October 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.
√Compliance Department Welcomes New Staff
Wendy Fulton has joined the Compliance Department as administrative assistant,
and she works with another recent addition to the team, Allison Cammaert, also
an administrative assistant. Wendy and Allison assist Compliance Coordinator
Jo-Ann Marshall and Compliance Director Dave Todd, P.Eng., in the department’s
efforts to enforce Part 1 of the Engineering Geological and Geophysical Professions
Act.
Wendy is responsible for the out-of-province verification campaign and monitoring the Alberta Gazette, newspaper articles, career pages, and telephone and business directories. Allison responds to queries generated from the website and The PEGG. Members who have general questions or those specific to passport guarantors can contact Jo-Ann. You can reach Wendy, Allison and Jo-Ann at 780-426-3990 or by fax at 780-423-4666.
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The Sands of Trade |
√Top Scholars Receive APEGGA Medals
Eleven students in the engineering and geoscience faculties at the University
of Alberta and the University of Calgary were recently awarded APEGGA sterling
gilt medals, commonly referred to as gold medals, acknowledging their academic
prowess in various courses of study.
The APEGGA Education Foundation provides endowment funds to both the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary to support the awarding of APEGGA medals to the students with the highest undergraduate averages in engineering, geology and geophysics programs.
This good news was shared with the media, resulting in a few articles, including a feature story in the St. Albert Gazette. In addition to receiving the medal, each recipient is invited by the APEGGA Education Foundation to attend an Excellence in Education recognition ceremony scheduled for Oct. 26 at the Edmonton Petroleum Club and Nov. 2 at the Calgary Petroleum Club.
√Survey Says
As the season turns to fall, it is once again time for the results for the annual
Salary Survey.
Director of Corporate & Member Affairs Ross Plecash, P.Eng., is tasked with
the job of sending out the surveys and tabulating results.
The survey includes information on base salaries, total cash compensation, gender equity and the aging of the workforce. New to the survey this year is information relating the size of an organization to the compensation offered.
This year 134 companies participated, contributing more than 9,000 salary data points. The survey is intended to provide guidelines to both members and employers in setting salary and other payroll and benefits rates and programs.
See survey highlights on pages 15-18
√Technical Exam Information
Now Available Online
A click of a few buttons will now lead those who need to write technical exams
directly to the necessary information to complete their academic requirements
for registration with APEGGA.
Application forms, old technical exam order forms, syllabi, course equivalent
lists and even procedural information are posted on the APEGGA website.
Mia Atienza, technical exams coordinator, says with a few changes, the technical exams section is much more streamlined and user-friendly.
“There are over 375 possible technical exams in 19 different disciplines. Being able to direct an exam candidate to the website for all their information needs is a huge time saver.”
Ms. Atienza also says that APEGGA has changed the way candidates are notified
about textbooks to study for exams. “Candidates are notified of which texts
specifically they will need as they apply to write the exams. This ensures no
one is mistakenly using an old or out-of-date textbook.”
This month will see 130 exam candidates write 75 different exams in 10 locations
across Canada.
Related Link
www.apegga.org/Applicants/Examinations/
technical.html
√New Members Welcomed at
Induction Ceremony
Saying the Professional Member Oath in unison at a reception in their honour,
new APEGGA members were recently welcomed into the fold in both Calgary and Edmonton.
Twice a year the APEGGA branches hold member induction ceremonies for the newest professional members. The formal part of the ceremony is about an hour long and is followed by a guest speaker and an informal reception with family and friends. Each new member receives a pin with the designation, as well as an official copy of the oath.
Attendance at these ceremonies is something that APEGGA and the Professional Development Department are trying to boost. A recent focus session with a group of M.I.T.s netted a few new and interesting ideas on making the ceremonies more appealing.