Marlon Coy-Veliz Appointed as community rep
Marlon Coy-Veliz, CTech Appointed Community Rep - Victoria
We're pleased to share a bit about Marlon, who is serving as a CR in Victoria.
Marlon Coy-Veliz has been a Structural Technologist for 10 years. He attended KPU (Kwantlen Polytechnic University) in 2012 where he completed certificates in Architectural, Mechanical and Structural Drafting and Design. His career has included working at small, medium and large engineering firms where he’s been involved in projects ranging from small residential renovations to concrete towers.
Prior to his current path, Marlon was a self-employed painter for 20 years which taught him:
- the value of time and resource management
- coordination with other disciplines
- how to deliver projects on time
- proper and concise communication
All vital skills in his role as a Structural Technologist at Herold Engineering Ltd.
Marlon received his CTech designation from the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC in October 2023.He has a passion for learning and sharing knowledge/ skills/ resources with others.
Marlon is excited to start his role as a Community Representative for TPBC.
Posted 2024/Aug/21
ASTTBC Past President Doug Duncan Passes
Doug Duncan enjoys a cuppa
ASTTBC Past President Doug Duncan Passes
A TPBC member and long-time ASTTBC member, Doug Duncan, passed away at 96 years old. Doug was one of the 'early adopters' of ASTTBC and President from 1972 to 1974, and during his time as President was instrumental in setting in motion an initiative that would become a proposal to the BC Government to enact professional legislation for what was then SETBC. "We had hoped the legislation would be considered within a couple of years, but quickly learned that the process would take longer," said Doug in a recent discussion with TPBCA CEO John Leech. "The ASTTBC Act was enacted in 1985, a great achievement, and a major stepping stone of our long march for professional recognition." During Doug's term, the association increased the annual dues by 50% (never to be repeated!) to generate the funds needed to hire its first full-time Registrar. Those were the days!
Doug Duncan was also an early member of Technology Professionals BC, with Member #18. On a personal note, John Leech spent many days with Doug over the past few years, recalling old times and playing crib. "Doug was a very dear friend over decades," said John Leech, who also said a few words at a Celebration of Life on behalf of TPBCA and Past Presidents of ASTTBC who knew or knew of Doug and wanted to be there for the family.
TPBCA has established an award in Doug's name.
Posted 2024/Aug/19
Photos courtesy John Leech
Doug and Alan
In January 2024 Doug Duncan met up with Alan Cheek, ASTTBC Reg #143. The two had a great chat about the very early days of ASTTBC. More on Alan coming soon.
Doug Duncan and John Leech
President Duncan
President Duncan
Doug reviews an issue of BC TECHNOLOGIST journal in which he writes President's Message
BCIT President Connects with TPBC
TPBC CEO John Leech chatted with BCIT President Dr Jeff Zabudsky (right in photo) at a BCIT awards reception. John introduced Jeff to Technology Professionals BC, referencing a few key issues that are likely common to both BCIT and TPBC, namely promoting STEM education and careers, the accreditation of tech programs and practice rights for BCIT, college and university technologists and technicians. The two agreed to meet up again for a more fulsome conversation.
Posted 2024/July/23
TPBC ENDORSES POPSICLE STICK BRIDGE CONTEST
Endorsed by TPBC as a STEM awareness activity of note, the Sunshine Coast Popsicle Stick Bridge Contest hit new records this year, including the 366 bridges presented for testing, almost double the number tested in 2023 (189) and up from 159 in 2021 and 89 in 2020 (no contest in ‘22). A second record set in 2024 was the number of schools (10) and teachers (37) engaged.
With two rigs, testing goes fairly quickly, but even so it took 4 days to complete testing of all bridges. Students at two schools were given the opportunity to apply pressure to their own bridge, the second year in which testing was done at a school (in 2023 testing was completed at one school and this year a second school was added).
TFABC volunteers help make bridge testing happen. A great experience and loads of fun for builders - and volunteers! John Leech, 5th from left in this photo, is President of the Technology Festival Association of BC, the organization that in 2019 assumed the role of host for the Popsicle Stick Bridge Contest. John also serves as CEO of TPBC.
Posted 2024/Jul/09
Engineers Canada Analyzes Federal Budget
We suggest you take 15 minutes and walk through the document. Much here of interest to TPBC members. Well worth the read.
Posted 2024/May/13
Ken Mayo Appointed as Professional Advisor
Ken Mayo, CTech, CHI, RRFA(L) Appointed as Professional Advisor
Ken Mayo has been appointed by TPBC CEO John Leech as Professional Advisor, Home and Property Inspection and Reserve Fund Reporting. “Ken brings a wealth of expertise to the table. TPBC will be well served as Ken assumes his role as a Professional Advisor,” said TPBC CEO John Leech.
