Desi Today Magazine
SPEATBC: “Be the change you want to see in the world!”
WHAT a great event and a showcase of volunteerism to help the students, immigrants and the community!
On Saturday, September 14, Society of Punjabi Engineers and Technologists of British Columbia (SPEATBC) organized a job fair and technical seminar at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey Campus located at 12666 72nd Avenue, Surrey.
SPEATBC organizes the technical seminar every year, but adding a job fair to this event, was a great initiative taken by the team. The efforts and detailed work done by SPEATBC team was much appreciated by the community, the speakers and the employers.
The event started at noon with networking opportunity for the attendees. There were more than 10 employers including recruitment companies and immigrant support societies. The technical seminar started with a welcome speech from SPEATBC’s President, Mukesh Sharma, who emphasized the importance of volunteer work, mentorship, helping each other and working in collaboration.
The speakers were from different backgrounds. Dr. Nemy Banthia, Professor at UBC, spoke about IC Impacts and their work with the Indian government. Catherine Steele talked about the importance of pronunciation at work. Balraj Mann, Managing Director of BM group, shared his inspiring story of an ordinary immigrant.
Attendees learnt about City of Surrey’s bio-fuel facility from City’s General Manger, Robert Costanzo. Caroline Westra of Engineers and Geoscientists of BC talked about registration as a professional engineer and mentorship program. Jacqueline De Raadt of ASTTBC provided information on registration as Applied Science Technologists and Technicians in BC.
All the speakers and the employers were awarded with an appreciation award. There were approximately 150 people who attended the event and most of them were new to SPEATBC. Scholarship winners received their scholarship award from SPEATBC’s Title Sponsor – YAAT; Diamond Sponsor – Destination One; Silver Sponsor – Stantec; and SPEATBC’s past president.
In his closing remarks, Sharma thanked all sponsors, media partners, employers who set up their booths, speakers and SPEATBC members for supporting SPEATBC.
For 2020, scholarship applications will open from October 1. There are five categories for the scholarships and more information can be found on www.speatbc.org
SPEATBC took the initiative to use recyclable cups and plates. There was a water dispenser instead of plastic bottles. SPEATBC also announced that they will be doing tree plantation on Tuesday, September 24 with the support of City of Surrey. This is their way to support climate change and sustainability.
Note: Those who attended the event can claim four hours against professional development hours with Engineers and Geoscientist of BC.
SPEATBC will be celebrating their 25th Anniversary at Aria Banquet hall on Saturday, February 1, 2020. This will be another great event to meet employers, members and sponsors and increase one’s professional network. 2020 scholarship winners will also be announced during this event.
