses and understand what they draw,” says Chapman. “With a thorough, internationally-recognized designation, we know what skills we’re going to get when we hire.”

Neill and Gunter actively supports membership and development of its staff; currently the company is financing two CAD designers upgrading to C.Tech designation. Neill and Gunter additionally pays for all TechNova membership dues.

Reflecting on the benefits of his staff possessing these designations, Boulos concludes, “We’re proud to support our employees in their professional associations. We value our CET and C.Tech staff and know they have the training and experience needed to do quality work.”

Emily Penny

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N E W M E M B E R S

AUGUST 2006 TO FEBRUARY 2007The Council has approved the following Certification Board recommendations for membership in TechNova.

Associate TechniciansChapman, JonathanWaters, Rodney

Certified Engineering Technicians (C.Tech)

Crosato, Enrico P. M.Hong, Kyoung WonGoodall, William G.Kierstead, PaulHurst, Robert A.MacPherson,

Christopher R.Muise, Robert A.Gaudet, John

Associate Technologists

Hefferman, AndrewMcGinnis, David

Certified Engineering Technologists (CET)

Farrell, Kevin A.McLarty, AngusStevens, Bill M.MacDonald, Blair A.Davidson, Wade K.Penney Travis A.Curtis, Brian M.Gillingham, Andre P.Liu, Xiaofeng (Dawn)Bursey, Calvin A.MacKenzie, StephenRobinson, Norman C.Beaulieu, Justin GuyDe Decker, Jeffrey R.

Retired MembersLibby, KeithMacDonald, Lauchin

Non-Active MembersCarlson, DavidCampbell, Wayne

Student Members

Michael DeagleEvan JardineDeanna JonesArlie KrauchekGreg MerrickJennifier PushieJason BushulakMatthew HunterBlair DoucetteJerome LandryJeffrey Van BommelKenneth DruhanWilliam BrookerDaniel SmithNathan HemphillCeilidh CarterAndrew MalloyJulie CannonJohn W. DugganSteve ThorneJason GillisAndrew SchnareSarah ParsonsDaniel BoydJenna MunroeJay FureyNathaniel DimockJason GilesScott Saccary

Lahey, ShawnHay, AndreaHill, AmandaSprenkle, StephenCorkum, CharlesHorne, StevenMalbeuf, RobertTiv, KosalMcMasters, MatthewBenedict, RyanThiriault, CraigMorin, DanielHector, RobertSherwood, NathanLuCombe, GregoryKim, Young SunWills, AndrewAnderson, JeremyMacLean, MikeHiggins, JoelManuel, ImaBoudreau, Jean-PierreLetto, JasonHatifield, TylerTowns, BenjaminSimon, RossHodder, AndrewFleming PeterSalvatore, Michael

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Hugh Campbell Designs Sand WalkerThe TETRA Society of Metro Halifax is a non-profit organization dedicated to making adaptations for people with physical disabilities. It is composed of volunteers with a variety of skills, engineers of various types: mechanical, electrical, electronic; engineering technicians and technologists and people with a variety of skills. The volunteers are selected for their interest in helping people with their innovative designs. A volunteer is paired with a client to help design and fabricate the device they are requesting.

Hugh Campbell, C. Tech is an Engineering Technician who volunteers with Tetra. When someone requested help from Tetra, for a walker that would work in the sand, Hugh took on the challenge.

The client has multiple sclerosis, a condition that makes it difficult for her to walk. She uses a wheelchair much of the time. She finds swimming to be a very beneficial exercise for her, and goes to the beach at her cottage in the summer. She was experiencing more and more difficulty getting in and out of her wheelchair

into the water. She tried using a walker but the feet would dig down into the sand. She came to Tetra looking for an adaptation to prevent the feet of the walker from sinking.

Hugh met with the client and found out the needs outlined above. She had an old walker that she gave to Hugh to work with. Hugh thought out and trialed different ideas, until he struck on slotted metal spoons! Hugh modified the walker shoes to accept a modified spaghetti ladle and added weight to hold them down against the tide, and the walker now stays above the sand! Like snow shoes!

If you have an interest in using your technical skills to help someone with a physical disability, please check our website to see what has been done both locally and across the country: www.tetrasociety.org.

