Shows
TECH TAKESProtecting Your Career: The Essentials of Professional Liability InsuranceIn this episode of Tech Takes, guest host David Terlizzi, Director of Member Engagement at OACETT, explores the often-overlooked but critically important topic of professional liability insurance for technicians and technologists—an essential safeguard in today’s complex professional landscape.Joined by Michael Loeters, Senior Vice President of Commercial Insurance and Risk Management at ProLink Insurance, the conversation uncovers the hidden risks many professionals face, from casual design suggestions to informal advice shared over email. Together, they discuss how liability can arise even without formal contracts or payment, and why understanding your...
2026-02-0629 minTECH TAKESThe Quiet Achiever: Leading Without the SpotlightIn this special episode of Tech Takes, guest host David Terlizzi, Director of Member Engagement, Services, and Government Relations at OACETT, explores the often-overlooked but deeply impactful concept of quiet achievers. Challenging the idea that great leaders must always be loud, bold, or extroverted.Joined by Linda Raynier, author of The Quiet Achiever, and Dr. Tatjana Busik, an organizational and clinical psychologist, the conversation uncovers how introverted, reflective leaders bring unique strengths to teams and organizations. Together, they discuss emotional intelligence, resilience, and the power...
2026-01-301h 01TECH TAKESInfrastructure Challenges and Opportunities in OntarioIn this special edition of Tech Takes, recorded live at OACETT’s 2025 Conference in Windsor, Ontario, host Louis Savard, C.Tech, moderates a discussion on Ontario’s infrastructure challenges and opportunities—and the critical role technicians and technologists play in shaping the province’s future.Panelists Nadia Todorova (RCCAO), Doug Jones, CET (Ministry of Transportation), Stacey McGuire (City of Windsor), and Matt Ashe, CET (GEI Consultants) explore topics ranging from tariff pressures and climate change resilience to skills development and Ontario’s record $200 billion in...
2025-09-1154 minTECH TAKESCybersecurity in Engineering: Building a Secure Future from the Ground UpIn this episode of Tech Takes, host Louis Savard, C.Tech, explores the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity—a discipline that has rapidly transformed from an IT concern into a core strategic priority for engineers and professionals across every industry.Joined by Tim McCreight, CEO and Founder of TaleCraft Security, their conversation uncovers the growing sophistication of cyber threats and the vital need to embed security into the engineering process from the very beginning. Together, they discuss how securing intellectual property, anticipating emerging threats, an...
2025-08-0147 minTECH TAKESInside the Minds of the Next Generation: Flexibility, Purpose, and Mental Well-beingIn this episode of Tech Takes, guest host Mladen Ivankovic explores how the next generation is reshaping ideas around work, education, and success.Psychologist Dr. Andrew Wong and David Terlizzi, Director of Member Engagement at OACETT, join the conversation to discuss why flexibility, purpose, and mental well-being are taking priority over traditional career paths.From the influence of social media to the rise of hybrid work and passion-driven careers, learn how young professionals are redefining success—and wh...
2025-07-051h 07TECH TAKESInnovating the Future: Inside Niagara College's Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center (WAMIC)In this episode of Tech Takes, guest host David Terlizzi is joined by Neil Wilkinson, Associate Director of Niagara College’s Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center (WAMIC), to explore the dynamic intersection of education, industry, and innovation.Discover how WAMIC and the Research Innovation Division are turning ideas into real-world solutions across manufacturing, green energy, healthcare technology, and IT. From prototyping and testing new technologies to developing practical products and processes, these institutions are empowering small an...
2025-02-1138 minTECH TAKESThe Future of Waste Management: Anaerobic Digestion and Renewable EnergyIn this episode of Tech Takes, host Louis Savard, C.Tech, dives into the world of anaerobic digestion (AD) technology—a game-changing process that turns organic waste into renewable energy and organic fertilizer. Joined by Dave Ellis, Principal Engineer and Director of Azura Associates, and Trisha Aldovino, Chemical Engineer and Process Analyst, their lively discussion explores how AD, a process rooted in nature and refined by engineering, is revolutionizing waste management and contributing to green energy solutions.Learn about the evolution of AD, from its in...
