The document provides an overview of the engineering sector hierarchy in British Columbia, including the roles and responsibilities of different professionals. It distinguishes between professional engineers, applied science technologists, certified technicians, and tradespeople. Professional engineers can work independently outside established codes and practices, while technologists assist engineers and work within existing standards. The document outlines the education, experience, and licensing requirements for each role and provides examples of how the hierarchy is structured within municipal engineering departments and public utility engineering divisions.

1. An introduction to our sector
Bought to you by ASTTBC:
Applied Science Technologists and
Technicians of BC
Science World- Mar 06, 2014
The Engineering Team
in BC

2. What’s the difference?
• Professional Engineering is defined as that work
which requires the education and experience provided by a
degree in Applied Science: P.Eng.’s can and do ‘work outside
the box’
• Technology is engineering work which is carried on
‘inside the box’, strictly observing all existing codes and
standard practices. Technologists assist engineers.
• Trades are the physical performance of work which realizes
the planning and design work previously completed by
engineers and technologists

3. Protection of the Public
Canada’s Professional Associations are self-
governing agencies which are mandated by
Provincial Governments to ensure that their
members have been:
• Certified as having met defined minimum academic
requirements and have proven work experience at the
appropriate level, and
• Registered to ensure that they work under a strict code of
ethics.

4. Sector hierarchy & structure -
Many models are well-understood by the public:
• Health (Doctors, Nurses, Technicians, Administrators,
Hospital Staff)
• Military (Officers, NCO’s, Privates)
• Justice (Judges, Lawyers, Police, Private Investigators,
Corrections, bad guys)
• Business (CEO, VP’s, Middle Managers, Supervisors,
Administrators, Consultants, Specialists, Workers)
Familiarity comes mainly from media sources

5. Sector hierarchy & structure -
This model is not well understood by
the public:
• Engineering (Professional Engineers,
Technologists, Certified Technicians,
Journeyman Tradespeople, Skilled &
Unskilled Labour)
Engineers & Technologists are seldom, if ever, portrayed on TV or in movies!

6. Professional Affiliation Options:
• Choices:
– Professional Engineer
(P.Eng.) or Professional
Geoscientist (P.Geo.)
– Applied Science
Technologist (AScT)
– Certified Technician
(CTech)
– Certified Tradesperson
(Journeyman or other
designation)

7. Sector hierarchy & structure -
The Engineering Team:
Licensed to practice 4 or 5 years, DegreeP.Eng or P.Geo
Licensed to practice
40 weeks over 4 years
Red Seal (national), or
Provincial Certification
Journeyman
Tradesperson
Licenses seldom
required
1 to 3 years, Diploma
or Certificate of TechnologyAScT or CTech
Skilled workerNo Licensed required
10 weeks to
qualify in a subtrade

8. Who Staffs a
• Municipal Engineering Department?
• Utility Provider’s Engineering Department?

9. Inside a City Engineering Department:
Director of Engineering & Parks
P.Eng. 7+ years Exp
GIS Specialist
AScT
5+ years Exp.
Manager of Engineering
Operations
AScT – CPWI
7+ years Exp.
Manager of Parks
Operations
Horticultural and
construction training
7+ years Exp
Manager of Engineering
Services
AScT
7+ years Exp.
Engineering Inspector
CPWI
5+ Years Exp.
Engineering Technologist
AScT
5+ years Exp.
Other
Staff
Other
Staff

10. Inside A
Public Utility
Engineering
Division:
V.P of Engineering
P.Eng.
Project Team Staff
(Design,
Documentation,
Administration)
P.Eng. or AScT
Engineering Discipline Manager
P.Eng. (5 Disciplines)
Project Group Leader
P.Eng. (4 or 5 Groups)
Project Manager
P.Eng. or AScT (LL)