1. APEGA
Professionalism and Ethics

2. Unlock the Potential
Best profession
Solid foundation
Opens many doors
technical & non-technical
national & international
My background

3. Skill Set Required
Technical
Learning
Problem-solving
Communication
Leadership
Integrative

4. Impact on Society
Engineers, geologists and geophysicists contribute big time to the Alberta Advantage
$18 billion in revenues generated
Thousands of jobs created
Expertise among the best in the world

5. Impact on Society
Engineers, geologists and geophysicists impact many aspects of public welfare
Resource Industries
Manufacturing
Communications
Transportation
Water & wastewater
Power
Construction

6. All Members October 1, 2012

7. All Permits October 1, 2012

8. Trust of and Respect from Society
Esteemed position
Education gives you skills and knowledge that most can’t understand
Public must trust your judgement
If you meet the public’s expectation, the public will respect you
Generally expected to behave to higher standard

9. Control the Quality Regulated
Impact
Trust
Focus capabilities on areas that benefit society and protect the public interest
Set up bodies to regulate

10. What is APEGA?
The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta
Your Professional Association
Mandatory membership/licensure
Not a Technical Society

11. The Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act
APEGA’s Authority
The Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act
Privilege of self-governance
Right to title
Exclusive scope of practice
Defines practice
APEGA’s role
Governance

12. Legal Definition The practice of engineering is defined as:
“reporting on, advising on, evaluating, designing, preparing plans and specifications for or directing the construction, technical inspection, maintenance or operation of any structure, work or process;
a) that is aimed at the discovery, development or utilization of matter, materials or energy or in any other way designed for the use and convenience of man, and
b) that requires in the reporting, advising, evaluating, designing, preparation or direction of the professional application of the principals of mathematics, chemistry, physics or any related subject, or
c) teaching engineering at a university”

13. APEGA’s Role
Protect the public interest by regulating the practice of the professions by:
Registering/licensing qualified members
Establishing practice standards
Administering a complaint and discipline process
Encouraging professional development
Reviewing member and corporate practice
Stopping those not qualified from practicing and using the title

14. Vision
We will be a valued agent of excellence in professional practice and an internationally respected leader of the engineering and geoscience professions.

15. Mission
We serve the public interest by regulating the practices of engineering and geoscience in Alberta, by providing leadership for our professions and by upholding members in their professional practices

16. Guiding Principles APEGA is guided by the following principles:
Self Regulation: ongoing self regulation of the professions benefits the public and the professions
Public Interest: the protection of the public is paramount in all that we do
Professionalism: skilled and ethical practice is provide by our members
Relevance: value is delivered to our members and stakeholders
Trust: our professional reputation and ability to serve society is founded on earned public trust
Fairness: everyone is treated fairly, and with dignity and respect
Transparency: processes are fair, impartial, and accountable to members and the public
Comm & Consult: input from members and other stakeholders is continually sought, valued, incorporated and reflected

17. Public Interest
physical
health
financial
environment
socio-economic

18. Non-regulatory Activities
Public Involvement:
University student liaison
Student outreach (K-12)
Sponsorship of student competitions
Awards & scholarships
Communications (media & advertising)
National Engineering & Geoscience Month activities

19. Non-regulatory Activities
Member Services:
Committee work
Compensation survey & Job Board
Member recognition – Summit Awards
Professional development opportunities
Mentoring
Group Purchase Discounts
The PEG

20. APEGA Student Advantage Program (ASAP)
No Cost
Employment Advantage
Financial Advantage
Purchasing Advantage
Professional Advantage
No obligations

21. National Context
Engineers Canada

22. A National Voice Engineers Canada is an umbrella organization
Engineers Canada represents 234,000 professional engineers
Unlike provincial associations, it has no authority
Facilitates the setting of uniform national standards, works with Federal Government and acts on behalf of the professions on international issues

23. Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board
Sets standards of engineering education in Canada
Measures universities against those standards
Issues accreditation if standards are met
Ensures graduates meet the academic requirements for registration by the provincial associations

24. Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board
Programs must ensure that students are:
exposed to appropriate technical skills
made aware of the role and responsibilities of the professional engineer in society
exposed to ethics, human rights, public and worker safety, health considerations and the concepts of sustainable development and environmental stewardship

25. Professionalism
What does the word “professional” mean to you?
tradesman – did professional job
professional athlete
Professional Engineer

26. What is a Profession? A calling requiring: specialized knowledge
intensive preparation
Continued study
high standards
good judgement
leadership
ethical conduct*
duty to protect the public interest*

27. Ethics
What is it?

28. Ethics Differentiate between good and bad, between right and wrong
More than just moral values instilled by parents or church
Most associations develop codes of conduct
Establish duties which are practical and enforceable
Experience will dictate how to handle issues when two codes appear to be in conflict

29. Ethics (cont’d) Codes govern the nature of relationships with: society
employer
client
colleagues
employees
the profession

30. APEGA Code of Ethics Preamble:
Professional Engineers and Geoscientists shall recognize that professional ethics is founded upon integrity, competence, dignity, and devotion to service. This concept shall guide their conduct at all times

31. APEGA Code of Ethics Rules of Conduct: Professional E & G’s shall
1. in their areas of practice, hold paramount the health, safety and welfare of the public, and have regard for the environment
2. undertake only work they are competent to perform by virtue of their training and experience
3. conduct themselves with integrity, honesty, fairness and objectivity in their professional activities

32. APEGA Code of Ethics
4. comply with applicable statutes, regulations and bylaws in their professional practices
5. uphold and enhance the honour, dignity and reputation of their professions and, thus, the ability of the professions to serve the public interest

33. Registration - Five Criteria for Licensure
Professional
Practice Exam
Good Character
And Reputation
English Language Competency
Experience
Experience
Academics

34. Experience: Quantity
4 years required
At least one year equivalent North American engineering experience – in most cases this means one year Canadian engineering experience

35. Experience: Quality - the 5 elements
Application of Technical Theory
Practical Experience
Development of Management Skills
Development of Communication Skills
Development of the Understanding of Societal Implications