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WHAT’S INSIDE
4 From the editor
Building a new life and career in Canada by Michelle Malcolm-Francis
5 The first word
Building a vibrant, diverse profession by Micheal Mooney, C.E.T.
18 Learning curve
George Brown College’s mass-timber building spurs innovation by Shawne McKeown
19 Sign of the times
Augmenting the grid with battery storage by Peter Saunders
Departments
6 OACETT in action
Sharing the latest news, happenings and announcements from your professional association and more!
36 New members
Recognizing new and certified members
39 Chapters at work
Events and news from OACETT’s regions and chapters
Achieving dreams across borders
OACETT’s annual career event preps internationally educated professionals for big possibilities in Canada by Julia Farner, CAE, Dennis Furlan and Michelle Malcolm-Francis
Lynne Williams
Kristen Frisa
the cover: Teshome Sidamo is a new immigrant to Canada and an Internationally Educated Professional.
MBuilding a new life and career in Canada
any of us have a home away from home. For me, it’s the U.K. and the Caribbean. Perhaps it’s because one is my native land, and the other is where I acquired most of my heritage and customs. Either way, I celebrate my deep connections with these lands and and how they represent good times and fond memories that I hold close to my heart. And even though I adore these places, I am a proud Canadian who’s grateful my parents moved my family (decades ago) to this welcoming, peaceful country.
Anyway, enough about me. Do you have a home away from home? Many Canadians do. Whether it’s China, India, Italy, Nigeria, the Philippines, or other fabulous countries across the globe, saying farewell to your beloved country and immigrating to Canada was, I’m sure, a big decision that you hopefully haven’t regretted.
There’s no doubt moving to a new country comes with its share of challenges, like learning a new language, acclimatizing to new values and behaviours, and, the biggie, finding employment similar to one’s previous work experience, education and skills.
Understanding the struggles and barriers many new immigrants face, OACETT has become a beacon of support for internationally educated professionals (IEPs) eager to find employment matching their expertise in engineering technology.
In October, OACETT held its annual career event for IEPs, a virtual and inperson event that empowers IEPs with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in Ontario’s job market. In the feature article “Achieving dreams across borders,” on page 20, you’ll learn how OACETT’s event
preps IEPs for big possibilities in Canada.
Lynne Williams, Ed.D., a top LinkedIn and career expert, was one of the career event’s guest speakers who provided solid advice to IEPs on navigating their careers and offered various tips to help them improve their job prospects in Canada. In our second feature, “How to create a compelling and memorable elevator pitch,” on page 30, Williams shares what you need to know about tailoring your pitch for different audiences and scenarios so you can make a stunning first impression – something that benefits us all.
Preparing individuals (from all facets of life) to work in a workforce full of new possibilities is essential, especially with so many innovations and people needed to support, run and manage new products and services. Industry and governments are always looking for ways to use new technologies to protect our environment and reduce our carbon footprint.
Kristen Frisa’s story, “PortsToronto gets futuristic for microplastic cleanup of local waterways,” looks at how aquatic drone technology proves helpful in making Toronto’s waterfront cleaner, safer and healthier – one way the City of Toronto is tackling waste. Staying on the carbon footprint thread, our column, “Augmenting the grid with battery storage,” looks at energy generation and how a new battery storage project in Tilbury, Ontario, provides more access to renewable energy – another example of how Ontario’s reducing its carbon footprint.
I encourage you to dive into these stories and more in this issue of The Ontario Technologist. Enjoy!
OACETT is dedicated to excellence in the engineering and applied science technology profession in a manner that serves and protects the public interest.
The Ontario Technologist is published bi-monthly by:
The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) 10 Four Seasons Place, Suite 700 Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada M9B 6H7 Tel: (416) 621-9621 • Fax: (416) 621-8694 www.oacett.org
Please direct all inquiries, submissions and subscription requests to OACETT at the above address.
The Ontario Technologist is published in conjunction with:
Annex Business Media
111 Gordon Baker Road, Suite 400 Toronto, ON M2H 3R1 Tel: (416) 442-5600 • Fax: (416) 442-2230
Letters regarding the journal should be addressed to the Editor at the Association’s address. Letters regarding the Association and other related subjects may also be addressed to the Editor for forwarding.
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) 0380-1969. Publications Mail Agreement #40062764.
Return undeliverable Canadian address to: Circulation Department, 10 Four Seasons Place, Suite 404, Etobicoke, ON M9B 6H7.
The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists, a self-governing, non-profit organization, maintains standards of excellence in the practice of engineering and appliedscience technology in Ontario. Founded in 1957, the Association became provincially legislated in 1984, and has statutory powers and responsibilities.
PRESIDENT Micheal Mooney, C.E.T.
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Christopher van Dop, C.E.T.
PAST-PRESIDENT
Rosanna Tyrer, C.E.T., rcji, CAPM
CENTRAL REGION
Governance, Strategy and Policy Committee
Norman Sandberg, C.E.T.
EASTERN REGION
Finance and Audit Committee Chair
Brian Raymond, C.E.T.
HORSESHOE REGION
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Chair
Shelley Parker, A.Sc.T.
NORTHERN REGION
Registration and Professional Practice Committee Chair
DIRECTOR, MEMBER ENGAGEMENT, SERVICES AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
David Terlizzi
TBuilding a vibrant, diverse profession
he recent success of our Career Event for Internationally Educated Professionals has prompted me to reflect on this vital community that makes up about 15 per cent of our membership. In an increasingly interconnected world, the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills internationally educated professionals bring to our Association are invaluable.
Their unique experiences, informed by different educational systems and cultural contexts, foster innovation and creativity. They challenge conventional thinking and encourage us to broaden our horizons. This diversity of thought is crucial in a landscape that demands adaptability and forwardthinking solutions.
Supporting these professionals is not just a matter of inclusivity; it directly impacts our Association’s growth and relevance. By welcoming individuals from various educational backgrounds, we create a richer, more vibrant environment that attracts a broader membership base. This inclusivity enhances our collective expertise, making our Association a leader in our field. A diverse membership is better equipped to address the multifaceted challenges we face today, and we need these individuals engaged at all levels of our Association.
One of the most significant barriers internationally educated professionals encounter is the recognition of their credentials. Many have undergone rigorous training and possess exceptional skills, yet their qualifications are often undervalued in our local context. OACETT has been recognized by Ontario’s Office of the Fairness Commissioner as a leader in our practices to actively recognize the education and experience that internationally educated individuals bring to the table. In 2016, OACETT was, in fact, the first regulator in
Ontario to eliminate the requirement for Canadian work experience to become certified, long before recent legislation required others to follow suit.
Fostering a supportive environment for internationally educated professionals also aligns with our brand-new core values of growth and belonging. We believe cultivating a culture where every member feels valued and empowered to contribute is essential to our advancement. By actively promoting inclusivity, we not only enhance our Association’s reputation but also set a standard for the industry. Currently, we are in the process of building a diversity, equity and inclusion framework to help us guide these efforts in even more concrete ways.
In addition, the global perspective brought by these professionals enables us to better understand and address the needs of a diverse clientele. Their insights into different markets and cultural nuances can enhance our strategic planning and outreach efforts. By embracing this diversity, we position ourselves to respond more effectively to the evolving demands of our profession.
I encourage each of us to reflect on how we can further support internationally educated professionals within our Association. Whether through mentorship, networking opportunities, or support as employers, our collective efforts can make a meaningful difference. By fostering this inclusive and supportive environment, we will continue to enrich our Association and empower individuals to achieve their full potential.
Together, we can build a stronger, more dynamic organization that truly reflects the global nature of our profession.
Micheal Mooney, C.E.T., is president of OACETT.
OACETT president-elect gives insight into his position
by Michelle Malcolm-Francis
Christopher van Dop, C.E.T., is currently the president-elect of OACETT. He has served in this capacity for a year and a half and will serve two-years as OACETT’s president, starting in June 2025. Christopher became presidentelect through OACETT’s election process and has fulfilled this role with enthusiasm, carrying out his responsibilities with great competence and pride.
In spring 2025, OACETT will have a newly elected board of directors, with some of our board members leaving their posts. With the position of president-elect becoming vacant as Christopher assumes his new role, we encourage certified OACETT members to apply for this career-building, invigorating, and, most of all, meaningful leadership role within your professional association where you can make a difference.
To learn more about Christopher and gain insight into the president-elect role, The Ontario Technologist magazine asked Christopher a few questions to help you better understand some of the skills and attributes a person holding this position may have. Now, let’s get to know Christopher and the exciting role of president-elect.
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I joined OACETT in 1988 and became a C.E.T. that same year. My career started with designing automotive components on paper on a drafting board with pencils, and my first experience with CAD was AutoCAD 2.3. My career evolved from designing individual automotive component mechanisms into automation systems to assemble said components to developing proposals for manufacturing automation systems and selling automation components. I am now retired but have also been busy doing handyman projects, including designing and installing kitchens and bathrooms.
Q: When did you start volunteering with OACETT?
A: I got involved with my local chapter around 1999. I held most positions within the chapter and became the chair in 2006. I was encouraged to run for Council in 2009 and held the Western Regional PASB councillor position until 2015. I was the Western Regional IETO councillor for the 2015-2017 term. In 2019, I returned to Council as the Western Regional IETO councillor, then was elected vice-president of IETO in 2021 and was voted in as president-elect in 2023.
I am looking forward to representing you as president of OACETT in June 2025.
Q: What are some of the positions you have held that have prepared you for the president-elect position?
A: As a member of the OACETT Council, I learned to appreciate the mechanisms responsible for the effective governance of a 20,000-plus membership and the financial processes of a $7 million non-profit organization.
As a product developer and designer, I have been responsible for listening to customers, helping them analyze their processes, and converting that knowledge into a working, often multiprocess system that realizes the final product/system. It was important to understand what the client required
and then develop and explain the process to the client.
Q: What are some of your achievements you’re most proud of as an OACETT volunteer?
A: At the Council/Board level, I am proud to have influenced the evolution of OACETT’s bylaw from version 16 through version 20. This included the most recent evolution, which included the new governance model from Council to Board, which will allow OACETT to expand its influence in the technological world more efficiently.
Q: Why did you run for the position of president-elect?
A: I felt my extensive experience on Council would allow me to have a positive influence on OACETT’s direction.
Q: What are some of the things you have done as president-elect to advance the Association?
A: As a senior board member, it has been my pleasure to support president Micheal Mooney, C.E.T., in ensuring all opinions are heard on the Board.
One of the president-elect’s responsibilities is representing OACETT at public events. As one of OACETT’s public figureheads, I enjoy interacting with other organizations to ensure that OACETT becomes more visible and is viewed positively.
Q: How does the president-elect role help prepare you to become president of OACETT?
A: As the president’s shadow, the president-elect position is helping me become more intimate with the intricacies and responsibilities of the presidency, which will help me fulfil my future responsibilities.
Q: In your opinion, what are some of the characteristics, competencies and qualities an OACETT member should have to hold this position?
A: It is important to remember that the president-elect automatically becomes the president at the end of the first term. The president’s most important characteristic is the ability to communicate and ensure all opinions are heard. The president must interpret the needs of the whole organization. To this end, the president is required to be calm and collected. Empathy is essential. The president must also be prepared to chair a meeting and not only start discussions but also end discussions that are repetitive or off-topic.
