Working towards Accreditation

Posted on January 31, 2012 by BSD Solutions

Working towards Accreditation – National Accreditation – CCTC – Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB) – Benefits

National accreditation is conferred to higher education organizations provided they meet rigorous curriculum and programmatic standards set by the accrediting agency.
Agencies that undergo the accreditation process include postsecondary organizations such as private and public colleges, universities, and career and technical training
schools.

National accreditation is conducted by a third party entity, entirely separate from the educational institution. Organizations undergo the highly rigorous and intrusive
accreditation process periodically in order to keep their accreditation up to date. The process of includes curriculum review, interviews, data mining, and research done over a period of days and weeks.

Students interested in studying applied science and engineering technology should ensure that the program they matriculate to is fully accredited. While most schools are
accredited, it is not a requirement. Students that attend a program or school not fully accredited may end up earning a degree that is not valid.

Accreditation has many benefits for students and prospective employers. It ensures that the coursework meets a national standard in terms of content so that the student will have enough knowledge and skill to be competent on the job.

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Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Posted on January 25, 2012 by BSD Solutions

Electrical and electronics technologists and technicians provide technical expertise and support services in the form of design, testing, operation and development
of electronic systems and equipment. These highly technical professionals work across various sectors including government, manufacturing, transportation, IT, and
telecommunications.

Technologists and technicians typically matriculate to postsecondary institutions to receive specific training. Most programs confer two-year degrees upon completion.
Programs vary slightly in rigor and scope. Common subject matter taught in courses includes:

Electrical codes and safety
Instrumentation
Computer systems
Quality control and testing
Electrical design

Individuals considering pursuing a career as an electrical/electronic technologist or technician should possess a natural aptitude for mathematics and science. They should
also enjoy analytical processes and problem solving.

Technologists and technicians typically work in an office environment, but also spend time out in the field in production facilities and plants. The job can be very hazardous due to exposure to electrical hazards. They commonly work normal office hours, but may work more during peak times or emergency situations.

Salaries vary greatly by region, years of experience, education and employer. Most employers require graduation from a accredited postsecondary training program
in engineering technology or a related field as well as certification by a provincial association. Many technicians start out working under the supervision of a technologist
before moving on to higher positions such as technologists and project managers.

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Who is BSD and What Do They Do?

Posted on January 23, 2012 by BSD Solutions

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Foreign Trained Architectural and Building Technicians and Technologists

Posted on January 18, 2012 by BSD Solutions

Canada does not regulate technician and technologist careers, but it is common practice by industry employers to require or prefer architectural and building technicians
to be certified. Full membership in a provincial association is required for foreign and domestically trained personnel to work under the following titles:

  • Certified Engineering Technologist
  • Applied Science Technologist
  • Professional Technologist
  • Certified Technician

This requirement can serve as a barrier to employment for foreign trained architecture and building technicians and technologists, but there is recourse for foreign trained
personnel to become certified.

The Canadian Technology Accreditation Board is the accrediting body responsible for scrutinizing postsecondary programs in the applied sciences and engineering. The
board is made up of industry professionals that represent various associations and societies related to applied science and engineering careers.

Foreign trained architectural and building technicians need to contact the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) for assistance in verifying and
evaluating their credentials.

The CCTT will assist in the assessment of the likelihood that the foreign trained professional’s training and postsecondary program meets the standards of rigor and
relevance to be accepted fully into a provincial association.

It is important to note that since non-regulated occupations such as those stated above it is ultimately up to the employer’s discretion on deciding if the applicant meets the standards for the job. As mentioned earlier, most employers require as a condition of employment that the professional be an eligible member in a relevant association or society.

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Interested in a career as a Certified Engineering Technologists

Posted on January 6, 2012 by BSD Solutions

Certified Engineering Technologists, also referred to as Applied Science Technicians are specialized engineering professionals that undergo rigorous training in applied sciences, mathematics, and engineering in order to solve problems, create systems, produce products, and improve designs across various sectors of the economy.