Ken Mayo completed the BCIT House Inspection Program and has been providing home inspection services since 2007. His experiences in the building renovations and municipal engineering technology fields enable Ken to detect deficiencies which may result from poor construction, faulty design or lack of maintenance. Ken has expertise in Strata Deficiency Reports and is called on to advise clients interested in a quality service in the field (referred to as a Reserve Fund by ASTTBC, a professional regulator in this field). Ken is a Mentor and Assessor with ASTTBC, is a Subject Matter Expert in property inspection with ASTTBC and served 8 years on the ASTTBC Property Inspection Certification Board.
Ken has also been teaching home inspection courses at BCIT and Ashton College since 2009, while providing training and guidance to new inspectors as they pursue their Consumer Protection BC licenses.
Ken’s career includes conducting accessibility ratings on public buildings under the Rick Hansen Foundation’s RHFAC program since 2019 and he is also member at the Building Official’s Association of BC.
Ken’s on-going commitment to regular professional development is an inspiration to the profession.
Posted 2024/May/02
CHERYL BLACHURAS appointed MEMber Services Coordinator
Cheryl Blachuras has been appointed Member Services Coordinator, adding much needed skills to the TPBC Support Team. Cheryl retired from ASTTBC in 2021 after completing seventeen years as Coordinator, Customer Services.
During her time at ASTTBC Cheryl quickly learned the vital role Technologists, Technicians and Technical Specialists have in the design, construction and maintenance of the infrastructure and natural resources within the Province of British Columbia.
"While working to help serve and raise the profile of technology professionals, I was fortunate to establish cooperative and collaborative relationships with postsecondary colleges, schools, industry and other professional associations," enthused Blachuras. "After retirement my focus is now my family (with high priority given to the Grandchildren!!) but I also look forward to making positive contributions to TPBC."
TPBC CEO, John Leech, indicated he is looking forward to working with Cheryl as the organization begins the process of attracting and serving technology professionals.
Jeff Collins Appointed CPD Facilitator
TPBC CEO John Leech has appointed Jeff Collins, AScT, as Continuing Professional Development Facilitator, an important step toward assisting technology professionals access CPD as needed for their professional and personal development. "Jeff will be a great benefit to our members as we roll out services and benefits" said Leech. In the position of CPD Facilitator Jeff will:
- Identify organizations providing CPD suitable for Technology Professionals and establish a working relationship with these agencies;
- Identify CPD offered by other organizations and make arrangements for the CPD to be made available to TPBC members;
- Post CPD to the TPBC web site;
- Identify CPD needs of technology professionals and maintain a database;
- Work with Technology Professions BC Association to develop and offer CPD to members.
Jeff has been registered as an AScT in Industrial Engineering since 2008. His working life has led him to roles in Quality Assurance, Product Development, Engineering
Design, Project Management and Consulting. Currently Jeff is working in the insurance industry where he is performing home inspections and writing reports for home insurance carriers. He has also had the good fortune to do some international work in China and India.
A community service mindset and a passion for professional development has resulted in volunteer activities such as a role on the ASTTBC Council and also other volunteer positions on other boards and committees with clubs and initiatives of interest.
Dr Steve Cardwell appointed Technology Education Officer
A long time friend of technology professionals and someone who brings a huge passion and expertise for quality education and the needs of those under represented in STEM education and careers, Dr Steve Cardwell is joining our support team. "Steve's impressive background and energy will be a great asset to TPBCA as we build out advocacy and programming relating to STEM education and careers. I look forward to working with Steve as the Association's Chief Technology Education Officer", said TPBC CEO John Leech.
Dr. Steve Cardwell has had a long career supporting public education at the K-12 and post-secondary levels. From his beginnings as a high school science teacher to CEO and Superintendent of the Delta and Vancouver school districts to Vice President, Students at KPU,he has always been a strong advocate for students and the work of educators - in particular, adult learners themselves. Early on in his career, he was President of the BC Science Teachers’ Association and later, served as President of the BC Superintendents Association, Director on the Science World Board, and President of Learning Forward (a global education organization). He is currently Chair of the Institute for Public Education, serves on the Technology EducationCareers Council, is on the Quantum Algorithms Institute professional development advisory committee and recently joined the board for ArtStarts in Schools.
