November 2005 ISSUE
checking in
Editor's Note: Checking In, a regular feature of The PEGG, is
designed to keep you up-to-date on APEGGA's numerous and varied programs and
initiatives. Consider it a project report and news digest, with website links
and PEGG references to help you find out more.
√Professional Development Seminars Reach
10-Year Anniversary
After 10 years of offering professional development seminars, the APEGGA dpeartment
responsible for them reports a level of participant enthusiasm that just keeps
on growing.
Each year at the APEGGA Annual Conference, as well as during Professional Devleopment Days in September and November, APEGGA offers members seminars in everything from strategic thinking and financial planning to how to deal with difficult people.
Nancy Toth, APEGGA Manager, Professional Development & Human Resources, says that seminars are only as interesting as the speakers. She takes that into consideration when doing her PD programming.
“I get the topics from evaluation sheets from previous seminars, by reading related materials, by looking at what other PD vendors are offering and from members themselves with specific ideas,” said Ms. Toth. Keeping abreast of hot topics of the day as well as ideas from colleagues also contributes to what seminars will be offered.
Ms. Toth says that in today’s business world members need top-notch soft skills, which is the major purpose of the seminar program.
“Members are highly educated people and they come out of university with all the technical skills they will need to do their jobs. But without the soft skills, they just aren’t going to succeed in the jobs they land,” Ms. Toth explains. “Soft skill sets are critical to any success.”
For more than a year, The PEGG has dedicated a complete section to professional development. It highlights not only what APEGGA is providing but also private and technical society offerings. This month’s section appears on pages 8-10. Check out the story on Dr. Gabor Maté, a world-renowned doctor and author who will present during the 2006 Annual Conference.
Related Link
APEGGA Professional Development
www.apegga.org/members/ProfDev/toc_map.html
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√Outreach Volunteers Rewarded For Efforts
APEGGA Outreach volunteers were recognized and rewarded at dinners in both Calgary
and Edmonton for their work in 2004-2005.
APEGGA President Larry Staples, P.Eng., and Executive Director & Registrar
Neil Windsor, P.Eng., were on hand at both events to help congratulate the volunteers
on another year of excellent service.
Volunteers are recognized for their valuable contribution in promoting careers
in engineering and geoscience, as well as an interest in science, math and technology.
All participants received a recognition certificate from APEGGA, which included
the 2005 Canada Day commemorative coin.
APEGGA Outreach participates in many events every year to promote engineering
and geoscience, and it could not achieve its goals without the aid of volunteers.
Outreach is always looking for more volunteers. The next major event will be
National Engineering and Geoscience Week in February 2006. Watch for further
details in the January issue of The PEGG.
Related Link
APEGGA Outreach Program
www.apegga.org/K12/outreach/toc.html
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√APEGGA In The Community
Every year, APEGGA attends a number of trade shows, both technical and corporate,
in an effort to boost our profile in the community and answer questions.
Most recently, more than 350 delegates stopped by APEGGA’s corporate booth at the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association annual convention, Oct 5-6 in Calgary. The trade show offered education sessions, social events and exhibitors from across the country, all under the theme 100 Years Strong.
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√Excellence in Education
Each fall APEGGA and the APEGGA Education Foundation co-host two receptions to
honour recipients of APEGGA Scholarships, Gold Medals and Teacher Awards.
Recipients in the northern part of the province were recognized on Oct. 26
in Edmonton, and those from southern Alberta were recognized Nov. 2 in Calgary.
The receptions acknowledge the academic excellence of students studying engineering
and the geosciences. They also encourage teachers throughout the province who
demonstrate exceptional abilities in the teaching of science and math.
This year, 38 students received scholarships, 22 students received medals and
14 teachers received awards.
Watch for the names of the student recipients in the January PEGG.
Related Links
APEGGA Teacher Awards Program
www.apegga.org/members/Awards/taward.html
Education Foundation Scholarship Program
www.apegga.org/members/Awards/schlist.html
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√APEGGA Education Foundation
The APEGGA Education Foundation’s mission is to enhance and provide leadership
and support in the education and development of engineers, geologists and geophysicists,
and in those who wish to enter the professions.
In 2005, 219 people applied for 38 scholarships, and a total of $93,000 was
awarded.
Where does the money come from? Charitable donations are made by members, life
members and corporate donors, and $50 from each Summit Awards gala ticket goes
to scholarships as well. More than $62,000 has been donated so far in 2005.
Members can also support the Foundation through APEGGA’s affinity MasterCard program with BMO Bank of Montreal.
Related Links
The APEGGA Education Foundation
www.apegga.org/educationfoundation/index.html
Foundation Affinity Card
http://www3.bmo.com/mosaik/perform_process_special_code?PAGE_MODE=TA_BRIDGE&SPECIAL_CODE=apegga