1.1 Professional Development in a Changing Professional Context
In today's competitive and changing environment, it is increasingly important for professionals to engage in lifelong learning and to continue demonstrating their achievements. That is why, in 1996, APEGGA Council established a mandatory continuing professional development program.
The rate of technological change
continues to increase, directly affecting the practice of
engineering, geology and geophysics. In most practice
areas, individuals who do not continuously improve their
skills will soon be out of date. At the same time,
society's expectations of professionals have changed. It
is no longer enough to establish competence at the
beginning of a career. As reflected in government
policies on the governance of professions, the public
expects professionals to continue demonstrating their
competence.The workplace is also changing. Many
members are no longer under a corporate umbrella, which
traditionally provided opportunities for training. In
APEGGA's 1995 study on structural changes and
professional practice, lack of time or resources for
training and continuing education was the second highest
area of concern; 75% of members surveyed suggested that
APEGGA should play a role in developing and issuing
guidelines on training and continuing education.The trend to mandatory continuing
professional development is common to many professions.
In most provinces the engineering and geoscience
regulatory organizations are moving towards mandatory
requirements. An increasing number of licensing boards in
the United States have introduced mandatory requirements.
A similar trend is occurring in Europe. Individuals in
jurisdictions that do not implement programs will soon
find it more difficult to work in other parts of the
world. To address this changing professional context, the
Association has developed this program for continuing
professional development.
1.2 Establishing Benchmarks for Professional Development
This program establishes a minimum benchmark for members' investment in their professional development. The majority of APEGGA members already undertake a greater level of effort than the minimum requirements set out in this guideline. Indeed, the minimum requirements may not be adequate in many circumstances. It is up to you, and perhaps your employer, to assess your professional development needs using this guideline as a minimum requirement.
The guideline provides a great deal
of flexibility for members to undertake activities that
provide the greatest benefit to them in the practice of
their profession. The program itself is simple and
requires a minimal amount of effort to set up and record.
Members who have retired or left the practice of the
profession of engineering, geology or geophysics can
elect to be exempt from this program and will be able to
maintain their status as non-practicing members of the
Association. They will, however, be subject to some
scrutiny if they wish to revert to practicing status.1.3 Setting Up a Program
Within the parameters in this guideline, the structure and content of your program is up to you. To set up a program, you will
- describe your individual scope of practice
- determine what skills you need to carry out your current or future responsibilities
- establish a plan to develop, maintain or improve those skills
- keep a record of your professional development activities
You should retain records of your activities for three years. You will not normally have to submit your program or records to the Association. However, a small percentage of members will be audited each year to ensure that their programs are being maintained and the program is being implemented effectively.