You can reach us by phone at 860-1995 or e-mail: [email protected].

We look forward to hearing from you.

Sand Walker

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Open House

Louis LeBel, CET, Vice President TechNovaLen White, Executive Dirctor APENS

Meloche -Monnex Door PrizeJulius Kavarskas (winner)

Ron Farrell, CET , Trades & Dean of Technology NSCCSteve Rigden, P.Eng., Divisional Commander, Canadian Forces

Naval Engineering School

Dartmouth - Nova ScotiaNovember 3, 2006

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CCTT 35th AGM

Steve Shaw, CETCCTT National Director and former president of TechNova

(attending the Presidents Reception)

Edmonton - AlbertaOctober 19-21, 2006

Delegates touring the Fuel Cell area at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)

Mr. Dana Boutilier, BSc, CET, QP2, CESA, LSPMember of TechNova, receiving the National Achive-ment Award from CCTT President Lois Sterner R.E.T.

Steve Shaw, CET, CCTT National Director and former president of TechNova

Mr. Dana Boutilier, BSc, CET, QP2, CESA, LSPMember of TechNova,

Lois Sterner R.E.T., CCTT President

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M I S A M E N T O R I N G P R O G R A M

You can make a difference in an Immigrant Professionals’ career path

The Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association (MISA) offers a 3 to 6 month Mentoring Program which focuses on assisting newcomers to Nova Scotia overcome barriers faced in integrating into their professional field or occupation.

Mentoring links practicing professionals and skilled immigrants in the same occupation and provides a valuable learning opportunity for the participants. Meeting time is flexible and depends on

the availability of you and the mentee. Mentoring provides the opportunity for a mutual exchange of ideas, information and resources. You also gain information about business practices in other countries leading to possibly potential links to global markets.

Responsibilities:

1. Provide informal advice, connections, moral support and entry into professional networks

2. Maintain regular contact per month with your mentee through emails, telephone, and/or one-on-one visits

3. Be able to volunteer for a 3 to 6 month term

4. Willing to provide support to a mentee to work towards his/her goals

5. Note: As a mentor you are not responsible for finding your mentee employment

Requirements:

1. You are, or have been employed in your field for at least two years

2. Professionally trained

3. Interested in other cultures

4. Familiar with Canadian

M e t r o p o l i t a n I m m i g r a n t S e t t l e m e n t A s s o c i a t i o n

workplace culture

To learn more about the program and how you can help an immigrant professional please contact:

Denise AuCoin,

Mentoring Program Coordinator at MISA

(902) 423-3607, ext. 305 or at [email protected]

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Louis LeBel, CET

Graduated from the Nova Scotia Institute of Technology, with a Diploma in Electronic Engineering Technology in 1984.

Since graduating, Louis has gained extensive experience and held positions as a Technician and Technologist.

He has worked with a wide range of technologies and held positions as a Draftsperson, Oceanographic Instrument Technician, Avionics Mechanic, Flight Simulator System Technologist, and Engineering Technology Instructor.

Over the past 19 years, he has taught courses in Fluid Power, Electrical/Electronic circuits, and Computer Architecture and Programming.

Since 2002, Louis has been serving on the TechNova Certification Board and was voted as Vice President of TechNova at the 2005 AGM.

THE PROFESSIONAL RING The outward visible symbol of registration in the profession is the Professional Ring. A sterling silver band, in a design of a gear wheel with intermittent maple leaves, is available exclusively to registered professional members (CET, A.ScT, or C.Tech). The professional ring is worn across Canada by registered professional members.

Within TechNova, only registered professional members are permitted to wear the ring. The Board of Directors strongly advocates that all wear it.

• The ring represents unity between the members of the Association and the profession across Canada.• The maple leaves were chosen in order that the ring would be acceptable to registered members across Canada and r e p r e s e n t our national symbol.• The five gear teeth are symbolic of the necessary cooperation between the trades people, technicians, technologists, scientists/researchers, and engineers who integrally comprise the “professional design team” for all should be working as closely as the five fingers of the hand.• The ring was made of distinctive enough so that the general public could recognize at a glance a registered professional member from an engineer or others.• While it may be worn according to the member’s preference, professional rings are traditionally worn on the last finger of the working hand.

