#3  ConneXion-Winter2025

An Opener

TPBCA continues to build capacity as an advocate and services provider, for members as well as a broader audience. BUILD IT… they will come is our strategy, developing the foundational elements for the organization.  While we are not engaged on a full member recruitment program we are accepting members as ‘early adopters’.  Check out our web site for info on membership as well as topics covered in this newsletter.  Check us out at 

https://techprobc.org/

Statement on Accreditation has Legs!

The Statement on Accreditation of post-secondary institutions was published by TPBCA to amplify the importance of national accreditation to students, parents, employers and educational institutions.  We started seeking endorsements in early Fall 2024 and now report solid success to date. In addition to an initial endorsement from Technology Accreditation Canada a few NGOs have offered their endorsement. Dr Steve Cardwell, TPBCA’s Chief Technology Education Officer has been leading the effort to secure endorsements from post-secondary institutions.  Thanks to his excellent leadership on this file we report support from a number of institutions.  We continue our work to secure other endorsements.  The Statement is on our web site. 

Mentoring Program Soft Launch

Late last year we posted information on a yet to be developed TechMentor program. Our plan is to have an announcement this summer. Stay tuned.

STEM Pathways > Supporting People with Disabilities

A new program in support of people with disabilities is being developed.  STEM Pathways : empowering abilities will provide information that will show the STEM career possibilities for people with disabilities and will work with employers to consider opportunities within their firms.  A high-level outline of the program has been developed and a ‘soft launch’ posted, with plans for a full launch in mid-year.

TEChub : A ‘Blue-Chip’ Panel Will Assist TPBCA on Tech Ed & Careers

TEChub, once fully engaged, will serve as an advisor to TPBCA on technology education and careers.  TEChubwill assist in carrying TPBCA’s message to various parties including governments.

Indigenous Peoples and TPBCA

We are working to develop a program that will engage with Indigenous People to enhance awareness of STEM education and careers.  We have ideas and a small group working to frame and launch a program.  Watch for an announcement in late Spring 2025.

Statement on Indigenous Relations

The TPBCA Board approved a statement on Indigenous Relations and posted same on our web site under 'ABOUT'.  The Statement reads:

The Technology Professionals of British Columbia Association humbly acknowledges the ongoing work being done through many territories of unceded lands within BC.

TPBCA is a friend and ally in the complex work of restoring and enhancing the unique relationship with Indigenous peoples within this area.  We share the responsibility of fostering good relations and working to excel at uplifting our communities.

Through TPBCA we proudly support and believe that the work we perform every day is done with open hearts, open minds and for the well-being of all.

BUILD IT… they will come

Under the banner of BUILD IT… they will come, TPBCA continues building the various services and benefits that will be of interest to technology practitioners.  This development will continue through 2025, in preparation for a member recruitment initiative anticipated for 2026.

Member Recruitment – Asking YOU to assist

While TPBCA is not currently engaged in a full member recruitment effort, we are accepting new members as ‘early adopters’.  We encourage you to consider membership if you are not already a member, and if you are a member we ask that you reach out to colleagues and friends.  You will find all the info you need under MEMBERSHIP on our web page.  https://techprobc.org/member

2026 Work Plan 

We’ll conclude this issue of ConneXion by referencing the Board’s two year Work Plan.  While only in draft form at this stage, the proposed Work Plan points to completion of new programming as outlined in this newsletter and points to new programming such as a speakers’ bureau, supporting women and other under-represented groups in STEM careers, addressing issues related to professional practice and build CPD programming.

Posted 2025/Jan/24

#2 – Summer 2024

An Opener

We’ve introduced a masthead for the newsletter – under the name CONNEXION, suggesting we will strive for connectivity with Members, business and NGOs, governments, and others who share our interests.

TPBCA continues on its path of building the foundation for the organization.  We’ve made solid progress in the first year and a half, with more to accomplish in the Fall of 2024 before launching a full member recruitment initiative in 2025. Membership is open, but with a twist.  We are admitting ‘Early Adopters’, and welcome you as an individual or a business / NGO.  Check out ‘Membership’ on our web site. And do write to us at any time… with your questions… advice… offers to assist.

Programming is under Development

Now moving into the second quarter of our second year, TPBCA is framing programs to be delivered through the Association. Several that are in the works:

·  STEM Pathways :  Empowering Ability - to support and assist people with disabilities. The program will engage, inform, and deliver: engage with people with disabilities on the one hand and employers on the other, such that successful employment arrangements might emerge.

·  Indigenous Relations and Programming – to work with Indigenous members and others to enhance awareness of education and of career opportunities in STEM-related fields.

·  Women and girls in STEM education and careers  –  to build on existing programming to elevate the number of girls and women pursuing a STEM career.  We will partner with others and showcase the work of others.

·  Mentoring – based on a model developed by the Association of Professional Biology, TPBCA will develop a model that will link mentors with protégés.

·  The foregoing, and more, will take shape later this year, with the expectation we will see programs launched in 2025. 

BCIT President Meets up with TPBCA CEO

TPBCA CEO John Leech chatted with BCIT President Dr Jeff Zabudsky at a BCIT awards reception. John introduced Jeff to Technology Professionals BC Association, referencing a few key issues that are likely common to both BCIT and TPBCA, 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.