Q: What are the most rewarding and interesting aspects of this role?
A: The chance to meet and interact with other leaders locally and nationally in the engineering technology world. The opportunity to work in a successful $7 million organization and to help OACETT members become more successful in their careers. And the chance to demonstrate my passion for OACETT.
Q: What are the most challenging aspects of the role?
A: There are two main challenges. The presidential position guides the OACETT Board to consider opinions and input from diverse sources and ensure that decisions will take action over multiple years.
The second challenge is to represent OACETT to the public. The president must represent the professionalism
and “opinions” of OACETT to the public, which may not be one’s personal opinions. The president represents OACETT, not just themselves.
Q: What is the commitment level of this position?
A: It is important to remember that the president-elect position is the first of a three-term commitment, accumulating to six years. The president must participate in many internal events, including chairing Board meetings, communicating with Board members and our membership at large, and appearing at chapter events in all regions. These responsibilities require time.
The president also represents OACETT with other organizations, including the government. This means attending nonOACETT events, such as conferences, annual general meetings (AGMs), summits, black-tie affairs, and golf tournaments.
I have attended AGMs and conferences with and without the president and CEO, including flying to BC and Manitoba. I have seen the president spend more time than I have travelling to advance OACETT.
My experience suggests that many employers will support your time commitment to a professional organization like OACETT. Be sure to consult with your employer about the advantages of
having their company exposed to other industry leaders and the work that will be put in to advance the profession.
Q: What advice would you give a person interested in holding this position?
A: You can start volunteering at the chapter level. Attend your local chapter events. Join your chapter executive. Also, you could run to sit on various OACETT committees. You can also run for a position on the OACETT Board.
Be prepared to learn new things and interact with many different people and with different opinions. As I have experienced, you will also expand your skills as a leader.
Q: Anything else you would like to say or mention to the membership?
A: No OACETT volunteers, including Board members, work alone. One of the great pleasures of this position is interacting with OACETT staff. We have a great CEO, and she has created a wonderful support system of staff members that has allowed me to integrate myself into the intricacies of the president-elect position. I look forward to working with them during my next two terms.
Having an OACETT certification looks excellent at a job review and on a resume. However, the title of presidentelect, president or past president with it looks even better.
Vote for your next president-elect on January 8 2025
For more information about the election, check your inbox. You will receive an email from invitations@mail.electionbuddy.com.
Become an OACETT president-elect candidate. Apply today!
OACETT is seeking candidates for the president-elect position on the Board of Directors to help further our mission and values, which includes advancing the expertise of OACETT professionals, supporting our contributions to employers, communities, and Ontario.
What is the role of president-elect?
The president-elect assists the president in carrying out the administration of the Association. The presidentelect on completion of their term will be acclaimed as president and following their term as president will serve as past-president. The president-elect is a member of the Board of Directors who provides input to the Board of Directors on the development of strategic initiatives, meeting regularly with the president and the CEO to plan governance activities, meeting engaging with key stakeholders, conducting outreach to OACETT chapters, and participating in the Leadership Council of Technology Professionals Canada (TPC).
The president-elect also serves on OACETT’s Governance, Policy and Strategy Committee as either an exofficio member or as the committee chair and sits on the Human Resources (HR) Committee as president-elect, president and past-president. As president, they will serve as the chair of the HR Committee.
The president is the volunteer leader of the association and, as defined in Bylaw 20, “serves as chair of the Board of Directors and the Annual General Meeting.” The role of president will include, but is not limited to, meeting regularly with the presidentelect and the CEO to plan governance activities, serving as the spokesperson
for the Association, meeting with key stakeholders, including government, employers, colleges and other associations, engaging with chapters, and serving as the voting member of Technology Professionals Canada’s (TPC) Leadership Council.
Finally, the role of past-president will include, but is not limited to, serving as chair of the Nominating Committee and Selection Committee, providing counsel to the president, president-elect and board of directors, and any representative roles as delegated by the president.
What qualifications are required?
OACETT’s president-elect should have the following qualifications:
• Be a certified member in good standing who has served a minimum of two terms (four years) on the former Council and/or the current Board of Directors, or a minimum of two years on the Board/ Council and two years on a committee or sub-committee.
• Have extensive knowledge of the OACETT Act, By-Law 20 and have some familiarity with the 2023 governance transition. They should know the position description for OACETT officers, OACETT’s strategic plan, and meeting procedures and rules.
• Be a strong leader, communicator, and public speaker.
How to apply
• Be passionate about helping their Association!
The president-elect is also expected to contribute to the skills and attributes outlined in the Board profile.
What is the time commitment?
The position is a three-term (six-year) commitment on the Board starting in June 2025, not including time already served. Following a two-year term as president-elect, the position will be acclaimed president for two years, followed by two years as past-president.
Time commitment includes, at minimum, bi-weekly meetings with the president and CEO, and five Board meetings (September, November, February, April, June), both virtual and in-person.
The successful candidate will also be required to attend OACETT’s Annual General Meeting and its annual conference, chapter meetings, particularly Annual Chapter Meetings, joint leadership summits with key stakeholders, last-minute meetings and special functions that may arise on an “as needed” basis. There will be some provincial and interprovincial travel as required.
Compensation
OACETT will cover all out-of-pocket expenses related to duties, including but not limited to travel, accommodation, and meals for OACETT meetings and events, in accordance with the OACETT financial reimbursement policy.
Complete the application form at https://bit.ly/presidentelectapplication2024 by December 2, 2024. Also, complete the Board Skills and Attributes selfassessment on competencies directly in the application.
OACETT will acknowledge your application once submitted. Applications will be vetted for completeness and eligibility by the Nominating Committee. We’d like to thank in advance all applicants.
Celebrating 25, 40 and 50 years of membership!
This listing represents those who reached their milestone between August 21, 2024 and October 13, 2024.
25-year members
Harold Bird, A.Sc.T.
Andre Brideau, A.Sc.T.
Donald Brodie, A.Sc.T.
Colin Brook, C.E.T.
Jonathan Brooks, C.E.T.
Jeffrey Demeulemeester, C.E.T.
Robert Fontaine, C.Tech
Charles Hindley, C.Tech.
Irene Kitynska, C.E.T.
Oliver Kollmar, C.Tech.
Jean-Francois Laforest, C.E.T.
Patrick Marcotte, C.E.T.
Kenneth Nepaul, C.Tech.
Timothy Pope, C.E.T.
Narciso Romero, C.E.T.
Cary Roy, C.Tech., rcca
Arben Saraci, A.Sc.T.
Jeffrey Thrasher, C.E.T.
William Turner, A.Sc.T.
40-year members
Donald Allan, C.E.T.
William Ashburn, C.E.T.
Norman Baldwin, C.E.T.
Edward Bolton, C.E.T.
Saverio Bozzo, C.E.T.
Darryl Clark, C.E.T.
James Bruce Fudger, C.E.T.
Richard Fung, C.E.T.
2025 NOMINATIONS OPEN
John Goodfellow, C.E.T.
Michael Gusche, C.E.T.
Paul Hoggarth, C.E.T.
Michael Konopelky, C.Tech.
Darren Lambert, C.E.T.
Rogelio Maghanoy, C.E.T.
Victor Malarenko, C.E.T.
Barry Ranta, C.E.T.
Carmine Sebastiani, C.E.T.
Dipakkumar Shah, C.E.T.
Darryl Somerville, C.E.T.
Lloyd Spooner, C.E.T.
Nicholas Stina, C.E.T., P.Eng.
Kenneth Zasitko, C.E.T.
50-year members
Lyle Ball, C.E.T.
James Berry, C.E.T.
Frederick Butz, C.E.T.
Lambert Chan, C.E.T.
Ronald Cherchuk, C.E.T., P.Eng.
Antonio Ercolani, C.E.T.
Wayne Ryczak, C.E.T.
Richard Ulch, C.E.T.
George Vandenbrink, C.E.T.
Thomas Warner, C.E.T.
Louis Welsh, C.E.T.
Nominate a colleague, mentor, educator or industry leader or even yourself!
For more information: services@oacett.org or oacett.org/about-us/honours-and-awards
DEADLINE: DECEMBER 31, 2024
OACETT president-elect attends Engineering Means Community Forum
by Michelle West
On October 7, professionals from across the engineering, design, and construction sectors gathered at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection for ACEC-Ontario’s Engineering Means Community Forum.
The event commenced with a traditional Indigenous greeting, setting the tone for an open-minded day filled with enriching discussions.
The keynote, delivered by Hon. Charmaine A. Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, explored the critical role of women in STEM. Following this, a series of panels delved into topics such as Indigenous relations, social procurement, and on-site challenges for women in engineering. Each panel offered firsthand insights, bringing real-world challenges and solutions to the forefront. The day of learning concluded with Dr. Janusz Kozi ski, dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Lakehead University, providing his summary of all themes around consulting engineering megatrends.
This inspiring event not only fostered professional growth but also encouraged collaboration and networking across industries.
President-elect Christopher van Dop, C.E.T., takes part in smudging ceremony during Engineering Means Community Forum.
OACETT’s president-elect, Christopher van Dop, C.E.T., engaged with sister organizations, discussing and learning about their concerns, activities, and goals and sharing OACETT’s views on common topics.
He says, “The forum’s diverse and timely topics impact OACETT members. Considering that, the new, contextual information learnt from the meeting will be valuable when OACETT’s board considers future policies.”
As the day wrapped up, the exclusive networking event, sponsored by TULLOCH, provided an opportunity to forge meaningful connections while enjoying the art exhibits.
van Dop had the opportunity to view some of the fantastic art at the McMichael Art Gallery in Kleinburg and encourages OACETT members to visit and experience the largest publicly funded art gallery in Canada, which focuses exclusively on Canadian and Indigenous art, both historical and contemporary.
Michelle West is manager of communications at ACEC-Ontario.
Calendar of Events
January 14-16
The Electricity, Distribution, Information Systems and Technology (EDIST) Conference & Tradeshow
Hilton Toronto/Markham Suites Conference Centre www.eda-on.ca/EVENTS/EDIST
January 19 - 21
2025 ROMA Conference
Sheraton Centre Hotel Toronto www.roma.on.ca/roma-conference
February 12 – 13
Canadian Concrete Expo
The International Centre, Mississauga canadianconcreteexpo.com/attend/#dates
March 5 - 7
58th International Conference on Water Management Modelling
Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel www.icwmm.org/
March 30 - April 2
Good Roads Conference
Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto goodroads.ca/conference/interested-in-presenting/
Certifying engineering technicians and technologists since 1965.
Learn about the designations and how they can enhance your credentials.
Email: certify@oacett.org
Website: www.oacett.org
LISTEN TODAY!
GUEST HOST
Julia Farner, CAE, conducts a thought-provoking interview with industry leaders on the hot topic of fleet electrification.
GUESTS Pablo Fernandez Toronto Transit CommIssion
Mike Skirzynski PowerON
EPISODE 11 Electrifying Ontario: TTC’s Journey to a Zero-Emissions Bus Fleet
In this episode of TECH TAKES, guest host Julia Farner, dives into the exciting world of fleet electrification with experts Pablo Fernandez from the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and Mike Skirzynski from PowerON.
