The critical role of engineering and applied science technologists, technicians and technical specialists (technology professionals), was a key topic in a July meeting in Nanaimo between Technology Professions BC (TPBC) CEO John Leech and Rory Kulmala, Chief Executive Officer of Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA). “TPBC is very concerned that BC may not be graduating the numbers of technologists with a Diploma of Technology (DiplT) needed to meet the demands of the construction industry”, said Leech. “TPBC is linking with the BC Government to review graduate levels and market demands to make certain we have the needed techs for the engineering and applied science sector, including construction.” TPBC is also reaching out to industry organizations like VICA with the request that they jump on board TPBC efforts to enhance awareness of technology education and careers.
According to a 2016 report prepared by the Conference Board of Canada (CBoC) the 400,000 engineering technicians and technologists in Canada contributed $54.7 Billion (yes that is a ‘B’) to the Canadian economy. This represented 3.3% of Canadian GDP reported CBoC. In a recent BuildBetterBC statement (an initiative of TPBC) the statement indicated that techs currently contribute an estimated $12B (another ‘B’) to the BC economy.
The construction sector requires qualified people in all areas of construction work including engineering techs who play a critical role in the design, construction and maintenance of BC’s infrastructure. Techs offer services in construction management, supervision, work scheduling, approvals, and more. The ‘middle level’ careers associated with technology professionals is not well understood. Greater awareness is desperately needed.
Rory Kulmala indicated he would consider how VICA might engage in support of TPBC’s advocacy work.