Technology Education & Careers Hub

1. Engineering and applied science technologists, technicians and technical specialists (“Techs”) provide a necessary and valuable service to BC communities and economy.
2. There is a real and demonstrative need for Techs in most sectors.
3. Techs are valued and in demand in fields such as gas and petroleum. the environment / green economy, high tech, health care, mining, manufacturing, municipal services, and many more.
4. Techs experience well paid, rewarding careers, where their skills contribute to the quality, growth, development, and maintenance of the world around us.
5. Typically industry requires 2-3 and possibly more engineering technologists per engineer; which varies depending on the field and form of the business and style.
6. In 2016 the Conference Board of Canada (now Signal49 Research) produced a report that indicated (based on 2011 data) Canada had 400,000 engineering technologists and technicians who contributed $54.7B to the Canadian economy representing 3.3% of GDP.
7. TPBC estimates that today Techs contribute $12Billion to the BC economy.
8. Accreditation of Tech education programs is an important element in standardizing and assuring national and international portability of Tech credentials. Historically most Tech programs in BC have been nationally accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada. 

THE CRACKS

9. Employers are signalling a challenge finding qualified Techs.
10. There is a lack of awareness generally in BC communities of Tech education and careers.
11. As with trades there is a need to elevate the profile of Tech education and careers.
12. Over the past 15 years, based on preliminary research being conducted by TPBC enrollment in engineering and applied science technology programs has not kept pace with apparent demands.
13. During the same time enrollment in engineering degree programs has increased at a faster rate than engineering technology graduation numbers, likely doubling in size.
14. The province has not been capturing details of enrollments, whereas we understand the province does monitor supply and demand and enrollments for other fields such as trades, nursing, and adult basic education.
15. The province does not appear to have ‘active management’ of Tech education programming, which would translate into establishing enrollment targets by technology and area of the province.
16. The BC Deans of Technology has not met in many years. This group played a key role in the past in support of Tech education issues such as accreditation and curriculum.
17. A defined scope of practice and reserved practice for Techs registered with the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC has not as yet been defined. Once these regulatory elements are enacted there will be added pressure for Tech credentials.
18. Changes to immigration policies have led to reduced enrollments and hence funding for post-secondary institutions. Of particular concern is the need for newcomers who have a direct interest in Tech education to benefit from Tech education opportunities.

THE RECOMMENDATIONS 

1. Diplomas of Technology and Technician Certificates in engineering and applied science technology need to be a priority as funding of post-secondary programming is formulated.
2. The delivery of engineering and applied science technology education needs to be actively managed in order to deliver student enrollments that meet the demands of business and industry.
3. The community profile of Tech education and careers is low and urgently needs to be enhanced. TPBC applauds the work of SkilledTradesBC and the province in developing a much higher profile for trades education and careers. A similar model needs to be adopted and funded by the province for Tech programs and careers. A program such as TechTalentBC now being developed by TPBC needs the full support of the province.
4. A full analysis is needed of the supply and demand for Tech education and careers. In the Spring of 2025 TPBC asked the Conference Board of Canada (now Signal49 Research) to prepare a new report – to update the 2016 CBoC Report for Canada and to drill down for BC, including projecting supply and demand for Techs going forward 20 years. The cost proposed by CBoC is $160k. A less costly proposal of $80k was also received and should be considered as an option. The province is asked to provide the funding for this analysis.
5. Accreditation of Tech education programming needs to be part of a process of quality control and accountability, assuring students, employers and regulatory organizations that national standards have been met and that inter-provincial and international mobility of credentials is assured.
6. Given the lower student enrollment numbers and critical laboratories required for Tech education, funding decisions need to factor in the added expense for technology lab equipment. While rhe province has been good about providing capital for Tech programs, going forward the province needs to provide stronger support for capital equipment purchase. It would be difficult for Tech education to remain current without this support.
7. An oversight group such as the once active BC Deans of Technology needs to be re-vitalized to provide an avenue for the effective delivery of Tech education.
8. The Professional Governance Act through the province needs to provide for a scope of practice and reserved practice for Techs registered with the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC.
9. Immigration entry requirements need to give priority to individuals seeking to study Tech education in BC.
10. A program of dual credits from K-12 to post-secondary Tech education Diploma or Certificate programs needs to be supported and funded.