As mass transit shifts towards electric vehicles (EVs) to meet global climate goals, we explore the technological advancements, government policies, and the urgent need for sustainable transportation solutions in Ontario.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional in the engineering technology and applied science field or just curious about the future of transportation, this episode is packed with valuable insights and engaging discussions.
Listen to the podcast at https://www.oacett.org/tech-takes or on your favourite podcast app!
Members on the move
Patrick McNamara, C.Tech., has a new position as the environmental coordinator at Canadian National Railway (CN). In his role, McNamara oversees the day-to-day environmental compliance operations of CN assets and equipment within his designated territory. His responsibilities include ecological sampling, emergency response, inspections, auditing, program coordination, and reporting to internal and external stakeholders and regulators.
Joshua Wagler, C.Tech., has joined the City of Woodstock as a building inspector. In his role, Wagler is responsible for reviewing plans and conducting building inspections for part three buildings and structures, ensuring compliance with applicable codes and standards. His 11 years of work experience are complemented by his membership with the Ontario Building Officials Association and his time previously serving on the Oxford County Builders Association Steering Committee.
Kaile Laughton, C.E.T., is now a senior mechanical technologist with Tatham Engineering. With 12 years of experience in the field, Laughton is responsible for the planning, design, construction inspection, and leadership of mechanical projects across various sectors, including buildings, industrial, and municipal. In this role, he also leads engineering work, guides support staff and provides technical direction to ensure successful project execution.
Dwayne Ziebarth, C.E.T., is the owner and senior technical specialist at Ziebarth Professional Services Inc. With 30 years of industry experience, including 11-plus years at WSP Canada, where he advanced to senior director of mining for Central and Western Canada, Ziebarth formed Z-PS to provide innovative solutions and senior leadership within the mining infrastructure supply chain. He remains actively involved with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Inc. and OACETT.
What’s new? We want to hear from other members who have recently changed jobs, received a promotion or an award, or completed an educational program. Make sure your fellow OACETT members read about it in The Ontario Technologist. Promote your success – send your submissions to the editor at editor@oacett.org.
Fletcher Foundation grant empowers students through new math initiative
Georgian College is excited to share that our team from the Engineering and Environmental Technologies, Skilled Trades portfolio has been awarded a Fletcher Foundation Enhancing Educational Experience Grant of $10,000 to support our innovative Math Initiative project. This initiative addresses a critical need in education: increasing student confidence and engagement in mathematics and problem-solving. By utilizing Peter Liljedahl’s Building Thinking Classrooms, we aim to foster a learning environment where students feel empowered to tackle mathematical and problem-solving challenges head-on.
Our goal with this initiative is to support skilled trades, engineering and applied science technician and technology students for success in their chosen college programs and future career fields. Improving essential mathematics and problem-solving skills and boosting confidence will enhance students’ learning and cultivate a growth mindset that will serve them well throughout their educational journey and beyond.
The expected outcomes of the Math Initiative are promising. We aim to increase student engagement within math and related courses, promote active learning in traditionally taught subjects, and encourage ongoing interaction and feedback between students and faculty. By creating a collaborative classroom atmosphere, we want to transform how students perceive and engage with course content.
Our lead team consists of faculty from Civil Engineer-
Georgian College engineering technology students engaged in a Building Thinking Classrooms task.
ing Technology, Carpentry and Cabinetmaking, the Centre for Teaching and Learning, and administrative representatives from Engineering and Environmental Technologies, Skilled Trades. We’re also fortunate to collaborate with
When
To donate, visit www.oacett.org/about-us/fletcher-foundation.
Georgian College’s Institutional Research team and representatives from the Canadian Armed Forces, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to our initiative.
Through peer-led coaching, faculty across the College are invited to embed three key elements into their courses and classrooms. Key components include 1) devising novel course content-related problems with low floors (easy to get started) and high ceilings (more than one solution and ability to extend thinking) so that all students can get started and all students are challenged; 2) regularly forming visibly random student groups of three to ensure equity, fairness, and empowerment within the process; and 3) using vertical non-permanent writing surfaces to support equity, growth and flexibility in learning. We are creating a robust program that empowers students to integrate deep problem-solving thinking into their learning processes and engage in course-related learning.
To measure the success of our initiative, we will utilize various assessment methods, including student surveys, classroom observations, and anecdotal feedback from both students and faculty. This feedback will be invaluable in refining our approach and ensuring that we meet the needs of all our participants (faculty and students).
The Fletcher Foundation funds are being used to purchase a variety of non-permanent surfaces (e.g. small group-sized whiteboards and consumables), provide faculty training, and support feedback collection and data analysis. The purchase of the equipment allows us to support active and collaborative learning in STEMrelated courses, ensuring that the benefits of this initiative extend far beyond its initial funding.
We are thrilled about the potential of the Math Initiative and are committed to creating an engaging, supportive, and effective learning environment for our students. With the support of the Fletcher Foundation, we believe we can make a meaningful impact on students’ success in mathematics in our programs and further students’ success in their chosen technology-related professions.
Award recipients prove hard work reaps rewards
by Michelle Malcolm-Francis
Engineering technology students across Ontario receive scholarships and bursary awards from the Fletcher Foundation, most often through their colleges. Once again, the Fletcher Foundation celebrates these students who have demonstrated their commitment, deep-rooted interest, and passion for engineering technology. Meet some of the recipients ready to make their mark on the profession.
OACETT TECHNOLOGY AWARD RECIPIENTS
Adam Beik
Adam Beik is in his last year of Seneca’s Computer Engineering and Technology Coop program. Choosing this career path was a no-brainer since he has always liked tinkering with computer hardware and code. Beik said, “I have been using computers and the Internet since I was about five years old, so it gradually became a focus of mine over time.”
The breadth of different technological specializations he could choose from to make his career choice a reality also attracted him to the profession. Beik hopes to eventually work for a company specializing in embedded systems or specialty software, which would significantly aid those with disabilities.
At Seneca, he learns various software and hardware skills and enjoys gaining access to cutting-edge technology news and practices through exchanges with faculty and course materials.
“My program has many wonderful attributes, but my favourite one is working with others on subjects I love. It is infrequent for me to find individuals in my daily life that study computers, so being around others with similar interests stimulates more opportunities for fruitful and insightful conversations that deepen my understanding and appreciation for the field,” explained Beik.
His love for computers, coupled with his performance and experience, propelled his candidacy for the scholarship. He said he always tries to do his best throughout his time at Seneca – both as an employee and student.
He deeply thanks the Fletcher Foundation for supporting him as a full-time student, allowing him to have enough financial security while studying.
EunChan Shin
EunChan Shin graduated from Seneca College’s Fire Protection Engineering Technology program in April 2024. He entered the profession to impact the safety of people and property directly.
As a student, Shin found the blend of practical problem-solving and innovation most interesting. He particularly enjoyed applying realworld scenarios to the theoretical knowledge to create tangible solutions.
While at Seneca and co-op at the Toronto Transit Commission, he loved designing fire systems using AutoSPRINK and AutoCAD and conducting real-world inspections based on fire and building codes. He also found the practical aspects of Seneca’s program, especially performing building inspections based on the Ontario Fire Code, incredibly fulfilling. He also appreciated working on collaborative projects, such as investigating simulated fire sites, which helped sharpen his technical skills.
“It was incredibly gratifying to see how my work contributes to safety, efficiency, and progress in our communities and various industries, especially during my co-op with the TTC,” Shin said.
Why was Shin rewarded with the student scholarship? He believes his strong academic performance, co-op success and commitment to the field of fire protection earned him the reward.
“My involvement in hands-on projects, such as investigating simulated fire sites and conducting thorough inspections, showcased my ability to collaborate effectively and apply my technical knowledge.”
In addition, Shin believes his volunteering with the Richmond Hill Fire Station influenced the selection committee’s decision. In five years, he wants to be a fire protection engineer, actively contributing to developing innovative fire safety solutions. Ultimately, he wants to take on leadership responsibilities, where he can mentor new professionals and oversee significant fire safety projects.
In expressing his gratitude to the Fletcher Foundation, he mentioned how the scholarship provided him with financial assistance and served as a great affirmation of his hard work and dedication.
Patrick Chahil
Patrick Chahil graduated from Mohawk College’s Civil Engineering Technology – Transportation program in December 2023.
He chose this career because he found many aspects of technical and transportation engineering principles fascinating, especially those in real-time commuting environments involving driving, cycling, walking, or public transit. He is also intrigued by concepts that highlight the balance between traffic management, congestion, and modes of transportation and how they are integrated into longterm planning.
“Learning theories and policies and applying them in real-world situations to support solving problems for residents and clients and implementing safety improvements that can be seen shortly are all rewarding,” Chahil explained.
Why did Chahil study civil engineering at Mohawk? His family and friends nudged him into what they believed would be a perfect match for him. Those who previously took Mohawk College’s Civil Engineering Technology –Transportation program told him the balance between
technical assessments and working with people complemented some of his best attributes.
Reflecting on his program, he really enjoyed the balance between theoretical/class and practical/industry learning components through three—and four-month cooperative work terms.
Chahil said, “The program focused on fundamental traffic engineering principles and skills that the transportation industry requires. The work terms provided an opportunity to apply and grow these skills in a practical setting. Observing how the theory was taught and directly applicable in a professional environment validated my decision to choose Mohawk’s Civil Engineering Technology – Transportation program was right.”
Chahil received the OACETT Technology Award for his academic success and leadership skills. He took his academics seriously and displayed an active willingness to guide and help his fellow students.
The financial assistance he received through the OACETT Technology Award greatly reduced his financial burden and allowed him to focus more on education, ca-
reer aspirations, and family responsibilities during his studies. He is so thankful to the Fletcher Foundation for providing the bursary.
What’s next for Chahil? He is focused on building a career in civil engineering transportation. In five years, he hopes to have a leadership role as a project lead or technical specialist in traffic operations/traffic safety.
2024 GENERATION AWARD RECIPIENT
Emily Trimble
Emily Trimble is the Fletcher Foundation’s 2024 Generation Award recipient.
The Generation Award is an annual $1,000 scholarship offered to a spouse, child or grandchild of an OACETT member. The scholarship applicant must be a full-time student attending an engineering technology or applied science program at an Ontario college.
Trimble is in her final semester of Centennial College’s Architectural Technology program. She selected this career path because of the diverse work opportunities, the ability to
work on various projects, and the innovations and advancements in building technologies.
Her bachelor’s degree in urban planning, interest in learning more technical skills to complement her theoretical knowledge, and an architectural technologist friend’s insight into the profession also weighed her decision to take Centennial’s Architectural Technology program.
When she finishes school, she wants to be an integral member of a multidisciplinary team working on projects that inspire. Throughout her career, she will continue to learn and finetune her skills to showcase the experience, education, and skillsets she has developed over this time.
Trimble’s father has been an engineering technologist and OACETT member for 40 years. They were both very excited that she won the Fletcher Foundation’s Generation Award. In her words, “Thank you, Fletcher Foundation!”
Application for the Generation Award will be available in early 2025.
