Alberta Inventors and Inventions - Private Sector Policy

The Alberta Society of Engineering and Technology (ASET) certifies and registers Alberta’s applied science, information and engineering technology professionals. Formed in 1963, the society was established as a professional association for engineers and technologists, but has since grown to represent applied-science professionals. ASET issues professional accreditation to qualified individuals and certifying training programs at Alberta’s colleges and institutes. Essentially, ASET promotes careers in technology.

ASET is comprised of approximately 15,000 members, including full-time students, recent graduates and fully certified members. ASET cooperates with similar organizations on both the federal and provincial levels to create a network of similarly employed individuals across the country. By encouraging a professional network and association of highly skilled workers, ASET is fulfilling the strategies outlined in Canada's Innovation Strategy.

ASET, with its national standards for certification, provides a recognized skill and academic basis that members can use when looking for employment. Also, certification indicates specification in a specific field, which includes civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical and electronic. ASET members meet on a regular basis to exchange ideas and gain information on each other’s fields of specification.

The networking and information sharing encouraged by ASET unites numerous knowledge-based employees. This exchange of ideas is precisely what Canada's knowledge-based economy is striving towards—an organized group of highly skilled professionals working to indirectly improve Canadian society.