The Technology Education and Careers Council (TECC) recently appointed Dr. Nigel Lockyer, TRIUMF's Director and UBC Physics professor to their board. With TECC, Nigel will oversee and advise the professional association of Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC ) in the implementation of its strategic vision, titled Technology Skills 2020.
The board recognizes that there are fundamental shortages in skilled tradespeople in British Columbia, and is seeking ways to fill the gaps through promotion of educational initiatives in secondary and post-secondary schooling across British Columbia that focus on technical careers.
As a participant from TRIUMF, one of BC's top ten high-tech employers, Nigel understands and represents the interests of the technicians and technologists employed at TRIUMF who support daily lab activities.
Though physicists from around Canada and the world come to conduct their research at TRIUMF, the laboratory relies heavily on machinists and technicians to keep operations running smoothly. TRIUMF employs roughly 175 highly skilled technicians, technologists, and skilled and semi-skilled trades personnel who help to develop and maintain the highly specialized apparatuses that are used in our experiments.
Through this appointment, Nigel will represent the high caliber of TRIUMF technicians and will ensure greater access to trades and technical training as the economy moves forward in the coming years.
"Nigel will bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the TECC table," said ASTTBC CEO John Leech. "TRIUMF has a unique role in the science and technology community and will add its perspective as we work together to build a greater presence for technology education and careers in British Columbia."
--Ariane Madden, TRIUMF Communications Assistant