Save the date
ONTARIO ONTARIO
SHAWNE MCKEOWN
George Brown College’s mass-timber building spurs innovation
An industry-changing construction project at George Brown College (GBC) continues to provide incredible learning opportunities for students and professionals. As crews continue putting the finishing touches on Limberlost Place, a 10-storey mass-timber, net-zero carbon emissions building, current students and alums can proudly say, “I helped build that.”
Nirmala Cesario completed a co-op with Limberlost Place construction partner PCL as a field/project coordinator in 2023. This role included field and office responsibilities such as tracking productivity and safety, conducting inspections, maintaining contract documents, and supporting project management and site teams with administrative and technical tasks. After graduating from the Civil Engineering Technology program in April 2024, she landed a full-time job with PCL as a field coordinator, where her manager is also a GBC graduate.
The innovations here are truly incredible
Limberlost Place, a part of George Brown’s growing Waterfront Campus in Toronto’s East Bayfront community, will be home to the college’s School of Architectural Studies. This stunning and sustainable addition to the city’s skyline opens in January 2025.
“Working on this project has truly prepared me for innovations in the industry,” Cesario said. “Limberlost Place has also broken many moulds in construction. The innovations here are truly incredible, from the solar chimneys and the engineered spans of CLT (cross-laminated timber) panels without steel support to the impressive three-storey large-format panels.”
PCL-approved image of the building.
Highlighting possibilities for innovation
Cesario said her favourite innovation on the Limberlost Place project was “the rocket” — “a simple yet brilliant design” developed by PCL to help guide CLT panels into place on the columns.
She added, “[Limberlost Place] is a perfect example of how construction is constantly evolving, showcasing the endless possibilities of innovation.”
Architects, engineers and construction professionals have toured the Limberlost Place site to get a firsthand look at the innovative building
practices and mass-timber construction techniques. George Brown students have also toured the building to experience exciting innovations in their fields of study, and many alums have also worked on the project.
Dr. Adel Esayed, dean of George Brown’s Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies, said providing high-quality student field experiences is vital to college programs.
“As one of the most exciting construction projects in the city and the country right now, Limberlost Place provides invaluable learning opportunities,” Esayed said. “These experiences show students what is possible in the industry and how they can apply the skills they’ve learned to advance innovation.”
A deep sense of pride
Cesario said her co-op experience solidified her desire to work in the field where she can “engage with the work and the team.” Her long-term goal is to become a site supervisor — a role in which, as a woman, she believes she can offer new perspectives and inspire other women to enter the field.
“I feel a deep and lasting sense of pride to have been a part of this project,” she said. “It’s not just because it’s one of Ontario’s first mass-timber institutional building, but also because it has carved a new path in the industry, paving the way for others to build more climate-friendly buildings in the future.”
Learn more about George Brown College’s construction and engineering programs at georgebrown.ca/cet.
Shawne McKeown is a digital planner in George Brown College’s web and creative services department.
Nirmala Cesario in front of Limberlost Place.
Augmenting the grid with battery storage
The provincial government recently unveiled a battery storage project in Tilbury. Awarded to Boralex in 2023, it will begin construction this fall in partnership with Walpole Island First Nation. Using Tesla Megapack rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, the storage facility is expected to be completed by the end of next year and will store 80 MW of power.
The Tilbury installation is leading the way for Ontario’s new battery procurement framework, which the government calls the largest in Canada’s history—and is part of a response to an urgent challenge.
According to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the province will need 60 per cent more energy by 2050. In addition to refurbishing and expanding sources of nuclear power and hydroelectricity and accessing more renewables, another way to help address this issue is by attaching large batteries to the grid. These batteries can pull and store excess electricity at off-peak periods and then deploy it as needed.
“Battery storage is a critical component to support the expansion of Ontario’s clean and reliable grid,” said Stephen Lecce, recently appointed provincial Minister of Energy and Electrification, after the government secured almost 3,000 MW of such storage earlier this year through the procurement framework.
Boralex—based in Kingsley Falls, Que., and owning and operating energy projects in Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and France—is building 505 MW of this new capacity. The Tilbury project, for example, is located near an industrial area with high but relatively predictable electricity demand.
“This investment will improve reliability and strengthen our supply chains, particularly during peak de-
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Plant capacity 80 MW of power
Independent Electricity System Operator - Ontario requires 60 per cent more energy by 2050
Compared to other energy projects, they require a very small footprint.
– Shelby Dockendorff, Boralex
mand periods like our harvest season,” explains Trevor Jones, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington, Tilbury’s district.
Shelby Dockendorff, public affairs and communications advisor for Boralex, explains the company is also currently developing a battery storage project at an industrial park in Hagersville, south of Hamilton, and just won a contract for another at a depleted aggregate pit in Oxford, where mostly buried transmission cabling will connect to the grid near Woodstock.
“We look for sites near existing transmission line infrastructure,” she explains. “Compared to other energy projects, they require a very small footprint.”
Ontario secured more than 3,000 MW of storage in 2024
With Ontario’s pressing energy needs and advances in battery storage technologies, there will be further opportunities for engineering technicians and technologists across the province in coming years.
“There are jobs in this area across many engineering disciplines, including civil, mechanical, electrical and environmental,” says Dockendorff. “Our company uses in-house engineering and turns to independent engineering firms to validate our designs. And then there are opportunities for construction jobs and procurement of local materials.”
Through such efforts, Ontario’s government hopes to maintain the provincial electrical grid’s reliability and affordability even while needing to expand it substantially.
Peter Saunders is a regular contributor to The Ontario Technologist.
Boralex will build this battery storage project in Tilbury, Ont. RENDERING COURTESY OF BORALEX.
Achieving dreams across borders
OACETT’s annual career event preps internationally educated professionals for big possibilities in Canada
BY JULIA FARNER, CAE, DENNIS FURLAN AND MICHELLE MALCOLM-FRANCIS
On October 10, OACETT proudly hosted its third annual career event for internationally educated professionals (IEPs) with backgrounds in engineering technology, an inspiring gathering held both online and in person.
This year marked a turning point, with over 450 attendees participating in live sessions and accessing recordings afterward. The event’s growing popularity underscores the critical career guidance OACETT provides, illuminating the urgent need for many IEPs to find fulfilling work in their profession within Ontario.
New immigrant Teshome Sidamo talks about OACETT’s Career Event for IEPs and building his career in Canada. WATCH HIS VIDEO.
See great photos from the event!
For many years now, Canada has welcomed a significant number of immigrants with STEM backgrounds. According to a report from October 2024, Statistics Canada revealed that as of the 2021 Census, immigrants make up 26 per cent of the national workforce, with a remarkable 43 per cent engaged in engineering. This statistic highlights the wealth of talent and potential within the engineering technology field. However, challenges remain. Of the 369,949 nonpermanent residents who made Ontario their home between April 1, 2023, to April 1, 2024, 47 per cent chose to settle in the Greater Toronto Area, home to many diverse diasporas.
As of July 2024, Ontario’s unemployment rate reached 7 per cent, and even higher rates were noted in the Greater Toronto Area, particularly affecting IEPs. A Labour Market report from the Government of Ontario indicated that the average unemployment rate for immigrants was 7.8 per cent, with many facing underemployment and taking on ‘survival jobs’ as they seek roles in their fields. Despite these challenges, hope remains vibrant for IEPs in engineering technology. The key to unlocking opportunities lies in navigating the Canadian job market, and this is where OACETT’s event serves as a beacon of support. Our dynamic virtual sessions were crafted to empower IEPs with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in Ontario’s employment market.
The event commenced with an uplifting welcome from OACETT’s CEO, Cheryl Farrow, MBA, CAE, who expressed unwavering support for all attendees. We were honoured to have Roy Sue-Wah-Sing, C.E.T., chair of the member engagement and services committee, host both the virtual and in-person events for the second consecutive year. The first session featured OACETT staff members Carol Warner, C.Tech., deputy registrar, and Trishia Tedoldi, manager of college and community partnerships, who explained how OACETT certification and membership can significantly enhance employability and connect IEPs to a vibrant professional community.
Next, Kevin Kamal, director of institutional client relations at World Education Services, provided crucial
insights into the professional credentialing process—a vital step for IEPs navigating job searches and certification applications in Canada.
Lynne Williams, Ed.D., executive director at the Great Careers Group and a top LinkedIn expert, captivated attendees with two sessions to equip IEPs for success. In her session on “Tips on how to create a compelling and memorable elevator pitch,” she shared techniques for crafting personalized pitches and networking effectively. Her follow-up session, “Global to local: mastering interview skills for landing your dream job,” offered invaluable strategies for addressing common interview questions and showcasing global experiences as assets in the local job market. Don’t miss her insightful article in this edition of The Ontario Technologist magazine!
The highlight of the virtual event was the “My Canadian Journey panel discussion,” where OACETT members shared their personal journeys as newcomers. Featuring Dr. Rakesh Kantaria, C.E.T., Ahmed Muawiyah, C.Tech., Cedrick Mutombo, C.Tech., and Raquel Rodriquez, C.Tech., the panellists offered practical advice on job applications, networking, and the importance of engaging with a professional community and becoming OACETT certified. Videos and profiles of these inspiring members can also be found in this edition.
The virtual event concluded with empowering remarks from OACETT president Micheal Mooney, C.E.T., who shared his journey from education at RCC Institute of Technology and Conestoga College to becoming OACETT’s president. He emphasized the pivotal role of networking in un-
Watch and listen to MPP Patrice Barnes, OACETT leadership, mentors and mentees share thoughts and sentiments about the event!
covering job opportunities and advancing professional growth.
Another highlight was the in-person career event at the High Park Brewery in Toronto, where over 65 members, IEPs, and staff from newcomer partner organizations gathered. The evening kicked off with an interactive passport game that encouraged attendees to explore tabletop displays from five IEP partner organizations and OACETT, enhancing awareness of programs and services available to newcomers. This was followed by engaging speeches from OACETT’s CEO, president-elect Christopher van Dop, C.E.T., and MPP Patrice Barnes, the MPP for Ajax and the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
MPP Barnes, who immigrated to Canada from Jamaica, spoke about the
Watch our videos
importance of OACETT’s work to help internationally educated professionals and how the Ontario government continues to work towards creating a prosperous workforce that include job seekers from all walks of life.
The evening finished with a lively speed networking session, connecting IEPs with members who acted as mentors to provide guidance on resume presentation, job searching, and the benefits of pursuing certification and joining a professional community. Feedback from attendees highlighted the profound impact of these in-person connections on their career journeys.
As we reflect on this year’s event’s success, it is clear that OACETT is not just a resource; it is a thriving community where IEPs can get the career support they need to build pathways to a brighter future and fulfilling careers in Ontario.
Meet internationally educated professionals on different journeys to success in Canada
Hear what Ahmed Muawiyah, C.Tech. had to say about being a mentor. Watch his video.
Cedric Mutombo: Embracing Canada
What qualities should a newcomer to Canada possess to excel and thrive in the Canadian workforce and beyond? Should they have a love of the culture and embrace it, a good work ethic, a career plan, or a gratitude to be accepted here? Well, Cedric Mutombo, C.Tech., exhibits all of these qualities, and then some, as he charts his way forward in engineering technology.