2025-02-111h 02TECH TAKESEnhancing Ontario's Infrastructure: OACETT's New Municipal DesignationsIn this episode of the Tech Takes, host Louis Savard, C.Tech. explores the new Municipal Infrastructure Designations Program from OACETT. This program aims to improve the quality and value of non-transportation infrastructure in Ontario, focusing on the Municipal Infrastructure Inspector (mii) and Municipal Infrastructure Contract Administrator (mica) designations.Joined by Claude Gauthier, C.Tech., rcsi, mii, a civil engineering technician from the Region of Peel, and Carol Warner, C.Tech., OACETT's deputy registrar, the discussion covers the importance of these designations for ensuring safe and reliable municipal infrastructure...
2024-12-1044 minTECH TAKESElectrifying Ontario: TTC's Journey to a Zero-Emission Bus FleetIn this episode of the Tech Takes, guest host Julia Farner dives into the exciting world of fleet electrification with experts Pablo Fernandez from the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and Mike Skrzynski from Power On. As mass transit shifts towards electric vehicles (EVs) to meet global climate goals, we explore the technological advancements, government policies, and the urgent need for sustainable transportation solutions in Ontario.Whether you’re a seasoned professional in the engineering and applied science field or just curious about the fut...
2024-10-2157 min
The Unfiltered Non-Profit: Leaders Share It AllHow This Association Went from 100 to 800 Engaged Members with Cheryl FarrowIn this episode of the Unfiltered Non-Profit Podcast, we chat with Cheryl Farrow, CEO of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT). Cheryl talks about how she guided the association through a big shift in how they operate, focusing on making things more open and getting members more involved. One of the things she's most proud of is launching "fireside chats," where OACETT members can ask questions directly. These started small with just over 100 people, but in a few months, they grew to over 800—proof that their new, open approach was really working. Cheryl...
2024-10-0332 minTECH TAKESIntegrating Nature: The Role of Green Infrastructure in Urban PlanningIn this episode of Tech Takes, host Louis Savard investigates the importance of integrating green infrastructure technology in urban planning. Louis is joined by Gail Willis, C.E.T., of Willis Technical Services. Gail is a Certified Engineering Technologist with extensive experience in civil and municipal engineering. Together they explore how communities in Ontario are embracing sustainable practices to manage storm water, conserve energy, and enhance resilience to climate change.Join us as we learn h...
2024-09-1138 minTECH TAKESThe Role of AI in Modern Engineering: Opportunities and ChallengesIn this episode of Tech Takes, host Louis Savard delves into the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing work processes and industries.With our guests, Doug Nix, Co-owner of Compliance Insight Consulting Inc., and Mayy Habayeb, Artificial Intelligence Program Coordinator at Centennial College, they explore the impact of AI on engineering tasks such as design optimization and testing and how automation enhances productivity and efficiency. They also discuss the importance of acquiring new skills to adapt to the evolving workforce shaped by AI technologies and touch on...
2024-06-241h 09TECH TAKESTransforming Toxic Terrains: Ontario's Approach to BrownfieldsIn this episode of Tech Takes, host, Louis Savard, C.Tech., takes a deep dive into the world of brownfield regulations and remediation in Ontario.Our guests, OACETT Past President Kim Pickett, C.E.T., and Eric Cowan, C.E.T., project manager at Vertex Environmental Inc., share their extensive knowledge on the subject and discuss the challenges and processes involved in transforming contaminated and underused industrial and commercial properties into safe and usable land.Join us as we discover how...
2024-03-131h 03TECH TAKESBridging the Gap: Supporting Internationally Educated Professionals in OntarioIn this episode of Tech Takes, host Louis Savard discusses the difficulties that internationally trained professionals face when they immigrate to Canada and the resources available to support them. It features a round-table conversation with Charline Tyrell, a career and training counsellor for the Accelerating Career Advancement (ACA) program at Achēv, Daniel Liao, the Dean of Applied Science, Technology and Trades at St. Lawrence College, and Pieter Bruwer, C.E.T., an internationally educated professional working in the engineering field. Join us as we ex...
2023-12-0456 minTECH TAKESThe 3D Printing RevolutionJoin host Louis Savard as he dives into the world of 3D printing, a technology that is disrupting industries and unlocking new dimensions of innovation.Louis speaks with Hargurdeep Singh, Vice President of Advanced Manufacturing at CAD MicroSolutions, who provides insights into various 3D printing processes, their significance for businesses today, and their integration within modern manufacturing practices.Louis and Hargurdeep also discuss 3D printing's real-world impact, from crafting essential equipment during the pandemic to desktop solutions that are democratizing the world of manufacturing.Have a topic...