Certified Engineering Technologists (CETs)/Applied Science Technicians (ASTs) engage in complex work within specialty fields. Most CETs and ASTs must be certified in their area of specialization. Common areas of specialization include:

· Design
· Research & Development (R&D)
· Procurement
· Quality Control
· Process Improvement
· Operations
CETs and ASTs can find career opportunities in a variety of industries. While their training is specialized; their skills apply in industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, government, manufacturing, business, engineering, and information technology.

Core Job Functions

ASTs and CETs typically have a comprehensive knowledge base of the sector they work within. This allows them to correctly apply math, engineering, and scientific principles to the phases of a project they are responsible for. Some ASTs and CETs serve in a project management/consultative role, while others work more in the trenches performing specific functions. Some typical job duties include:

· Designing equipment
· Drafting technical documents and drawings
· Developing prototypes of systems or products
· Analyzing data
· Trouble shooting equipment
· Project management
· Training personnel

Certification

ASTs and CETs can apply for industry certification provided they have at least two years of applicable industry experience and meet specific academic benchmarks. Upon successful completion, the individual may register as a Certified Engineering Technician or Certified Applied Science Technician.

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What is a Certified Engineering/Applied Science Technologist?

Posted on December 23, 2011 by BSD Solutions

Certified engineering/applied science technologists are highly trained professionals that test, design, analyze, and problem-solve using an integrated toolkit of applied science and engineering skills. These technologists work across the spectrum of the economy from government, education, manufacturing, and telecom. Some common job functions of Certified Engineer Technologists and Applied Science Technologists include:

· Designing systems and equipment
· Preparing and interpreting technical documents and drawings
· Developing and beta-testing prototypes of systems or products

Career Preparation

A Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) or Applied Science Technologist (AST) undergo rigorous specialized academic training in order to learn how to apply engineering, applied science, and mathematical principles to the work environment. Individuals interested in becoming a CET or AST should have a propensity for technical material such as mathematics and science.

Academic courses preparing students for these two careers typically include:

· Differential equations
· Linear algebra
· Trigonometry
· Statistics
· Analytical geometry
Such high level mathematics requires sound mathematical fundamentals by the incoming student. Along with math courses, students undergo robust engineering and applied science academic training. Students learn in a lecture based environment augmented by real-world laboratory training.

Path to Certification

Those interested in pursuing a career as an AST or CET have three options:

· Graduate from an accredited CET or AST program
· Successfully passes certification exams of a provincial association
· Meet or exceed the academic standards enforced by the certifying organization

It should be noted that certification through any of these career paths can only be achieved provided the individual has two years of relevant experience. Upon successful completion of certification requirements, the CET or AST may register as a Certified Engineering Technologist or Certified Applied Technician.

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Systems Integration Engineer Role and Responsibility

Posted on November 25, 2011 by BSD Solutions

Systems integration engineers are responsible for the design, implementation, and integration of building systems solutions in a wide variety of industries. This highly technical and hands-on position requires the incumbent to work in a team and individual work setting contributing to all aspects of system integration including design, needs analysis, design review, testing, implementation, and validation. Systems integration engineers should be self-starters and have the ability to work independently with little supervision.

Essential Duties and Areas of Responsibility

  • Gather and analyze data to establish system requirements
  • Develop work plans and estimates as they relate to systems integration work tasks and team members
  • Research, evaluate, and recommend systems/equipment/technologies based upon client needs
  • Draft technical instructions, engineering plans, technical designs, and other systems integration related documents
  • Interface with various team members such as management, administration, legal, and support staff on a regular basis
  • Develop and conduct testing plans and procedures based upon system recommendations
  • Provide client with post-installation and integration support

Systems integration engineering positions are highly technical in nature. The successful candidate typically possesses a bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, computer engineering, or computer science.

The position requires the individual to possess:

  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to solve complex problems
  • Work as a member of a team
  • Ability to meet tight deadlines
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Ability to decipher highly technical data
  • Ability to multi-task in an ever-changing work environment
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Instrumentation Engineering Technologists

Posted on November 18, 2011 by BSD Solutions

Description

Instrumentation Engineering Technologists work with complex control and measurement systems.  They calibrate, measure, troubleshoot, install, and these systems across several automated process control systems within an industrial setting.

Several industries are incorporating automated industrial processes to improve output, efficiency, and safety. Instrumentation engineering technologists learn how to oversee these systems in order to keep them in operation at all times.