Mutombo is currently a bilingual estimator working for Stonhard, a flooring contractor in Whitby. He emphasizes the term bilingual because he learned French in his native Congo and then learned English while working in South Africa for 15 years. Obviously, being bilingual in Canada in those two languages is a bonus and worth emphasizing.
Loving Canada
When asked how he came to Canada, he said he was vacationing here and loved it so much that he ended up staying. He says, “I just love the diverse culture in Canada and the opportunities available for someone like me.”
In South Africa, he worked in road construction. Currently, he is doing estimating work and really enjoys it. He says, “I really love interacting with various people, and I especially like to point out areas where perhaps hundreds of thousands of dollars can be
saved based on my work and analysis on a project.”
Mutombo also appreciates the people he works with. When asked who a big influence has been in his life since coming to Canada, he says, “Kathryn Winkelhorst, my direct manager at Stonhard. She has worked with the company for 26 years. From her, I have learned to show up first, leave last, solve problems, and show leadership.”
Mutombo also appreciates OACETT. He says, “By having a C.Tech. designation on your resume, it tells employers that you have been evaluated and verified by a reputable organization.”
Meeting the right people
Mutombo adds, “But, also, OACETT is an exceptional organization to belong to. They make everyone feel welcome, and you also have access to tremendous people to learn from and gain career guidance.”
If all goes well, OACETT’s guidance and support from industry will eventually lead Mutombo back to road construction. He says, “I want to be a project manager. Once I’ve fulfilled all my obligations under Canada’s immigration system, that’s what I want to do. There will be challenges, but with the things I’ve learned from people in engineering technology, anything is possible.”
Mutombo adds, “I am grateful for everyone I’ve met here. Everyone is so welcoming and accommodating. You’re even writing an article on me. I can’t ask for anything more in a country like Canada.”
Rakesh and Parul Kantaria: A valuable addition to Canadian engineering technology
Amid recent controversy surrounding foreign workers and students, it can’t be emphasized enough how immigrants play a vital role in Canada’s engineering-technology sector. Perhaps fewer people embody this sentiment than Dr. Rakesh Kantaria, C.E.T., and his wife, Parul Kantaria, C.E.T.
The two met while attending college in India. A couple of years later, in 2002, they got married. About a decade later, in 2011, they decided to come to Canada. Rakesh explains: “Well, we’re both hard-working and ambitious, and we also wanted to explore the world.”
“So, we came to Canada on a trial basis and wanted to see what we could accomplish here. We both got teaching jobs in a pretty short period, we decided to stay, and the rest is history.”
The challenges of integration
However, the experience wasn’t that simple and serves as a template for what many immigrants in engineering technology experience when they first get here. Rakesh says, “In India, you teach, and the students listen. Here, in Canada, it’s a bit more complicated.”
Rakesh is referring to the soft skills needed to interact with others in Canadian engineering technology. He says, “There is a very diverse culture here. You need to learn how to communicate with everyone. I took courses. I had mentors. It all taught me to interact better with people in the field.”
In fact, the Kantarias cite their own challenges in adapting to Canadian culture when dealing with their current students. Rakesh is a professor specializing in robotics at Seneca College in Toronto. Parul is a professor at Sheridan College in Brampton, specializing in information technology. They both teach many students from overseas.
Parul says, “For example, some of my students don’t know how to send a proper email. They can be very to the point and maybe even come across as rude in this culture. So, I use my background to help these students understand how to interact with others in the field properly.”
Advanced technical skills
However, once the challenge of developing these soft skills is overcome, the Kantarias point to why students and workers from overseas are so vital to
Canada’s engineering-technology sector. Parul says, “The fact is that they possess technical proficiency that’s hard to match anywhere, even in Canada.”
Rakesh explains why this is the case. He says, “First, in some countries, such as where we’re from in India, you’re not expected to work 40 hours a week, like here. You’re expected to work many more hours per week. So, the work ethic is excellent.”
“Second, students and workers overseas have fewer resources than here in Canada, so they must be more creative. They must find solutions while working with less.”
“Finally, in many of these cultures overseas, you simply must find the right answers. You’re expected to do it. No excuses. And I believe these factors lead immigrants to add technical value to Canada’s engineering technology field.”
The role of OACETT
The Kantarias believe that OACETT is on the cutting edge of integrating immigrants into engineering technology. Rakesh recently received OACETT’s Outstanding Educator Award, but that’s not the only positive thing he has to say about the organization.
He says, “Many organizations try to champion immigrants here in Canada. But few do it like OACETT does. They truly make us feel welcome here.”
Parul agrees wholeheartedly. She says, “Yes, OACETT is a wonderful platform for people to learn from each other. Foreign students and workers can meet others, receive feedback, and even learn some soft skills vital to achieving in Canadian engineering technology.”
Asked how they’ve helped one another in the field, Rakesh says, “Well, it definitely helps that we’re both in engineering technology. But it also helps that we’re in different fields. Sometimes, I need help with information technology, and Parul is right there for me.”
Parul echoes the sentiment. She says, “Engineering technology is such a vast and diverse field, both technically and culturally. Rakesh and I helped each other adapt to a wonderful life here in Canada, and I truly believe Canada can only benefit from integrating terrifically skilled technologists to live and work here, too.”
KITCHENER-WATERLOO MULTICULTURAL CENTRE: A guiding light for newcomers navigating life in Canada
I
mmigrating to a new country is challenging from so many angles—language proficiency, foreign credential recognition, finding employment, building a professional network, and cultural adaptation in the workplace, to name a few. Thanks to organizations like the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre, newcomers get the support and resources they need to adjust to life in Canada and build a toolkit of skills and knowledge necessary to secure meaningful employment that acknowledges the experience and education they gained in their homeland.
The Ontario Technologist magazine recently interviewed Dave Thomas, the industry liaison manager and manager of Waterloo Region connectors at the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre, about how they help newcomers navigate the transition to Canadian life and employment in a new country. Here is what he had to say.
Q: Tell us about the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre.
A: The Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre (KWMC) was established in 1967 to foster diversity in the Kitchener-Waterloo community and facilitate the full participation of everyone living in both cities. The Centre is funded primarily by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to support and assist newcomers in the Waterloo Region and beyond. They help newcomers settle into the Waterloo Region, obtain pre-employment services that prepare them for the Canadian job
Hemam Panduia from Polycultural Immigrant and Community services (left) and Cyril Ayebore from Toronto District School Board (right below) talk with internationally educated professionals at OACETT’s Career Event for IEPs on October 10.
market (job search, resumes, interview preparation and networking), access interpretation and translation services and give referrals to partnering agencies. KWMC also hosts one of the biggest multicultural festivals in Canada every year.
Q: What challenges do internationally educated professionals (IEPs) face when it comes to kickstarting their career in Canada?
A: Internationally educated professionals often face numerous challenges in Canada when they seek employment in their fields. Usually, their credentials are not recognized. Even when their education is assessed as equivalent to a Canadian program, employers may only partially appreciate the value of the education and training that IEPs can bring to their company. Plus, there are often Canadian licensing requirements or a preference for Canadian certifications, which newcomers may not have.
Even if employers do not formally require Canadian experience, it may be difficult for IEPs to market their international experience. Newcomers may also face unconscious biases and systemic discrimination in the hiring process.
Also, IEPs often need a local support system and may need to start from scratch to make connections, establish relationships and build networks. Local professionals usually have a better start in this regard.
Q: How does your Pre-Employment Program (PEP) help Canadian newcomers enter the workforce and obtain good employment in their field?
A: Alongside employment services for individuals with low levels of English, KWMC offers a Pre-Employment Program (PEP) designed to help newcomers integrate into the Canadian job market. PEP features various workshops and seminars tailored to the IEPs’ needs. The sessions cover
job search strategies, understanding Canadian recruitment practices and labour market information, interview preparation and networking. Participants receive personalized assistance with crafting effective resumes and cover letters and participate in workshops to build their confidence and improve their interview skills.
The program offers ongoing job-search support, including access to job postings, job fairs, and other employment resources and referrals to other agencies as appropriate. KWMC also organizes an annual Global Skills Conference, which is designed to support IEPs in their job search and career development.
Q: Tell us about your WR Connectors Program and how it assists newcomers, especially those with an engineering technology background.
A: We know from experience that networking is essential for career success in Canada. However, we also know that starting on this path can be extra challenging for newcomers. Waterloo Region Connectors, or WR Connectors, offers a way for IEPs to start their Canadian networking journey.
WR Connectors connects IEPs (referred to as “Connectees”) with established local professionals (“Connectors”) in their field. These one-on-one meetings provide valuable insights into the industry and help build professional relationships. Connectees are matched with Connectors based on their professional background and career goals. This ensures that the networking experience is relevant and beneficial for both parties. The Connectors offer advice on job search strategies, industry trends, and professional development. They also introduce other professionals from their network, further expanding opportunities for Connectees.
Q: What is the critical role volunteers play in helping you support the career journey and settlement needs of IEPs?
A: The success of programs like WR Connectors really hinges on the work and commitment of our volunteer Connectors. They share their time, knowledge, expertise and connections to help IEPs build and establish their own networks.
Q: Are you currently looking for volunteers to assist with any of your programs?
A: We are always looking for volunteers. Although our needs may vary from time to time, we are always open to talking with individuals about how they can contribute their skills and time.
Q: How can OACETT help your clients gain experience or learn about their preferred career choice?
A: We really appreciate our relationship with OACETT. With so much specialized knowledge and expertise under one roof, our clients can get help with credential recognition, preparation for the professional practice exam, career development resources, access to mentorship, networking and more. It builds on the work we do with our clients.
How to create a compelling and memorable
ELEVATOR PITCH
BY LYNNE WILLIAMS
Did you know you need different elevator pitches for various situations, as one size does not fit all? You need to know your audience to ensure relevance and tailor your pitch to address their potential pain points and needs. What will resonate with the listener? More importantly, how will you differentiate yourself and be memorable? How will you impact their interest, so they engage with questions and want to learn more?
You only get one chance to make a first impression, so be memorable!
What is an elevator pitch?
An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that you can use to spark interest in what you or your organization does for use in professional and personal situations.
‘Brief’ means a succinct summary when introducing yourself or promoting your product or service. Don’t share your life history. The elevator pitch originated from the idea that it should be concise enough to present during a ride on an elevator, which is probably between 30 seconds and two minutes. You will highlight key points about yourself in a very short timeframe.
The anatomy of an effective elevator pitch
Consider the five Cs for your elevator pitch preparation - clarity, concise, compelling, career success, and a call to action. Your career success might be your value proposition, unique selling proposition, or personal branding statement. Incorporating these five components,
however, may depend on the audience and your objective.
Your pitch at a social event will differ from that of a business event or if you are a job seeker.
Elevator pitches for internationally educated professionals
As an internationally educated professional in Canada, you have a background of unique experiences from different countries, and cultures and norms may differ. Assimilating and adapting to Canadian cultural norms and professional expectations may be a learning process.
You must translate your international experience to a Canadian audience and tailor your elevator pitches to bridge gaps. Be an active listener and learner so you understand Canadian workplace culture with communication styles, professionalism, and networking etiquette. It’s acceptable to ask your colleagues questions. They may be flattered, you considered them to be a mentor.