Registered professional members of TechNova may purchase the ring and other TechNova memorabilia exclusively through the Association’s mail order service. Please visit the TechNova web site to obtain an order form at: www.technova.ca

It is the responsibility of the member to provide the proper ring size. Please be professionally sized for a standard size ring. Full sizes and ½ sizes are available. All ring orders must be pre-paid.

Please contact TechNova for further information on availability.

TechNova202 Brownlow AvenueCambridge 1, Suite 308Dartmouth, NS B3B 1T5

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NSCC Student Project IS Brain SurgeryWhen Peter Allen, Mickey Doyle and David Grant were asked to spend last summer inside NSCC’s Institute of Technology campus surrounded by textbooks and computer designs, they didn’t seem to mind. After all, they were tasked with a project which has the potential to revolutionize brain surgery around the world.

The trio was hired by Halifax’s Brain Repair Centre, under the leadership of world-renowned neuro surgeon, Dr. Ivar Mendez, to come up with a re-design of an apparatus called a transplantation cannula and micro-injector. The device injects stem cells into the brains of patients suffering from such diseases as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Allen, Doyle and Grant needed to come up with an injector which was smaller, lighter, and easier to operate – something the group quickly learned wasn’t going to happen Peter Allen, Mickey Doyle and David Grant

overnight.

Now, months of research, design work and sheer determination appears to be paying off. The Brain Repair Centre plans to test the new NSCC-designed brain injector in January 2007.

For NSCC, the project was a win-win scenario. “This partnership gave these students a summer job within their area of expertise and learning, and allowed them to participate in something with groundbreaking ramifications,” says David Woolnough, NSCC’s Director of Applied Research. “It’s a classic

case of linking college skills with industry needs and it works very well.”

By Renee Hartlieb & Carla AdamsPhoto credit: Catherine Neily

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In June 2006, a group of Auburn Drive High School students and their mentors represented Nova Scotia at the 5th Annual International Remote-operated Vehicle (ROV) Competition for high school & college students at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The team placed 7th out of 25 teams.

Alex Smith, now in grade 12 at Auburn High, piloted the team’s underwater ROV at the Texas competition.

2007 Remote Operated Vehicle Competition

Louis LeBel, CET, Vice President of TechNova presenting a cheque for $1000.00 to Gordie Wilkie at NSCC in support of future Rov Projects.

“Robots changed my life,” Smith said. “Getting involved with ROVs was an experience unlike anything else; it really brought out the inner geek in me.”

The 2007 ROV competition is taking place in St. John’s, Newfoundland. This year, NSCC is expanding the scope of this exciting program, Nova Scotia will send two teams to vie for gold; one team from the high school level, and one team from college level. In April 2007, five high school

teams will showdown in Halifax for the honor of representing Nova Scotia at this competition. Each team will be comprised of 8 students and a number of willing mentors to assist them throughout the process.

NSCC is asking for support in this exciting

project. If you or your organization is interested in volunteering or becoming a sponsor please contact Gord Wilkie, Nova Scotia Community College at 491-4569 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Your support will make a difference.

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I N T H E N E W S

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The Annual Meloche-Monnex Continuing Education BursaryCriteriaA $1000.00 Meloche-Monnex Continuing Education Bursary is open to any TechNova (SCETTNS) Certified Member or immediate family member, who has confirmed registration in a nationally accredited applied science/engineering technology training program or regular distance education courses/programs of relevant discipline specific for upgrading, or, leading to reclassification from Certified Technician to Certified Technologist status.

Applications for this bursary, complete with proof of program registration and curriculum outline must be received at the Society office no later than November 30, 2007.

I N T H E N E W S

Shining the Spotlight on Skilled Trades and TechnologiesSkill shortages – this is an issue that businesses across Canada continue to struggle with. Skills Canada – Nova Scotia is a provincial not-for-profit organization that counteracts this growing demand by promoting skilled trades and technologies as valued career options to Nova Scotia youth.

To create awareness and get young people engaged in these career options, Skills Canada~Nova Scotia provides a variety of initiatives such as one-day Skills InDemand youth projects. Other hands-on events include Young Women’s Conferences, African Nova Scotian Youth Projects, Skills Energy Youth Quests, Where Will IT Take You, and Skills Quests.