Joint Programming with Association of Professional Biology (APB)

TPBCA signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with APB earlier this year, signalling our joint intent to work together where such is in our common interest. As the Associations share a common purpose – to advocate for, and provide services to, members – it would seem obvious that synergies are likely. Building on this premise the two professional organizations are looking to collaborate on a number of initiatives.  Announcements are possible in the Fall of 2024.

TPBCA Has a Separate Role from that of ASTTBC :  NOT in Competition.

We are asked from time to time as to whether TPBCA is in competition with ASTTBC. The short and simple answer is NO. ASTTBC is a professional regulator; TPBCA is NOT. TPBCA is a voluntary member services association whose purpose is to advocate for, and provide services to, applied science and engineering technologists and technicians. As we carry out this mandate we are also working in areas of interest to businesses and NGOs. TPBCA acknowledges that in these early days there could be some confusion in its roles, however we are doing all we can to make it clear as to how we fit in.

Fun Fact

Did you know that six of the TPBCA Board of Directors are Past Presidents of ASTTBC?  And the three other Directors are great advocates for professional recognition, continuing professional development, people with disabilities and Indigenous Peoples. The Board provides solid leadership as TPBCA rolls out programming in advance of a membership drive in 2025.

TPBCA Signs MoAs – TPBCA is Building Relations

As a means to engage with others where we share common interests, TPBCA has signed Memorandums of Agreement (MoA) with other organizations. The MoA with the Association of Professional Biology was the first in our list, with more to be announced this summer and into the Fall. We will report initially in TPBCA BYTES. Stay tuned.

Community Representatives – TPBCA is in Your Community

While the list of Community Reps (CRs) is short at the moment, we are working to add members who will be a local contact for the Association. Presently we have CR’s in Ashcroft, Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo and Victoria. More CRs to be added later this year. If you have an interest in taking on this role please connect with us at info@techprobc.org.

Professional Advisors – Building TPBCA Knowledge Base

A number of Professional Advisors have been appointed to help broaden our scope of expertise in specific areas. The duties are fairly light, so if this is of interest, please reach out to us at info@techprobc.org.

TPBCA Statement on Accreditation

The Statement on Accreditation has been well-received, with a special note from the Executive Director of Technology Accreditation Canada, Muktha Tumkur, MBA, PEng, "The TPBCA Statement on Accreditation is well written and has positive general messaging regarding accreditation and TAC.  Thanks for your support for accreditation and for helping to promote the value of accredited programs and TAC, the sole national accreditation body in Canada for applied science and engineering technology educational programming." Have a look at our post on our web site under News BYTES. TPBCA President, Dave Rutherford, sent a copy of the Statement to the Chair and all Directors of the ASTTBC Board.

Doug Duncan, TPBCA Member and ASTTBC Past President, Passes

Please find more about Doug and his career here

Posted 2024/Aug/23

#1 - Spring 2024

TPBCA Framework Takes Shape

Technology Professionals BC Association (TPBCA) was registered about a year ago and during the first 12 months of operation has put in place the Bylaws, established the first Board of Directors, adopted a statement on Vision, Mission and Goals, prepared a three year work plan and budget, appointed a CEO, and launched a web site.  Another key element, the member management database is being developed, with delivery expected by the end of May 2024. 

TPBCA Connects with ASTTBC

A priority for the TPBCA Board is to establish a positive working relationship with ASTTBC. “We have a very different role from that of ASTTBC, and it is important that everyone is clear on TPBC’s mandate,” said President Dave Rutherford.  “We have had meetings with ASTTBC leadership and continue our communications on matters of mutual interest.  I am confident we will build and sustain a respectful working relationship.”

Board of Directors adds new Members

The Board appointed Dawn McGrath AScT and Amelia Cooper to fill two vacant spots. “Both Amelia and Dawn bring needed skills to the table,” said President Dave Rutherford.  “I look forward to working with the entire Board as we continue to build a strong foundation for TPBC.”  See the list of the Board of Directors on the web site.  Details on all members of the Board will be posted this summer. 

TPBCA Adjusts Messaging to Better Reflect its Role

The TPBCA Board has made a strong commitment to clarity of the role of this new professional organization. TPBCA is NOT a professional regulator, and this has been made very clear. TPBCA is not in competition with ASTTBC or any other professional regulator. TPBC’s mandate as a voluntary association is to serve member interests by advocating for, and providing services to, Technology Professionals and others who wish to support our efforts, notably employers and NGOs.  “I am confident our current messaging properly speaks to the TPBCA mandate.  We are always open to suggestions as to how we might better communicate our role, very important during the early days of this new association,” said CEO John Leech. 

TPBCA Connects with the Office of the Superintendent of Professional Governance (OSPG)

As part of building the base for TPBCA we have reached out to a number of groups, one being the OSPG. In addition to letting the OSPG know of the launch of TPBC, we have communicated on matters such as messaging on the role of TPBC.  With guidance from the OSPG we have adjusted some of the copy on the TPBCA web site.  “Communications with the OSPG has been positive and productive,” said CEO John Leech.  “We look forward to staying connected as TPBCA fulfills its mandate in service to Technology Professionals” 

Member Recruitment – NOW, but with a Twist

TPBCA will launch its member recruitment initiative in June 2024.  A few Technology Professionals eager to lend their support have asked if they can join NOW… and the answer is YES. Please go to the TPBCA web site - TechproBC.org – and look under TPBCA NEWS BYTES for information on how to get on board as an ‘early adopter’. 

Visit our web site at techprobc.org..