Framing your experiences
You may have to research the best way to frame your international qualifications, certifications, and experience in a way that resonates with Canadians as an internationally educated professional.
Learn the equivalent degrees and certifications so you don’t get caught up with “brain waste” noted in the “Navigating the Job Market as an Immigrant Professional in the U.S.” article on the Great Careers Network website; this same concept could apply to immigrant professionals in Canada and elsewhere.
If applicable, share that you are en-
gaging in continuous learning, such as obtaining Canadian certifications, and are participating in local networking groups. This commitment to ongoing education and networking will enhance your skills and make your elevator pitch more compelling.
Handshake etiquette
When greeting people hello or farewell, no matter their gender, you must also know how to deliver a proper firm handshake with your right hand, make eye contact, and smile. Both parties stand up with good posture for good etiquette. Note that a firm handshake does not mean a “death grip.” Partial handshakes that are wimpy or akin to a ‘limp fish’ are also not the norm. Ask locals to practice with you.
Nametag placement for inperson events
Men have pockets on the left side of their suits. However, there is a better placement for a name badge or name tag for men and women. Since we each clasp our right hands in a handshake, wear your name badge on the right side. Why, you ask? As we shake hands, our eyes tend to steer toward the arm extension so we can focus on the person’s name tag.
Other tips for in-person events
When you see two people engaging in a conversation, they get to know each other more deeply after their elevator pitch, and you should leave them be. If you see someone alone at an event, be
a good “wingwoman” or “wingman” and engage in conversation. They may be shy and may be an introvert. Don’t hesitate to join the party if you see a group of three or more people. Being proactive in your networking can open up new opportunities and connections.
Elevator pitches for different scenarios
Even as a job seeker, you must prepare different pitches. You may be with others in a job search at a job club meetup or participate in a networking event or career fair. Perhaps you are engaging in a recruiter conversation or have an unexpected encounter.
You might even consider the standard opening interview question of “Tell me about yourself” as a type of elevator pitch. Ensure you highlight your skills and experiences to the job or industry, depending on the situation. Convey your professional qualifications and cultural fit, highlighting how your global experiences and business acumen can be an asset. Innovation happens from diverse teams.
Elevator pitches for entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs must intrigue potential investors, partners, or clients in casual or formal settings. Perfect your pitch to showcase your business’s value proposition succinctly. Highlight your global perspective and the diverse market insights you bring.
Elevator pitches for career advancement
As an employee, you must tailor your pitch when meeting people of all levels and ages. Prepare pitches for internal meetings, professional conferences, mentoring sessions, and engagements with external stakeholders. Depending on the circumstances, focus on your achievements and aspirations and how they align with your current career goals. As appropriate, communicate how your global experiences align with the organizational goals in a multicultural work environment.
Elevator
pitches in social settings
Adjust your content and tone when in informal vs. formal environments. Be friendly but memorable without being too salesy.
Adapt your pitch for virtual interactions
When delivering your elevator pitch in a virtual meeting, make sure you have it memorized so you can look directly into the camera and people can make eye contact with you. Your words must flow naturally, which will only happen if you practice them. Convey your confidence and professionalism while adjusting to cross-cultural communication styles. Additionally, consider the unique aspects of virtual communication, such as the potential for technical issues or the need to maintain engagement without physical cues, and adapt your pitch accordingly.
Format ideas for memorable elevator pitches
If you need ideas on the different formats for your elevator pitch, read “Perfecting your elevator pitch” (https:// greatcareers.org/tips-on-how-to-perfect-your-elevator-pitch/). Making your pitch short and adding a vivid image can help make it memorable.
For example, I say, “I guide you to your keywords to beat the bots.” Hopefully, you will want me to clarify what that means. I would then add that I write resumes and LinkedIn profiles and pack them with keywords, especially for online applications where companies have Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). The bot, or robot, is the vivid image.
You could use ChatGPT or other AI platforms to help generate some ideas, but make sure you run your pitches by friends and colleagues to ensure the vivid image, symbolism, or metaphor you want to use is appropriate. It will help you distinguish yourself from others like you. The goal is to stand out, make an impression, and be memorable.
Could your elevator pitch align with your LinkedIn headline?
If you are trying to build a personal brand, your career documents, LinkedIn, and elevator pitch should align so you are delivering a consistent message to connect with others. Building your brand is about the marathon, not the sprint, so take time and effort to prepare how you want to present yourself.
You must customize your elevator pitch to suit different scenarios and meet your objectives. Consider how star athletes make the national leagues. They practice. Consider how someone earns the first violin seat. They practice. Consider how someone nails the interview. They practice. Practice makes perfect, as they say, to leave a lasting positive impression and keep the doors open for further conversations, so practice your elevator pitch.
Lynne Williams is the executive director of Great Careers Group and is a top LinkedIn expert.
PortsToronto gets futuristic for microplastic cleanup of LOCAL WATERWAYS
Aquatic drone technology proves helpful in making Toronto’s waterfront cleaner, safer and healthier
BY KRISTEN FRISA
Besides collecting debris out of water, WasteShark units monitor water quality through PH and Oxygen levels, detect hydrocarbons, and gather data on pollution levels.
Remember Jaws, a massive killer shark that unleashes chaos on a beach community off Long Island, New York? For decades, Jaws’ (a fictional 1975 blockbuster movie) depiction of sharks attacking humans put fear in humans who work, frolic or swim in the water. But there is good news! There are sharks sliding through the waters of Toronto’s port systems that are strictly friendly and doing good things.
For the past two summers, Ebb and Flow, WasteShark’s semi-autonomous aquatic drones, have patrolled for trash as part of Toronto Port’s twoyear pilot project to clean waterways of plastic materials that can pose risks to animals and human life.
During its first year, the program managed to capture 43 kg of floating debris off the water’s surface in Toronto Harbour, which includes nearly 63,000 pieces of tiny plastic pollution.
Researchers estimate that 10,000 metric tonnes of waste enter the Great Lakes each year, much of it plastic. The problem doesn’t always stem from the careless actions of litterbugs, either. “Floating debris comes from various sources, including overflowing or windblown trash bins at the water’s edge, stormwater runoff and industry,” said Jessica Pellerin, senior manager of communications at PortsToronto. Besides being unsightly, plastic can pose risks to water safety and human and animal health, mainly when the plastic is too small to get caught up in traditional water filtration systems.
What are microplastics?
Microplastics are very small plastic pieces that people can’t see without a microscope. They sometimes come from larger pieces that break down in the water. Other microplastics come from cosmetics and toiletry items like toothpaste or body scrubs and are introduced into the water system when they go down the drain.
The impact microplastics have on human and other animal life is still being discovered. Still, scientists believe it depends mainly on the type and ori-
WasteSharks are designed to cause the least disturbance possible to the environments they enter. They operate quietly, move slowly, and emit zero carbon emissions.
gin of the materials in question. Microplastics ingested through water can accumulate in bodily tissues, impacting feeding, growth, reproduction, and life expectancy. Microplastics have been found in humans in blood, organs, and breast milk. Plastics can leach chemi-
cals like paints and fire retardants into the water or wildlife, which can cause further health implications.
While the Canadian government took steps to reduce microplastics in 2017 by prohibiting the manufacture or sale of toiletries containing micro-
The WasteShark has a front opening that funnels waste into its removable storage basket. Each basket can hold 180 litres of trash.
How the trash trapping programs work
WasteSharks have been compared to the great big Roomba vacuums that work in the water. They are small, battery-powered autonomous surface vessels (ASV) that move around the water, capturing trash through a large front opening and into a removable storage basket. Baskets can each hold as much as 180 litres of trash. WasteSharks can patrol waters autonomously as Roombas do, but a remote operator can also operate them at a distance of up to five kilometres.
“The WasteShark, inspired by the whale shark, can be operated remotely or autonomously, drastically reducing the time and effort required to clean waterways,” said Patrick Baransky, Global Head of Marketing for Ranmarine Technology, creators of WasteShark.
plastics, there remains a significant plastic problem in drinking water supplies. The nonprofit group Alliance for the Great Lakes estimates that 86 per cent of litter collected on Great Lakes beaches is composed either partly or completely of plastic, amounting to more than 22 million pounds of plastic pollution in the Great Lakes each year. Canada is not alone in this struggle— up to 83 per cent of tap water worldwide could contain microplastics.
Once microplastics find their way into water systems, they become difficult to remove. Both physical and chemical solutions have been attempted. Some people have taken the matter into their own hands, boiling and filtering their drinking water at home to prevent contamination. WasteShark is one of the more technologically advanced solutions that is helping to rid waterways of microplastics.
The emergence of new trash trapping programs in Toronto waterways
WasteSharks made their way into Toronto’s waters thanks to a collaboration between the University of Toronto and PortsToronto called the Trash Trapping Program. The program has been using Seabins, another trash collection method, to remove hundreds of thousands of pieces of plastic from the Toronto Harbour since they were put in place in 2019.
“Together, we make a huge impact in our community,” said Dr. Chelsea Rochman, head of operations at the University of Toronto trash team. “We clean the inner harbour. We collect data to inform upstream solutions. We increase waste literacy among the public.” During the summer of 2023, the program added WasteSharks to the roster of litter collectors.
Importantly, WasteSharks were designed to be innocuous to wildlife, travelling quietly and at slow speeds. “The WasteShark remains unobtrusive to wildlife in waterways, as animals and birdlife typically perceive the ASVs as just another vessel on the surface and instinctively swim away,” Baransky said, noting the units are made without any elements that would trap, harm, or disable wildlife. “There have been no reported injuries or fatalities within the first seven years of WasteShark’s operation.”
Through a collaboration between PortsToronto and the University of Toronto trash team, WasteSharks have been used alongside seven Seabins, floating garbage cans that can remove plastic, oils, and other trash from waterways. Seabins are equipped with submersible pumps that suck in, filter, and spit out up to 25,000 litres of water per hour.
WasteSharks excel at catching large pieces of trash, like cups, lids, straws, and water bottles, and they capture a higher volume of waste in a single outing than Seabins catch over an entire season. Seabins capture mostly smaller pieces of plastic, including microplastics.
Each WasteShark has the capacity to gather 500kg of waste from the water’s surface each day, but is designed without any elements that could trap, harm, or disable wildlife.
Seabins use pumps to suck in all kinds of garbage from water, filtering 55,000 liters of water per day.
The WasteSharks and Seabins do more than capture litter. They also track trends in floating debris to develop solutions to prevent it from ending up in the water in the first place.
“The data and key findings we collect are shared to raise awareness and encourage behavioural and policy change that could help reduce and prevent floating debris in Toronto’s harbour,” Pellerin said.
A BC company called HoolaOne is part of the effort to keep plastics out of the water system in the first place by sucking it up out of the soil before it can wash away. HoolaOne was created through a collaboration between 12 mechanical engineering students from the University of Sherbrooke who wanted to rid beaches of litter.
HoolaOne’s products, ranging from industrial-sized super vacuums to mobile backpack solutions, specialize in picking up plastic debris, sifting it out, and returning organic matter to the ground. The company’s first prototype collected 104 kg of plastic from Kami-
lo Beach in Hawaii within a two-week pilot project.