In addition to our many targeted programs, we also host the Annual Nova Scotia Skills Competition and Career Showcase – our flagship event. Across the province, students at a secondary, post-secondary, and apprentice level compete against their peers in a one-day competition in their respective skilled trade or technology. Those who prove themselves to have the highest quality of workmanship as determined by industry judges are awarded medals at the closing ceremonies.

All gold medalists in a qualifying contest area then proceed to compete at the Canadian Skills Competition, which will be held in Saskatchewan in 2007.

The Annual Nova Scotia Skills Competition also provides the opportunity for secondary schools to register for a guided tour where they can learn about each of the technology and trade areas while being given the opportunity to participate in interactive components. In addition to the hands-on activities, students can also register for workshops in entrepreneurship, IT awareness, and apprenticeship.

As an active effort to reach as many students as possible, Skills Canada~Nova Scotia distributes their own publication, the Skills InDemand magazine. During the run of a year the organization lends focus to other promotional efforts such as, classroom and community presentations, career fairs, parent and teacher information sessions, parent/teacher newsletters, volunteer newsletters, industry newsletters, and the website: http://skillsns.ednet.ns.ca.

With the support of industry, labour, and government partners such as TechNova, Skills Canada~Nova Scotia will continue to effectively contribute to the economic future of Nova Scotia though education and awareness.

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HELP US SERVE YOU BETTERThe first quarter of the year is always a busier time for the staff, one full time and two part time, at TechNova.

The bulk of the work involves the processing of annual payments of membership dues with the deadline of January 31, 2007 with some still filtering in - about 200 outstanding at this time.

Another time consuming but enjoyable task is the production of the quarterly newsletter due at the publishing house by February 20th with upcoming issues in May/June.

Then there is the preparation for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for March 31st at the Ramada Inn in Dartmouth, NS.

You can help us save added cost to yourself and TechNova by keeping us informed of any intended changes in your home or work address, phone numbers and e-mail address. This can be done annually by completing and returning the Professional Development

Assurance questionnaire included with your Annual Dues Invoice sent out in October. This form serves two functions, one; to record that you are keeping current and active in the workplace and second; to record any address changes in the database.

How does this save you money? The obvious way is in lost postage and then the re-mailing of invoices. In the case of the newsletter we lose postage plus the cost of the newsletter and additionally, the post office charges us $25 to remove and return the labels.

Furthermore, there are additional savings in the time spent trying to contact our member by e-mail or telephone.

Another way to help us serve you better is by providing ideas and suggestions as to what you would like your association to do for you. This can be done in a number of ways by phone, e-mail, and by filling out the questionnaire on our web site in the feedback section. Of course the best method of all is to attend the Meet and Greet at the Ramada Inn March 30th and the AGM March 31st.

This will be an excellent opportunity to meet and talk with the president of TechNova and the Council. This is a complementary service to our members and as such it is free of charge.To participate, simply fill out the invitation included in this publication.

MEMBERSHIP DUES

If you are currently unemployed or not employed in a technology position using your designation as a CET, C.Tech or AScT or retired, you may apply for a reduction in Membership dues in accordance with By-Law 5.08 or 5.09.

If for some reason you no longer wish to be a member of TechNova it is in the best interest of all parties that you resign as a member in good standing in accordance with By-Law 5.11 rather than just failing to pay your dues. By doing so it will be a much easier and less expensive to be reinstated at a future date if you so wish.

PROMOTE YOUR SOCIETY

You can help increase membership by promoting TechNova at your place of employment.

A simple method would be to purchase one of the many TechNova promotional merchandise and gifts such as our branded coffee mugs to use during your coffee break or by wearing our branded golf shirts on casual days. Remember, every time you successfully recruit a new member, you will receive 25% off your membership fee.

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Benefits of Membership

TechNova members 2006 saw my transmission into the Registrars position, this has been an ongoing learning experience. I have had the opportu-nity to meet applicants throughout Canada and from countries around the world.

