Professional Development
News and information about APEGGA's Continuing Professional Development Program.
By Christine Smith
Christine Smith, Coordinator of APEGGA's Continuing Professional Development Program, is based in APEGGA's Calgary office and can be reached by E-mail; christines@apegga.com or by phone 403-262-7714.
SkillScape Competence Manager
The APEGGA SkillScape Competence Manager pilot project was run in the fall. APEGGA volunteers from different industries and various sizes of companies participated. The participants assessed the Internet-based database tool to establish whether it is a tool that should be offered to APEGGA members to help them:
APEGGA has decided not to pursue the introduction of SkillScape Competency Manager for several reasons, namely:
APEGGA will continue to evaluate skills tools like this and will communicate them to the members.
Web Site
(www.apegga.com)
The Continuing Professional Development Guideline, complete with downloadable forms became available on the APEGGA web site Oct 8. Links to course, seminar and support providers became available Jan. 8.
CPD Questionnaire
Based on member requests, the questionnaire that accompanies the annual dues invoice has been revised, effective for those members who are invoiced in February.
- The initial default value for "Practicing" or "Non-practicing" is now "Practicing" rather than "Unknown".
- The number of fields has been increased to three each, for "Industries of Practice" and "Areas of Specialization". Also, a line has been added to identify new categories not already listed for members who choose the "Other" code.
- The questionnaire has a shaded area which indicates more clearly that the submission of Professional Development Hours is optional at this time.
Volunteers
September through December 1997, APEGGA volunteers presented 86 seminars with approximately 2,050 members in attendance. Of the trained volunteer presenters, a core group of presenters have demonstrated their strong commitment to the success of this initiative and consequently have been very active. APEGGA is proud to recognize the following volunteers:
Status of PD Programs In Provinces & Territories
The following provides a summary of where other provincial Associations stand with regard to adoption and/or implementation of professional development programs.
Newfoundland - implemented January 1998 for all professional members required reporting to commence in January 1998.
Nova Scotia estimate September 1998 AGM changes to bylaws.
Prince Edward Island piloting in 1998 with representative sample with expected implementation of mandatory program for all professional members and members-in-training in 1999.
New Brunswick voluntary program in place; estimate February 1998 AGM changes to bylaws to move to mandatory program.
Quebec implemented Professional Inspection Program in 1980 that assesses members professional responsibilities, continuing competence and compliance. At present, a committee is reviewing the professional development issue.
Ontario proposed Professional Excellence Program includes competence declaration and supporting information with voluntary professional development evaluation program.
Manitoba pilot project under way with representative sample. Revisions expected. Based on APEGGA model. Back to October AGM 1998 for approval.
Saskatchewan studying options for a mandatory program.
Alberta implemented September 1997 for all practicing professional members rolled out over one year with required reporting of Professional Development Hours to commence September 1998.
British Columbia pilot project underway with representative sample to obtain member opinion on the issue of monitoring and reporting with expected implementation for all members in 1999.
Northwest Territories just beginning to investigate the creation of some form of professional development program.
Yukon have not yet started to investigate.