Tackling nanoplastics in waterways
Other solutions tackle the smallest plastic particles, nanoplastics, once they enter water systems. Because of their smaller size (a thousand times smaller than microplastics), nanoplastics can penetrate cell membranes and cause health problems in marine mammals and people.
While some water treatments have proven effective in cleaning up microplastics, nanoplastics are much smaller and have proven impervious to many of these treatments.
Researchers from the University of Waterloo have made some strides in that department, having developed a chemical process to draw nanoplastics out of the water using altered carbon in discarded epoxy products.
University of Waterloo’s chemical engineering professor Tizazu Mekonnen and graduate student Rachel Blanchard
used thermal decomposition to convert epoxy into activated carbon, which was then used to treat water contaminated with nanoplastic. The nanoplastic became trapped in the porous structure of the waste plastic and could then be filtered out of the water. The researchers continue to find ways to apply the cleanup process to other plastics and scale its efficacy for use in municipal wastewater treatment facilities.
Meanwhile, PortsToronto plans to continue its project with Seabin and WasteShark to clean up Toronto’s waterways. “We have committed to continuing to deploy our trash trapping devices in 2025 and looking into additional opportunities to expand our existing program,” Pellerin said.
PortsToronto is also working to source other commercial devices in the future and is forming partnerships with local universities to develop a custom solution for Toronto’s waterways.
Kristen Frisa is a contributor with The Ontario Technologist magazine.
W E B I NA R S
ROAD TO CERTIFICATION
Join OACETT for a webinar on the benefits of becoming a Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.) and Certified Technician (C.Tech.).
WHY ATTEND?
• Learn how OACETT certification can boost your career — higher salary, networking, and marketability.
Existing Members in Municipal Infrastructure Municipal Infrastructure Inspectors
Darni David, C.Tech., rcji, mii
Jordan Pennell, C.E.T., rcca, mii
Darni David, C.Tech., rcji, mii
Municipal Infrastructure Contract Administrators
Christine McLeod, C.Tech., rcca, mica
Roman Melnikov, C.Tech., rcsi, mica
Harpreet Sumra, C.E.T., rcji, mica
Mathew Walden, C.Tech., mica
Sajmir Zesllari, C.E.T., rcca, mica
September 2024
Certified Engineering Technologists
Mohannad Arafeh, C.E.T.
Daniel Berube, C.E.T.
Trevor Clark, C.E.T.
Andrew Difazio, C.E.T.
Karl Franco, C.E.T.
Aju Parapillil Johny, C.E.T.
Ross Keiller, C.E.T.
Ryan McCullough, C.E.T.
Jacob Moore, C.E.T.
Adriano Paradiso, C.E.T.
Alain Patoine, C.E.T.
Nabil Samuel, C.E.T.
Paula Alejandra Sandoval
Beltran, C.E.T.
Jacob Strasser, C.E.T.
Peter Wilgress, C.E.T.
Turhan Yalin, C.E.T.
Certified Technicians
Adnan Abou Alway, C.Tech.
Owen Allan, C.Tech.
Jerwin Bersalona, C.Tech.
Andrew Brown, C.Tech.
Joshua Bunz, C.Tech.
Arshaad Callamazad, C.Tech.
Matthew Cebrynsky, C.Tech.
Ka Chun Cho, C.Tech.
Prithvi Raj Chopra, C.Tech.
Shao Yu Chu, C.Tech.
Laura Code, C.Tech.
Adam D’Agostino, C.Tech.
David Franceschetti, C.Tech.
Jordan Francoeur, C.Tech.
Jeffrey Gajdacs, C.Tech.
Winston Gilman, C.Tech.
Henok Haile, C.Tech.
Stephanie Holtz, C.Tech.
Hasan Inan, C.Tech.
Garren Kilpatrick, C.Tech.
Ekue Kpodar, C.Tech.
Anish Kunwar, C.Tech.
Cadden Martins, C.Tech.
Christopher McDonald, C.Tech.
Joel Munilal, C.Tech.
Devang Pandya, C.Tech.
Dharmik Patel, C.Tech.
Dixit Patel, C.Tech.
Lizette Pinlac, C.Tech.
Brittany Pleskina, C.Tech.
Daniella Richards, C.Tech.
Jonathan Rivera, C.Tech.
Jonathan Rodrigues, C.Tech.
Isaac Shaibu, C.Tech.
Shazleena Shareef, C.Tech.
Ganga Singh, C.Tech.
Corey Smith, C.Tech.
Matthew Terpstra, C.Tech.
Hector Dan Tudayan, C.Tech.
Sajal Varma, C.Tech.
Associate Members
Abhinav Abhinav
Abidemi Adisa
Haseeb Ahmad
Zakariya Al-Doori
Joseph Anthony Alvarez
Sherick Renato Bargas
Neela Bariya
Shuo Cai
Yang Cai
Siratha Chhan
David Dalimonte
Abhijit Das
Mamadou Yaya Diallo
Caylan Edwards
Ahmad El Shantaf
Marcus Flamminio
Derek Franklin
Zihao Fu
Edwein Charles Geonzon
Hossein Gharabehchian
Shira Ghimire
Dejene Gizaw
Ajay Christi Gnanaraj
Jacob Gregoire
Paolo Nino Guillermo
Daniel Gunn
Urvashi Gupta
Bishal Gurung
Alexandra Hallam
Lukas Hart
Thomas Higginson
Steven Horvat
Mohammadamin Hosseinzadeh
Adrian Hudson
Joshua Jabokwoam
Ayush Jain
Aakash Jani
Rehan Javaid, rcsi
Atul Jindal
Neway Kabe
Irandeep Kaur
Pardeep Kumar
Leonardo Miguel Lanto
Adebayo Lawal
Daniel Loberto
William Lumsden
Cola Ly
Apollo Machacon
Kevin Makrevski
Israel Mateu
Jared McCutcheon
Rose Mezzatesta
Rener Jem Miranda
Ajmal Mohammed Rafeek
Dennis Morgan
Beth Nguru
Bolaji Oladehinde
Claudio Orfao
Chris Oswin
Geofrey Owora
Shane Panday
Bhavy Patel
Darshan Patel
Dhruva Patel
Jaykumar Patel
Jesal Patel
Kashish Patel
Moin Patel
Riteshkumar Balvantrai Patel
Yash Patel
Alexander Pellini
Rohan Pokhrel
Helya Rabiei Motmaen
Stephon Rafeek
Hadi Refaei Khaloghlimogh
Sumit Roy
Tito Jr Saliring
Dawson Santagato
Atallah Sattah
Jared Schmidt
Jaydeep Shah
Jibin Shaji John
Shahid Shariff
Rajat Sharma, rcji
Harpal Singh
Jashanpreet Singh
Lovepreet Singh
Maninder Singh
Ranjit Singh
Rupinder Singh
Jay Solanki
Ankit Soni
Joseph St. Amand
Mark Terech
Evan Tonkin
Gianluca Turchiaro
Mercy Umolu
Celestine Uwimana
Nadiya Voynichenko
Thomas Yates
Student Members
Emmanuel Adeniran
Roland Adeosun
Nnamdi Akaeme
Samuel Akinwande
Manuel Aldana
Patrick Ansell
Farhan Arabi
Jad Assaad
Avinash Barve
Brandon Black
Barton Blakely
Christin Boyce
Salomon Briceno
Brandon Bui
Allana Casio
Nolieson Catigan
Emilio Cortes
Michael John Cruz
Kassandra Dang
Efrain Deulofeu
Vicente Jr Eliot
Jared Fletcher
Gilzer Fuellos
Hem Kumar Ghimire
Amirhossein Ghoreshi
Guillermo Gomez Vallejo
Ryan Gooch
Lindsey Hanes
Aazeen Haroon
Idris Hersi
Tyler Holmes
Dylan Huffman
Ma Erika Rose Inalvez
Robert Inksetter
Victor Ip
Nicholas Irvine
Afolabi James
Jesus Jimenez
Dhruvil Joglekar
Albin Mannathalil Joseph
Harsha Kalavampara Jyothis
Saqalain Karim
Navdeep Khadun
James Lawson
Denny LeBlanc
Madison LeMasurier
Yixian Luo
Chu Thandar Lwin
Romulo Magdangal
Fiona Mauriello
Darryl Middlebrook
Bradley Moore
Matthew Moulds
Tabriz Mustafazade
Varvara Nefedova
Mark Nielsen
Onyebuchi Olowu
Aung Aung Oo
Oscar Padron-Janica
Mitul Patel
Mark Anthony Pineda
Andres Pinto
Kristi Pugliese
Emmanuel Rady
Elias Richter
Favio Ruiz Trelles
Hassan Samhat
Mohammed Shammakh
Subham Sharma
Sujan Shrestha
Caleb Simoneau
Armandeep Singh
Gurkaran Singh
Hardeep Singh
Conor Smyth
Mohammad Soltani
Kacem Somai
Guilherme Sousa
Samuel Spence
Aryan Srivastava
Yu hin Sze
Varun Varun
Yulia Velikaya
Vinith Vindula
Evan Weidner
Existing Members in Road Construction
Certified Technicians
Shawn Talbot, C.Tech., rcsi
Matthew Valiquette, C.Tech., rcca
Associate Members
Archana Adhikari, rcji
Tariq Alhayek, rcji
Josh Bareng, rcji
Abhijit Das, rcji
Rehan Javaid, rcsi
Mitesh Kachhadiya, rcji
Muhammad Ayub Khan, rcji
Khushi Khushi, rcji
Rose Mezzatesta, rcji
Muhammad Aftab Nazir, rcji
Alec Nielsen, rcji
Kashish Patel, rcji
Armin Pourhoseini, rcji
Khyati Shah, rcji
Shahid Shariff, rcji
Rajat Sharma, rcji
Gagandeep Sharma, rcji
Manavdeep Singh, rcsi
Cameron Tyance, rcji
Martin Wanyika, rcji
Existing Members in Municipal Infrastructure
Municipal Infrastructure
Inspector
Yamileth Eunice McCarthy, C.E.T., rcji, mii
Municipal Infrastructure Contract Administrators
Diana Betancour, C.E.T., rcca, mica
Brian Sannachan. C.Tech., rcca, mica
In Memoriam
Staff and members of OACETT send their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the following members. They are remembered.
John Giftopoulos, C.E.T.
Jurgen Kirchmann, C.E.T. Charles Parish, C.E.T. James Robinson, C.E.T. Lionel Sullivan, C.E.T.
Volunteer of the Month
Brittany Ford, C.Tech. Georgian Bay Chapter, secretary
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I graduated from Georgian College’s Environmental Technology Program in 2020. I currently work for the City of Barrie’s Water Operations Branch as a compliance coordinator. In this role, I serve as a QMS representative, responsible for verifying compliance and conformance, as well as analyzing trends, best practices, and changes in legislation and regulation related to water operations.
Q: What volunteer roles have you fulfilled?
A: I am currently serving my third term as secretary with the Georgian Bay Chapter. I initially assumed
Richard Cork, C.Tech. Kingston Chapter, chapter
executive
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I’m a graduate of St. Lawrence College’s Electronics Engineering Technician Program – Class of 1999. Since March 2000, I have been employed as a field service technician at Bell Canada –almost 25 years!
