The PEGG
May, 2000
APEGGA Introduces A New Guideline For Members-in-Training
The first in a series of three articles on the APEGGA M.I.T. Program.
In January 2000, APEGGA introduced an important new guideline for M.I.T.s entitled Professional Development: A Guideline for Members-in-Training, Examination Candidates, Students and Applicants. The purpose of this guideline is to outline the mandatory experience requirements needed to meet the Board of Examiners' registration requirements for professional membership. All M.I.T.s and their employers should carefully review the guideline to ensure that, upon the completion of the four-year experience term, the M.I.T. has the experience and knowledge to successfully apply for professional status. The graphic to the right outlines, in a simplified form, the requirements.
Quantity of Experience
M.I.T.s with degrees in engineering (that have met the academic requirements by accreditation or by passing confirmatory examinations) or with geology or geophysics degrees (that have met the academic requirements by virtue of their degree or examination), require four years of experience acceptable to the Board of Examiners after the completion of their degree. M.I.T.s with qualifying co-op work experience, internships, summer jobs or technology experience gained during their degree may be granted up to six months credit towards their four-year experience requirement. M.I.T.s who do not have a degree in engineering, geology or geophysics may meet the education requirements by examination (or course equivalent) and may require up to eight years of acceptable work experience.
Components of Experience
When applying for professional membership, the Board of Examiners will evaluate an M.I.T.’s work experience in the following five areas:
- Application of Technical Theory - must include
selecting solutions and solving problems, preparing and checking designs/interpretations,
showing evidence of sound technical judgment and practices, and demonstrating
familiarity with the use and application of technologies, systems and
programs. It may also include some data collection and analysis if it
is not a major component of the experience.
- Practical Experience - must include being exposed
to work site operations, recognition of limitations in designs/interpretations,
and understanding and applications of relevant codes and standards.
It may also include acquiring an understanding of the interdependence
of disciplines, systems and activities.
- Development of Management Skills - must include
managing personal and project resources, involvement in planning, scheduling,
budgeting, and cost control, team skills, record keeping, and business
ethics. It may also include developing an understanding of corporate
structure, contracts, quality assurance programs and cost impact studies.
- Development of Communication Skills – must include
writing technical reports and making oral presentations.
- Understanding of the Societal Impact of Practicing
the Professions – must include demonstrating an understanding of
public safeguards and the roles and responsibilities of relevant regulatory
agencies.
To assist M.I.T.s with the development of management and communication skills, the Association has created a series of optional half-day courses covering topics such as team building, time management, problem solving, technical writing, business writing and presentation skills. These seminars will be offered in both Calgary and Edmonton beginning Oct. 4, 2000.
Further information regarding these seminars will appear in the third article in this series and can be obtained from APEGGA’s Calgary office (403) 262-7714.
Supervision and Mentoring
M.I.T.s are expected to be supervised by a professional
member of APEGGA or of another provincial or territorial association.
M.I.T.s who are not supervised by a professional member will need to find
a professional member who is able to evaluate the technical components
of his/her work and to assume professional responsibility. Supervisors
are expected to keep their M.I.T.s apprised of their performance and areas
and opportunities for improvement.
A mentor can be of considerable value in the professional development of an M.I.T. A mentor should be a professional member of the Association who can provide guidance in the areas of professionalism, ethics, industry trends and networking. Discussions should seldom focus on technical issues. Further information on mentoring can be obtained from our new guideline entitled Mentoring: A Guideline for Members-in-Training and Professional Members which will be featured in the second article in this series. A supporting Mentorship Seminar has been developed and will be available this fall. Please call APEGGA’s Calgary office (403) 262-7714 for further details.
References
To meet the Board of Examiners' requirements, M.I.T.s are required to nominate three references. Each reference should be a professional member who has supervised the M.I.T.'s work. Other acceptable references include non-professionals who are familiar with the M.I.T.'s work such as clients and peers. References must be candid with the Board about the M.I.T.'s performance. References are asked to respond to a standard questionnaire.
Details
The guideline also outlines experience standards that apply, experience credits for postgraduate degrees, some types of related experience that are factored or capped, and considerations if the experience is in a discipline different than the degree or outside the M.I.T.'s profession.
Mid-Term Review
M.I.T.s who are unsure of the acceptability of their work experience may submit their records to the Association for review after two years. However, this is only an informal review for guidance purposes and does not guarantee later acceptance.
Documentation
M.I.T.s are strongly encouraged to document their work experience and professional development activities in detail. A blank form of the Professional Development Program Record documentation required for the Board is shown here. Documentation must include the amount of time spent at each work level during the experience period.
- Level A - includes orientation at an early stage
of the M.I.T.'s career, non-technical training in management and communication
skills or to assist the M.I.T. in understanding the societal impacts
of practicing the profession. The Board of Examiners will accept a maximum
of two months credit at this level.
- Level B - includes formal technical training,
in-house courses and postgraduate work as detailed in the guideline.
- Level C - includes work as a technician, technologist
or technical support person to a maximum of 12 months.
- Level D - includes work in which the application of engineering, geological or geophysical principles and practices is evident. A minimum of two years experience must be at this level.
Member Induction Ceremony
Once accepted to professional membership, all newly registered Professional Members are encouraged to attend the Member Induction Ceremony to which they are formally invited. During the ceremony, sponsors introduce the new members to the professions and an oath is repeated. Ceremonies are held around the province throughout the year.
Continuing Professional Development
Once an M.I.T. is accepted as a professional member by the Association, (s)he will be required to define a scope of practice and the skills needed for his/her professional specialization. As well, (s)he will be required to develop a plan for continuing professional development (CPD) and to document and report CPD activities on an annual basis. Further information on the mandatory CPD program is available in APEGGA’s guideline entitled Continuing Professional Development: A Guideline for Professional Members.
The above constitutes a brief summary of the new M.I.T. guideline. However, you should consult the guideline for further details and clarification. The guideline is available on APEGGA’s website at www.apegga.org or free of charge from Calgary (403) 262-7714 and Edmonton 1-800-661-7020 or (780) 426-3990 offices.