The Canadian Engineering Qualifications Board (CEQB) recently posted two openings for members-at-large. These roles represent an opportunity to make lasting contributions to Canadian engineering, while collaborating with accomplished professionals from across the country.
The Canadian Engineering Qualifications Board (CEQB) recently posted two openings for members-at-large. These roles represent an opportunity to make lasting contributions to Canadian engineering, while collaborating with accomplished professionals from across the country.
The CEQB provides services and tools that enable the assessment of engineering qualifications, foster excellence in engineering practice and regulation, and facilitate mobility of practitioners within Canada. Recent projects have included an Engineers Canada paper on environmental engineering, a soon-to-be released Public Guideline on Risk Management, online information about engineer-in-training programs, and a regulator guideline on the use of engineering syllabi.
According to Mahmoud Mahmoud, CEQB Chair, one of the biggest benefits of being on the CEQB is the experience of collaborating with very diverse?leaders from across Canada’s ten provinces and three territories.
“We have the opportunity to provide leadership in developing national guidelines and Engineers Canada papers for the benefit of the profession,” says Mahmoud.
“It is an opportunity to take a national, rather than regional, perspective on key issues.”
Because of this need, the CEQB is looking for members who represent Canada’s diverse make-up and who have expertise with regard to its upcoming work. In 2021, the CEQB will be focused on creating a guideline on Indigenous consultation and engagement in engineering projects, a guideline on gender equity in engineering workplaces, and a national feasibility study to identify alternative academic assessments for non-CEAB applicants. The CEQB will also continue its work on revising and developing discipline-specific examination syllabi, which are a critical tool used by engineering regulators in assessing non-Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board applicants.
Taken on the whole, this work will contribute long-term to the overall quality of Canada’s engineering profession.
“I joined because I wanted to give back to the profession,” notes Frank George, CEQB Vice-chair. During George’s time on the CEQB, he’s worked on multiple projects including the forthcoming Guideline on Risk Management.
“It keeps me more active, engaged, involved with peers, and working on projects that are hopefully making things better,” says George.
During his time on the CEQB, he’s enjoyed networking with others from across the country. National collaboration is guaranteed by the mandated structure of the CEQB. In addition to members-at-large, who can come from anywhere in Canada, there are six spots that are reserved for regional representatives. This structure is meant to ensure both a diverse make-up and a collective national perspective on issues.
“We want members with strong listening and facilitation skills,” notes Mahmoud, adding that the CEQB needs “team players working in?the?best interests of?the profession.”
George likewise notes that a “passion for the profession” and a proven ability to collaborate are critical to the success of CEQB’s members.
On a personal note, both Mahmoud and George agree that the benefits of volunteering with the CEQB go well beyond the group’s specific work.
“Volunteering isn’t just about giving,” says George, “you get a lot too. I’ve enjoyed the interaction with my colleagues and learning from them,?so it’s a two-way street.”
In Mahmoud’s words, “I’ve enjoyed gaining insights into how?diverse the people of Canada are, even?though we all have the commonality of being in the?engineering profession.”
The postings for members-at-large close on January 8, 2020. To apply, send a CV to Ryan Melsom, CEQB Secretary, at ryan.melsom@engineerscanada.ca. Likewise, if you have any questions or would like to learn more about the CEQB’s work, please contact Ryan.