In 2013, Steve was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal for outstanding service to public education. In 2015, he was recognized as one of UBC Faculty of Education’s top 100 Alumni. In 2022, the KPU Foundation recognized Steve by creating a bursary in his name for his area of passion - marginalized students, especially Indigenous and former youth in care. Steve values ethical leadership and responsibility, building and fostering strong working relationships, and leading with empathy.
Posted 2024/Sep/25
Dave Rutherford Appointed as Professional Advisor
Dave Rutherford B.C.L.S. (Ret. N.P.) is a graduate of BCIT’s Surveying and Mapping Technology Program, Survey Option. During the first part of his career, Dave worked for the Ministry of Forests Engineering Branch, surveying resource roads, bridges, log dumps and other major engineering works. A keen interest in the legal aspect of surveying led to his Commissions both as a British Columbia Land Surveyor (BCLS) in 1994 and later as a Canada Lands Surveyor (CLS).
After several years in the private sector, Dave moved into academia, joining the Geomatics Program at BCIT. Starting as a Part Time Studies Instructor, Dave moved up to become Instructor, Program Head and Associate Dean before retiring in 2022. Notable achievements during this period included contributing to the development of two national academic credentialing programs; Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) and the Association of Canada Land Surveyors Association Foreign Trained Land Surveyor (FTLS) program.
As an active member of the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC from 1978 - 2024, Dave served on many of ASTTBC Committees including ASTTBC Council from 1999 – 2012, becoming ASTTBC President from 2013-2015 and in 2015 received the honor of ASTTBC Life Membership. Dave also served on several Association of Canada Lands Surveyors and Association of British Columbia Land Surveyors (ABCLS) Committees, the ABCLS Board and was elected ABCLS President in 2021.
In his current role as President of the advocacy body Technology Professions British Columbia Association, Dave continues to work towards supporting the roles and responsibilities of technicians and technologists in British Columbia.
Posted 2024/Sep/22
BCIT President Meets TPBCA CEO : Talk Accreditation
As indicated in a previous posting, BCIT President, Dr. Jeff Zabudsky talked with TPBC CEO John Leech at a late June awards reception and at that time John spoke about TPBChnj and its role, with a focus on accreditation of technology programs and graduation levels. Jeff asked "How can I help?", and with that the two agreed to meet again to dive into the two topics.
In August John met at BCIT with Jeff and Kathy Siedlaczek, Dean, Academic Planning and Quality Assurance. During the meeting John provided information on TPBCA and its role as an advocate for engineering and applied science technology professionals. The three reviewed the status of national accreditation of BCIT programs, with Jeff and Kathy noting that BCIT sees great value in accreditation for their programs, particularly as they train students for the industries that help define accreditation criteria. “I was pleased to hear that BCIT is of the view that, where relevant, program accreditation contributes to the quality of BCIT programs, has recognized benefits for their students and graduates, and is an important mark of external validation”, said John Leech.
John Leech appreciated the opportunity to meet with BCIT leaders, saying “I was pleased with our discussion and look forward to working with Jeff, Kathy and others at BCIT as TPBC advocates for accreditation of all engineering and applied science technology programming”. TPBC will follow up with BCIT and other post-secondary institutions as BC post-secondary institutions manage accreditation of programs leading to a Diploma of Technology.
PHOTO CAPTION: TPBC CEO John Leech presented BCIT President Dr. Jeff Zabudsky with a feather carved by Dene Nation artist Christian Turo.
Posted 2024/Sep/22
TPBCA Leaders Connect with Tim Murphy
TPBC leaders meet up with Tim Murphy (second from left), an ASTTBC past president, as are Dan Mooney (left) and Dave Rutherford (right). Dave serves as President of Technology Professionals BC Association and Dan is Board Treasurer. TPBC CEO John Leech joined the group.
Posted 2024/Sep/22
Amelia Cooper Appointed Professional Advisor
We are pleased to report that Amelia Cooper has been appointed as Professional Advisor - Empowering STEM Ability. TPBC CEO John Leech said, 'I have worked with Amelia in the past and she has always shown a real passion for supporting and assisting people with disabilities. She is a great addition to the TPBC Team.'
Amelia Cooper lives in Vancouver, BC and works as a Referrals Analyst for Tsawwassen First Nation. Previously, she worked part-time as a Human Resources Coordinator for BC Partners in Workforce Innovation and helped develop the TechAbility program through ASTTBC. In addition, she has worked as a GIS Specialist for Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR).
Amelia has a BA in Geography with an Environmental Speciality and a Certificate in Spatial Information Systems from Simon Fraser University. In her spare time she likes to read, work on crafts and listen to music.
Posted 2024/Sep/13