There are several employment opportunities as an instrumentation engineering technician because of the increased focus on process automation. Instrumentation techs are often employed in the electrical power, nuclear, car manufacturing, pulp and paper, wastewater treatment, pharmaceuticals, and natural gas industries (among many others).

The work is highly technical and hands-on in nature. Instrumentation engineering technologists may be employed in different aspects of system automation including design, construction, and maintenance. Those who primarily conduct design tasks typically work in an office environment. Maintenance and construction instrumentation engineering technologists often work outdoors at construction sites and processing plants.

Workers must be very safety conscience as the work is inherently hazardous. Engineering technologists typically receive safety and occupational hazard training based upon the specific industry of employment. Workers typically are required to wear protective equipment such as safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, and boots.

Education

Postsecondary education training programs vary from 1-2 years in length, and culminate in an associate’s degree, certificate or diploma. Programs may contain an externship component where students gain real world experience. Courses may include:

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electricity
  • Instrumentation
  • Process Control
  • Hydraulics

Instrumentation Engineering Technology programs are generally offered at community colleges, technical schools, and trade centers.

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Not Just Engineering…

Posted on November 11, 2011 by BSD Solutions

Building systems design and automated systems integration is not just about engineering. The industry offers many careers in sales, human resources, project management, administration, and engineering.

People who are seeking challenging and cutting edge careers with advancement potential in a dynamic industry may want to consider the following positions:

Project Manager

Project managers within the building systems design and systems automation industry are responsible for overseeing the successful design, implementation, and installation of building system solutions within a variety of industries. Project manager duties include planning, budgeting, managing, and scheduling.

Project Engineer

Project engineers work on the design and functionality of automated building systems designed to provide solutions to the client. Their main goals are to create an excellent product that meets or exceeds the clients’ standards while staying within the allocated budget and timeline.

Project Administrator

Project administrators are involved in virtually every aspect of a project. The administrator engages in customer service, contracts, billing, budgeting, and contracts. The work environment is fast-paced and challenging.

Human Resources

Human resources professionals develop workplace and organizational policies, recruit potential employees, address worker concerns, track employee concerns, and oversee employee benefits programs. All of these functions work toward the goal of maximizing the organization’s goal of achieving the highest possible return on investment from the workforce.

Finance

Finance professionals within the building systems design industry are responsible for managing organizational resources in line with the overall monetary goals of the organization. Finance professionals engage in accounting, financial planning, account management, fiscal allocation, and cash flow analysis.

Sales

Sales professionals (account executives) are responsible for increasing market share through client acquisition. They are also required to service existing clients through proper relationship management. Sales professionals are often given specific geographical territories to oversee.

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Building Control Technician

Posted on November 4, 2011 by BSD Solutions

Description

Building control technicians work on large-scale equipment and systems often found in industrial and manufacturing facilities. Their main duties include repairing, maintaining, and installing systems involving HVAC, security, fire, and manufacturing processes.

Knowledge of HVAC functions is extremely important although building control technicians should have a diverse skill set in various building control systems. Much of their duties include setting and monitoring building controls that regulate temperature, airflow, and humidity.

Building control technicians are employed in a variety of industries including manufacturing, government, nuclear, education, construction, small business, automotive, airline, and private industry.

The work is very detailed and technical in nature. Safety is a major component of the job. Workers often wear personal protective gear such as high visibility vests, hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, and boots. Workers within the hazmat and nuclear industries are required to wear highly sophisticated safety equipment such as breathing equipment and radiation sensors.

The work environment changes frequently depending on the status of the systems being overseen. Control techs must be able to respond quickly when systems fail or go offline. They must be able to accurately diagnose electrical and mechanical problems then provide plausible solutions to get the system functioning.

Education

Postsecondary vocational training is quite common. Training is typically a combination of hands-on and classroom learning. Some programs include an externship component requiring the student to show mastery of skills working under the supervision of an existing building control technician.

Most programs require no experience in order to matriculate. Students should possess an ability to work with their hands and be able to process technical/mathematical information.

Programs generally culminate in an associate’s degree, certificate, or diploma. The average program takes between 1-2 years.

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