2006 saw a moderate increase in membership, and we strive this year to make even more gains. The Certification Board has seen an increase in applicants from countries such as South Korea, China, Hong Kong and some of the former Russian States. We have also been meeting with students from across the province to educate them on the many benefits that an organization such as TechNova, and its affiliation with CCTT has to offer them as members. The job market is ever more competitive and students must understand that they must take advan-tage of every opportunity to increase their chances at landing a job in their chosen profession. With the ever increase in per-sons seeking employment, industry can be very selec-tive in the application pro-cess. This being said we must also educate industry to the many benefits of having employees certi-fied, and to the degree of training and education a candidate must acquire before being certified.

Joseph Simms, CETRegistrar

Employers must develop proactive plans to attract technicians, conference toldKristin Goff, The Ottawa CitizenPublished: Wednesday, February 28,

2007

Organizations and employers worried about a growing shortage of skilled technicians need to do a better job of recruiting workers or face dire consequences, according to industry leaders.

“If we’re not on top of technicians and technology professions, encouraging youth and new immigrants in Canada (to take up careers in the field), we’re going to be left behind in the global economy,” said Josh Blair, senior vice-president of human resources strategy for Telus Corp.

It was a message repeated often at a conference yesterday that was arranged by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) specifically to kickstart the development of a strategy to deal with an expected shortage of workers.

The skilled construction trades have successfully raised their profile through a massive advertising and

outreach campaign, said Mr. Blair, the keynote speaker at a morning conference session. Engineers have also succeeded in promoting their professional career path.

Those concerned about a shortage of skilled technicians and technologists need to realize they have to compete with a cohesive and compelling message to attract people into jobs that many young students don’t even know exist, he said.

CCTT officials acknowledged they have several challenges to meet. For one thing, the field of technicians or technologists is broad. It includes people who have completed college programs in technology-related practices in computer, information, health, biotechnology, mining, architecture, forestry, manufacturing pro-cesses and more.

An estimated 500,000 people work as technicians or technologists -- about 10 per cent of whom are certified by one of CCTT’s provincial associations, said Yaroslaw Zajac, executive director of the group.

The shortage of skilled workers varies according to sector, he said. The organization doesn’t have a forecast that covers all skilled technicians.

At Telus, for example, where the corporate policy makes retirement at 55 the norm, about 80 per cent of the 500 technicians will be able to retire within 10

years, said Mr. Blair.

There are similar situations at many other companies, he said.

Others estimate that an additional 1.2 million information technology technicians will be needed to meet growing demand for that sector alone by 2010, said Mr. Zajac.

That part of outreach aimed at youth will have to reach students who are in late grade school or intermediate school, before they make decisions that put them on educational paths towards university or skilled and unskilled trades, several speakers noted.

Many technician jobs pay salaries of $80,000 or more and can out-earn university arts degrees, said Mr. Zajac. But colleges that offer the programs face challenges recruiting students.

Once they are enrolled, financial pressures and the academic requirements for mathematics can lead to drop out rates of as high as 50 per cent over the course of some three-year technical programs, said Laurel Schollen of Seneca College.

She said educational institutions need to be more flexibility in developing programs to serve the needs of mature students, those returning to begin a second career and immigrants who need to update their foreign training for the Canadian market.

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LEADERSHIP IN TECHNOLOGY Advertising Rates 2006-2007

All prices listed are per issue. Prices are subject to change. All advertisements / articles are printed in full color. The Newsletter is printed quarterly. All advertisements / articles are subject to suitability and space availability.

CIRCULATIONAll 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 866 339-1848 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 Tech-nology 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 E-mail: [email protected]

FULL PAGE8.5” X 11”

(plus 1/8” bleed)

HALF PAGE8.5” X 5.5”

1/4 PAGE4” X 5”

B/C SIZE4” X 2”

HALF PAGEvertical

10.5” x 4”

1/4 PAGE4” X 5”

1/4 PAGE4” X 5”

JUMBO SIZE

4” X 3”

Full Page $1000.00Half Page $ 500.00

Business Card $ 100.00Cover 2 & 3 $ 1250.00

Quarter Page $ 250.00Jumbo Size $ 150.00

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Tel: (902) 463-3236 Fax: (902) 465-7567Toll Free: 1 866 723-8867

[email protected] www.technova.ca

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