Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | APEGA |
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| Founded | April 10, 1920 |
| Founder | Government of Alberta |
| Focus | Regulation within Alberta of professional engineers and geoscientists |
| Location | |
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Area served
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Alberta |
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Key people
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Tracey Stock, K.C., P.Eng. (President) Terri Steeves, P.Eng. (President-Elect) Margaret Allan, P.Eng., P.Geo. (Vice President) Manon Plante, P.Eng. (Past-President) |
The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) is an organization that makes sure engineers and geoscientists in Alberta do their jobs well. Think of them as a group that sets the rules and standards for these important professions.
APEGA gets its power from a special law called the Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act (EGP Act). This law helps APEGA register new members, create rules for how they work, and decide what to do if someone doesn't follow the rules.
APEGA also works with other groups like Engineers Canada and Geoscientists Canada. These connections help them stay updated and work together across the country.
How APEGA Works
APEGA's main goals and plans are decided by a group of elected people called the Council and Executive Committee. Staff members then help carry out these plans. Everyone involved follows the rules set out in the EGP Act.
The EGP Act is a law from the Government of Alberta. It gives APEGA the power to oversee the jobs of engineers and geoscientists in Alberta. This means that only people and companies approved by APEGA can work in these fields or use special titles related to them.
Who Leads APEGA?
Each year, APEGA holds an election for its Council. The Council includes the Executive Committee and other Councillors. The Executive Committee has four main leaders: the President, Past-President, President-Elect, and Vice-President.
Members of the Executive Committee serve for one year. Councillors serve for three years. These leaders are chosen by the professional members of APEGA. To run for Council, a person must be a professional engineer, geoscientist, or licensee in good standing.
Becoming a Certified Professional
APEGA makes sure that engineers and geoscientists meet certain requirements to practice their professions. When someone has a special title like P.Eng. or P.Geo., it means they have met the legal, education, and experience rules. It also shows they follow the high standards and ethics of their profession.
In Alberta, only people and companies licensed by APEGA can work as engineers or geoscientists. They are also the only ones allowed to use the official titles.
- Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) This title allows qualified engineers to work independently in Alberta. They can take full responsibility for their own work and the work of others.
- Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) This title allows qualified geoscientists to work independently in Alberta. They can take full responsibility for their own work and the work of others. Older titles like P.Geol. (Geologist) and P.Geoph. (Geophysicist) are now part of the P.Geo. title.
- Licensee A Licensee has almost all the same rights and duties as a professional member. The main difference is that they cannot vote in APEGA elections. This title is for those who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Professional Licensee (P.L.(Eng.) or P.L.(Geo.)) This title allows qualified technologists to work independently in specific areas of engineering or geoscience in Alberta. They can take responsibility for their work within their approved field.
- Permit to Practice (Corporate) This permit allows qualified companies in Alberta to offer engineering and/or geoscience services to the public.
Members of APEGA must keep their licenses current by continuing to learn and develop their skills. This is called continuing professional development (CPD). They also must follow a professional code of ethics. APEGA works for the Government of Alberta to make sure members follow the rules. If someone works poorly or unethically, APEGA will investigate and take action.
