INDUSTRY NETWORKING SESSION with
ASET
(The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professions of Alberta)

Date: Thursday, March 23, 2006
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Mr. Perry Nelson, R.E.T., R.P.T. (Eng.) (Registrar) presented the process, requirements, and benefits of becoming a member of ASET. ASET is a self-governing Association that certifies technicians and technologists. ASET members are certified to the Canadian Technology Standards and adhere to the ASET Code of Ethics. ASET gives professional credentials to technicians and technologists based on their education and experience.

Why join ASET and how does it increase my employability?

ASET credentials are well known in many industries. Many employers respect ASET credentials and often require or prefer an individual to hold an ASET credential as it indicates national standards and training have been met. A technical professional is sought out by employers due to the combination of theoretical and practical skills that are acquired during training. ASET gives credentials to technical professionals and monitors activities ensuring that the code of ethics is met.

What sets ASET apart?

ASET is made up of 16,000 volunteer members and is diligent in keeping educational standards high. ASET has national affiliation with other provinces and therefore, allows certified technicians and technologists to transfer without losing their certified status. There are also international agreements that allow certified members to transfer their credentials to other member countries. ASET promotes technical advancement and participates in the accreditation process whereby a technical program at an educational institution can have its curriculum audited relative to the Canadian Technology Standard.

How does ASET link me with Employers?

ASET has a Canadian Employment Technical Network whereby employers seek qualified individuals knowing that high standards have been met. Members have access to a national job bank, professional development opportunities, and job referrals.

Membership helps you:

� Get the job, because the credentials are recognized in industry.
� Allows easy promotion because it aligns you with the employers vision
� Easier access a US work Visa
� Travel especially to different countries
� Access group insurance plans

What are the requirements to becoming an ASET member?

ASET reviews official transcripts with a panel of examiners that include academics and professionals that have knowledge of the applicant�s field of study. Transcripts must match the Canadian Technology Standard. An individual must have two years of work experience in the field and have been 12 months in Canada with nine months at the technologist level. A resume and professional reference are required as well. The work experience requirement is taken from the reverence�s candid evaluation of the applicant.

If the applicant�s academics do not meet the Canadian Technology Standard a reclassification program (additional courses) will be assigned. ASET will indicate to the applicant where the deficiencies are and suggest courses that will fulfill the requirement. Individuals have the option of becoming an associate member if education is under evaluation and more courses are needed to obtain membership.

What are the requirements for membership for a foreign trained professional?

The first step to have your academics evaluated against the Canadian Technology Standard. If additional courses are required, they will be identified in a reclassification program. The academic evaluation is done after you apply to ASET. The next step is to gain work experience in your field of study. You can be an ASET associate member while you gain the academic and experience requirements. Once the academic and experience requirement is met you can apply to ASET to be a certified member.

What kind of academic institutes are recognized by ASET?

ASET evaluates academics from around the world and compares them to the Canadian Technology Standards. All academics that don�t match the Canadian Technology Standard will require a reclassification program.

How many months will it take to process an application?

Usually three to four months. Furthermore, the registrar must review each and every file before they are processed. We must receive notarized copies of transcripts and contact all the references for each applicant. It may take longer when a translator or interpreter is required.

For further information or to receive an information/application package (contains valuable information regarding occupations and ASET accreditation path) contact ASET.

Email: asetadmin@aset.ab.ca
Website: www.aset.ab.ca
Telephone: 1.800.272.5619 or 780.425.0626
Fax: 780.424.5053