Roundtable on Technology Skills Shortage III

I invite you to join the RTSS III dialogue to frame strategies that will ensure a sustainable supply of engineering and applied science technology professionals.

John Leech, AScT, CAE
Executive Director, ASTTBC

Background Information

Please visit the RTSS II media room to download important information, which includes reports from RTSS II (October 2007) and the Shaping Our Future policy document published in October 2005 as a follow up to ASTTBC's Building Careers in Technology Conference (June 2005).

Technology Education & Careers
Building BC's Technology Skills

The Roundtable on Technology Skills Shortage III (RTSS III) is being hosted by the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC) and partners on Wednesday, October 14th 2009 at the Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue in Vancouver, BC.

The dialogue will continue on meeting the critical shortage of technology workers in British Columbia... we will set the stage with a keynote speaker followed by a panel of leaders from major corporations, small business, industry groups and professional associations, education, government and other sectors.

RTSS III will focus on the solutions and actions required to ensure BC has the needed technology workers well into the future. All participants will be given the opportunity to participate in formulating strategies for the next 3 years.

RTSS III will wrap-up at 12:30 pm followed by two special mini-roundtables and lunch with each session running from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

First Nations Mini-Round & Lunch

In April this year ASTTBC launched the First Nations Careers Council... fncc.asttbc.org ...to enhance awareness of technology education and careers and the application of technology in First Nations communities. During this session we will provide a report on the purpose and goals of FNCC, talk about plans for career awareness initiatives and financial support through bursaries, and invite attendees to help formulate the FNCC work plan for the next couple of years. This session can accommodate 20 participants.

Women in Technology Mini-Round & Lunch

In 2008 ASTTBC launched the BC Women in Technology (bcWiT) program to enhance awareness of the technology education and careers for women and girls. The first initiative was a survey of ASTTBC's 900+ female members. The results are posted on our web site... www.asttbc.com/careers/wit/witsurvey.php
During this session we will advise of the progress to date, outline plans for the future and ask participants to help with their ideas and suggestions as to our path going forward in each of the following three areas: choosing a career in technology, preparing to enter the workforce and developing a career in technology.

Click here to view the RTSS III Programme at a glance.

Click here for street map and directions to the Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue. Access to the main entrance is from Seymour Street.

Cost

There is no charge for the morning session. The cost is $35 per person for the special mini-roundtables on First Nations and Women in Technology.

Registration

You must register to attend. As space is limited, please register early. Cut-off date for registration... OCTOBER 7th 2009

Please direct any inquiries to... techinfo@asttbc.org

Accommodation

Guestrooms are available at the Delta Vancouver Suites starting at $199.00. Please call the DELTA HOTEL at 604.689.8188 or 1.888.663.8811 or by email and ask for the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC rate. The cut-off date for hotel reservations... OCTOBER 1st 2009

Building BC's Technology Skills... we all have a role to play!