Technology Professionals... Building a Competitive Edge for BC Tech By: Jason Jung, ASTTBC It's everywhere… an ever-expanding global market, fuelled by innovation in technology, which continues to transcend traditional or geographic boundaries at an accelerating rate. Ensuring one's survival in the new millennium means harnessing critical human capital - people with knowledge and expertise - locally, nearshore and offshore. The Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC) is an important resource when it comes to 'benchmarking' human capital - technology professionals who are job-ready with education and experience - for BC's technology sector. A self-governing, professional association formed in 1958 to register technologists and technicians in the engineering and architectural fields, ASTTBC, embraced new disciplines as technology expanded into other sectors now encompassing sixteen disciplines and nine special certifications within applied science technology. Technology professionals registered with ASTTBC in electronics and information technology make up 17% of 8,500+ registrants. As technology is far broader than computers or information technology, registrants in mechanical, electrical, chemical, biomedical and other disciplines that support the development and diffusion of technology increase this to 30% or 2,500+ highly skilled professional people. So… what are the compelling reasons as to why BC tech companies should employ ASTTBC-registered technology professionals? First and foremost - 'required expertise' - the knowledge and skills critical to getting the job done. Secondly, local expertise where design and development work is to stay in British Columbia and the need for face-to-face with real people on core technical teams is critical. Furthermore, the qualifications of ASTTBC's technology professionals meet stringent national standards, which assure portability of credentials, allowing for labour mobility across the country. This extends internationally where reciprocity agreements, such as NAFTA, exist to recognize the qualifications of Canada's technical human resources. Leading enterprises within the clusters that make up BC's technology industries - Telus, Ballard Power Systems, PMC-Sierra, BC Hydro and many others - employ technologists and technicians registered with ASTTBC because these companies know they are accessing qualified professionals. For some employers it is a condition of employment, a signal that they must have the brightest technical talent, bar none. So how do we give ourselves the 'edge'? Meeting the increasing demand for highly skilled technologists and technicians within the tech sector and beyond is critical to our future. A strong and effective leadership in industry has lead to a vibrant economy and opportunities are everywhere. But, BC faces other challenges: retiring baby boomers; declining K - 12 enrollments; immigration policies that ensure added human capacity; a professional regulatory scheme that hampers full utilization of our talent pool; and, stagnant or declining enrollments in 2 year technology programs. In TechREPORT 2006, ASTTBC defines key opportunities in the wake of these challenges. AB - BC TILMA Full portability of credentials and practice rights and effective professional regulation are essential. Practice rights are not always portable and the interface between professionals is often poorly managed. The Alberta - BC Trades, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) sets the stage for change including several operating principals designed to enhance economic growth and stability in western Canada. Invisible Technology Careers Technology careers are 'invisible' and not well known or understood. There is an urgent need to enhance awareness of technology education. ASTTBC's TechWORKS! program will help bridge the gap by building technology careers, providing information to primary and secondary students in BC to help them make informed career decisions. Internationally Trained Professionals (ITPs) Professional associations' policies and practices must effectively engage ITPs who are working or seeking employment in BC. Many highly trained individuals who settle in BC find it difficult to secure employment because their credentials aren't, for the most part, understood. ASTTBC is introducing 'provisional membership' for ITPs, enhancing services to ITP applicants, and partnering with associations representing ITPs. Technology Education Kwantlen recently shut down Electronics and Robotics and the College of New Caledonia (Prince George) has 'suspended' Engineering Design and Drafting. Two-year technologist programs must be challenged to meet the needs of BC's marketplace. These cuts mean fewer graduates to keep BC's economy moving and represent a serious loss of education investment - education funding must be targeted to address labour market demands. Premier Gordon Campbell, in launching CAMPUS 2020, talked about 'seismic shifts' in technology, demographics and the economy. To 'lead through seismic shifts' in a global economy, BC must have 'top in class' human capital. With this initiative, the Premier and Murray Coell, Minister of Advanced Education, are calling for a review of post-secondary education. Campus 2020 will frame the delivery of post-secondary education for decades to come. Technology education and careers must be a provincial priority, with strategic leadership provided by an industry-lead technology education and careers council. Although there are challenges, through continued bold, effective decision-making, 'leading through seismic shifts' will ensure an environment that welcomes investment and people, reinforcing BC as one of the best places on earth to live, work and play, and hopefully give us that 'competitive edge'. About ASTTBC ASTTBC is a self-governing, professional association that regulates standards of training and practice, ensuring that BC's technologists and technicians maintain a high standard of performance and professionalism. With more than 8,500 members and technical specialists working throughout the province, ASTTBC is taking a leadership role in developing technology career pathways and promoting technology careers of tomorrow. For more information, please visit www.asttbc.org.