2023-08-1840 minTECH TAKESHacking for Good: Safeguarding the Digital WorldJoin host Louis Savard and Steve Vaillancourt, Senior Cyber Security Instructor at Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, as they discuss the importance of cybersecurity in today's landscape and explore how ethical hackers play a crucial role in stopping cyber criminals.Have a topic you’d like to discuss or comments about the episode? Reach us at techtakes@oacett.org.
2023-07-0458 minTECH TAKESThe Future of Nuclear Power Technology in CanadaIn this episode of Tech Takes, host Louis Savard explores Canada's effort to provide low-carbon baseload power to remote areas and heavy industry through the development and design of small modular reactors (SMRs) and micromodular reactors (MMRs). The episode discusses the benefits and limitations of nuclear power, as well as the design of reactors and restrictions on the use of technology. Joining Louis are Lawrence Robitaille, a Technical Advisor in New Technologies at Langcore Construction Corporation, and Jos Denning, President and CEO at Global First Power. Lawrence and Jos share their extensive experience in the nuclear industry and provide...
2023-06-0840 min
The Skills Ontario Trades & Tech Talk PodcastEpisode #13 - Trisha Morin (Mechanical Engineering Technologist, Project Manager & Estimator)In honor of International Women's Day and Women in Construction Week 2023, Dan welcomes Trisha Morin to the podcast! Trisha is a Project Manager and Estimator, as well as a Mechanical Engineering Technologist who just received her 25 Year Membership Recognition with OACETT (Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists). Trisha’s story is truly an inspiration for any young woman who is looking at getting into a career in skilled trades and technologies!
2023-03-0949 minTECH TAKESUnderstanding Passive House TechnologyThe built environment accounts for 39 percent of annual global CO2 emissions, according to the World Green Building Council and Passive House is widely recognized as the most powerful tool we have today to produce buildings that help to mitigate these emissions. Ontarians like most people worldwide want a level of comfort and safety in their homes and passive houses offers that.Greg Leskien, a certified Passive House consultant and C.E.T., an expert in the design, construction review, and verification of buildings, passive houses, and solar photovoltaic systems chats with host Louis Savard, C.Tech., about...
2023-01-2254 minTECH TAKESFrom 3Ps to 3Cs: Building collaborative partnerships that drive student successThe future of work is changing. Students must leverage the right skill sets and credentials for present and future job markets. Collaborations between colleges, companies and professional associations, like OACETT, are becoming more important in achieving this.In Ontario, the transition from a private-public partnerships model, or 3Ps, to a colleges, corporations and certifications, or 3Cs model, will improve the overall outcome of the student experience, build a vibrant talent pipeline, support industry and highlight the relevance of certification in this trifecta to drive success. OACETT CEO Cheryl Farrow, Seneca College’s dean of the Fac...
2022-11-2441 minTECH TAKESThe ‘E’ Word: Understanding the Ethical Implications of New TechnologyAs we navigate through our rapidly changing world, where ethical considerations in innovation have become more critical to mitigating risk and challenging our values, organizations will benefit today from adopting stewardship and ethics to ensure technology is used to make the world a better place. Host Louis Savard, C.Tech., discusses with Mark Abbott, director of Engineering Change Lab and Wayne Collins, a faculty member of the computer science and information technology department at Mohawk College, about the implications of ethics and technology and look at the world of technology and its impact on ethics in technology.
2022-10-1939 min
The POWER Podcast72. Engineering Technicians and Technologists Are an Important Industry PillarEngineering Technicians and Technologists Are an Important Industry Pillar
According to Cheryl Farrow, CEO of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT), there are three basic pillars that make up the engineering field. They are licensed engineers, technicians and technologists, and skilled trades.
“We can't be successful without all three of these pillars working together effectively,” Farrow said as a guest on The POWER Podcast. “That's why, from our perspective, you need certified technicians and technologists, who have proven to be at the highest level of technical, ethical, and professional performance.”
OACETT’s mission is to act as Ontario...
2020-12-0317 min