Q: When did you join OACETT?
A: I first joined OACETT in early 2005 and became certified in 2012.
Q: When did you begin volunteering and what roles have you fulfilled?
this position as an associate member and found great fulfillment in assisting with administrative tasks to help maintain the chapter.
Q: What volunteer role was the most rewarding? And why?
A: The most rewarding role has been serving Georgian Bay Chapter’s secretary because it allows me to play a vital role in support-
A: I began volunteering for the Kingston Chapter in 2018. Over the years, as a chapter executive member I have organized tours. More recently, I have stepped into the position of chapter secretary.
ing the chapter’s operations and initiatives. I take great satisfaction in helping to facilitate communication among members, helping to organize events, and contributing to the professional growth of our chapter.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being an OACETT volunteer?
A: What I enjoy most about being an OACETT volunteer is the opportunity to contribute to the professional development of my peers and community. Engaging with like-minded individuals, sharing knowledge, and fostering collaboration are incredibly rewarding aspects of the experience.
Q: What is your most significant personal or professional achievement?
A: My most significant professional achievement was
leading a major software transition for our Quality Management System (QMS). I developed a SharePoint site to host our QMS (of over 600 documents) and created userfriendly pages to facilitate staff access to essential tools, documents, and training. Additionally, I digitized processes that were previously conducted on paper, enhancing efficiency and accessibility.
Q: What advice would you give a prospective member and/or volunteer?
A: I invite you to attend one of our events. Each event provides a valuable opportunity to network with like-minded professionals. Also, find mentorship from experienced members to enhance your journey with OACETT and stay informed about upcoming events.
Q: What volunteer role was the most rewarding? And why?
A: My most rewarding volunteer role has been the chapter secretary position. I’m enjoying the extra interaction it provides, as well as gaining some exposure to the corporate side of OACETT.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being an OACETT volunteer?
A: As a volunteer, it gives me the chance to network with other OACETT members beyond my own chapter. I might not have had this experience otherwise.
Q: What is your most significant personal or professional achievement?
A: My most significant professional/ personal achievement is obtaining full-time status at Bell Canada after eight years as a part-time employee. That, and meeting my wife, of course!
Q: What advice would you give a prospective member and/or volunteer?
A: Volunteering to coordinate tours in your chapter is an excellent way to immerse yourself in OACETT activities. And you may make some professional contacts along the way!
Eastern Region
Kingston Chapter
In September, the Kingston Chapter hosted its Kingston Annual Rib & Beer Fest and meeting, welcoming both long-standing and new members. Attendees enjoyed a wide selection of barbecued ribs and chicken. Discussions during the meeting centred on plans for upcoming events and potential tour opportunities.
The chapter also participated in the Kingston Climate Expo (KCE) from October 2 to 20. The informative, engaging event spotlighted various climate change initiatives in Kingston, focusing on strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and giving participants the opportunity to explore methods for reducing their own carbon footprints. As part of KCE, OACETT sponsored a WiSTEM event on October 10.
On November 14, the Kingston Chapter hosted its annual awards dinner at the Greek Town Restaurant, recognizing members celebrating 10, 25, 40, 50, and 60-year anniversaries—an impressive achievement. On December 6, the chapter will gather for the annual Kingston Frontenac’s Hockey Meet and Greet, an exciting event for dedicated Frontenac fans.
The chapter has several upcoming tours, including the Communications Museum Net Zero Tour and a visit to the Kingston Pump House.
Additionally, the chapter congratulates chapter chair Bruce Fudger, C.E.T., on receiving the prestigious Fellow OACETT designation.
Bruce Fudger, C.E.T., Fellow OACETT, Kingston Chapter chair: kingston-chapter@oacett.org.
Renfrew County Chapter
Renfrew County Chapter members participated in a plant tour at the Haley Magellan Aerospace near Cob -
Pictured from (left to right): Andrew Wren, student member, Tyler Anderson, C.E.T., Michael Behm, C.Tech., Justine Loader, C.Tech., Larry McHenry, C.E.T., Shawn Wessel, A.Sc.T., rcji, Dayna Musclow, C.E.T.
den, Ontario. Established in the 1940s to support the Avro Aero Structures program, Haley Magellan Aerospace specializes in providing light alloy magnesium and aluminum alloy castings for aircraft applications. Their customers include GE, Pratt & Whitney, and Lockheed Martin.
The facility is compliant with US military ITAR regulations and AS9100 standards. The casting, machining, and processing components also adhere to NADCAP special process certifications for heat treatment, non-destructive testing (NDT), fluorescent penetrant testing, lab testing for chemical and physical properties, and welding.
This distinctive facility produces multi-cavity castings ranging from 10 inches to ground-based turbine housings exceeding 100 inches. The technical team at Haley Magellan consists of many technicians, tradespeople, and professional engineers.
After the tour, David Terlizzi, direc -
tor of member engagement, services, and government relations at OACETT, presented the OACETT 360 Partnership Program to the Haley Magellan team, and they accepted our offer to become a member.
The Renfrew Chapter also thanked Rob Parsons, technical director, and Yves Rochon, operations director at Haley Magellan, for hosting the tour.
Haley Magellan is hiring many technical team members and hourly workers. The technical fields include plant, metallurgical, environmental, and chemical engineering.
In September, the chapter held a college event at Algonquin College’s Pembroke campus. The event focused on radiation safety and environmental technology programs and encouraged the importance of student membership with OACETT.
Larry McHenry, C.E.T., Renfrew County Chapter chair: renfrew-chapter@ oacett.org.
Toronto Region
Toronto Central Chapter
Toronto Central Chapter (TCC) members with their families and friends attended the chapter’s Valens Lake Conservation Area event on July 27 and 28, where they enjoyed a night of camping and beach activities. On August 11, the Toronto Central and Toronto East chapters held their annual joint picnic at Thomson Memorial Park, fostering community engagement and connection. You’re invited!
Seneca Polytechnic and TCC invite members to the Seneca School of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering Technology (SEMET) Capstone Showcase, scheduled for December 11 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This event will highlight the innovative projects and achievements of graduating students. Have an idea for event, outreach or learning opportunity? Email: torontocentral-chapter@oacett.org. Members are also invited to consider volunteering and shadowing the TCC executives, providing an opportunity to develop new skills and talents that could complement their engineering expertise.
Shalevia Briscoe, C.Tech., Toronto Central Chapter chair: torontocentralchapter@oacett.org.
Western Region
Grand Valley Chapter
The Grand Valley Chapter took a welldeserved break from regular meetings over the summer. The chapter brought on the fun in August with a family swimming event at Kiwanis Park. Thank you to Julia Evers for organizing the event and all who attended. You created a memorable experience. Throughout the fall, the chapter participated in events at local schools to raise awareness of OACETT. They want to see local members at the Kitchener
Rangers hockey game in early 2025. For more information, email grandvalleychapter@oacett.org.
Mike Luyckx, C.E.T., Grand Valley Chapter chair: grandvalley-chapter@ oacett.org.
Horseshoe Region
Peel Chapter
Anil Kolassery, C.E.T. (second from left) thanks Wayne Fisher (third) from The Ontario Steam Heritage Museum. Also pictured are William Stewart, C.E.T. (left), Adam Martin, C.E.T. (second from right) and Scott Martin, C.Tech.
The Ontario Steam Heritage Museum (OSHM), located in Puslinch, Ont., hosted 64 members from the Horseshoe Region and their families on July 13. Wayne Fisher provided a guided
tour of the museum, which started with a mile-long ride on a people mover pulled by Sawyer Massey, a steam traction engine built in 1919 and reconditioned in 2002.
Later, Fisher gave a presentation on traction engine technology and how it is utilized in modern vehicles.
The museum consists of a large building with three bays. One bay contains steam and traction engines steamed up and operated at the museum, along with a collection of steam whistles, gauges and tools. Another bay consists of the restoration area, with engines being serviced and rebuilt along with steam locomotives, ore cars, educators, and other artifacts, such as injectors and lubricators, active steam engines, and road traction engines. The third bay consists of stationary steam engines, the Eaton’s distribution panel, and a steam generator set and miscellaneous machinery.
OSHM received OACETT’s Outstanding Technical Achievements Award in 2018.
Thank you to Rasheed Khan, A.Sc.T., Adam Martin, C.E.T., Vinayak Patel, C.E.T., rcca, William Stewart, C.E.T. and Eajaz Zaheer, C.E.T., for their support in coordinating this event.
Pictured are OACETT member Mark LaFleche (far left) and Juveliza Purisima, C.Tech. (far right) and their families at the Valens Lake event.
The Hamilton Chapter members gathered for a two-hour WIT walk along the Bruce Trail in Hamilton’s west end.
Hamilton Chapter
OACETT member Jimisen Padiyath organized a walk along the Chedoke Rail Trail and the Bruce Trail as part of the Hamilton Chapter’s Women in Technology (WIT) activities.
Three members of the Bruce Trail Conservancy expertly guided the walk: Anne Armstrong and Janina Vanderpost, both hike leaders, and Shimeem Al-Ayash, outreach assistant. Before the hike began, Armstrong provided relevant safety guidelines. Al-Ayash shared the historical significance of the Chedoke Rail Trail, explaining that it was initially an interurban
Central Region
Georgian Bay Chapter
The Georgian Bay and PEO Simcoe Muskoka chapters’ Annual Golf Tournament was held on September 19 at Tangle Creek Golf Club in Barrie. The tournament brought technicians, technologists, engineers, and friends together to build camaraderie and community spirit.
In addition to golfing, the event featured a dinner and raffle prizes, which added to the festive atmosphere. The tournament’s proceeds will benefit students at Georgian College, reinforcing the chapter’s commitment to giving back.
radial railway connecting Ancaster and Brantford, which ceased operations in the 1930s.
During the walk, Armstrong highlighted local foliage, pointed out various waterfalls—the Hamilton area boasts approximately 148—and paused at scenic spots to appreciate the views of the landscape and the City of Hamilton. She also demonstrated how to identify poison ivy, distinguishing it from other three-leafed plants.
The group followed the main Bruce Trail, marked by white blazes, before branching off onto a side trail indicated by blue blazes. As they ascended the
escarpment, participants admired the foliage and panoramic views of the city, eventually reaching the Chedoke stairs and descending back to the starting point.
At the end of the walk, each participant was presented with a Bruce Trail badge reading “My first hike on the Bruce Trail” as a memento of the experience.
Thank you, Padiyath, for organizing this wonderful event.
Mark Jakubowski, A.Sc.T., Hamilton Chapter chair: hamilton-chapter@ oacett.org.
Andrew Monkman, C.E.T., Fellow OACETT, Georgian Bay Chapter chair: georgianbay-chapter@oacett.org.
York Chapter
The York Chapter executives and members met at Stouffville Memory Park in August for a memorable picnic. Members enjoyed playing a miniengineering game during the event to refresh their engineering knowledge. The chapter has an upcoming bowling night and networking dinner before year-end. Join us!
York Chapter members and families at the chapter’s annual picnic in Stouffville Memory Park on August 29.
Phelia Kung, C.E.T., York Chapter chair: york-chapter@oacett.org.
