ASET helping immigrants gain their degrees

By Alexandra Noad - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on August 15, 2024.

Mila Wagner

Many immigrants call Canada home, but often their degrees are not recognized by employers making it difficult for them to get a job in their desired field.

This was the case for Mila Wagner who moved to Alberta in 2016 from the Ukraine to flee from the Russian invasion which started in 2014. Wagner spent two years preparing to move to Canada including learning English.

Wagner already had a degree in engineering technology however, because it wasn’t from a Canadian institution, she was unable to secure a job in the field. After a few years of working menial jobs, Wagner decided to attend Lethbridge College, now Lethbridge Polytechnic, and graduated from the Engineering Technology Program in 2020.

During her time at school, Wagner learned about the Association of Science and Engineering Technology professionals of Alberta (ASET).

Lethbridge is home to 277 members of ASET.

ASET helps immigrants who have engineer technology degrees receive a Canadian recognized degree through competency-based assessments.

ASET specializes in 21 disciplines which reparesent hundreds of jobs.

Some of these jobs include power generation and maintenance, water and wastewater plants, bridges and construction just to name a few.

Wagner says it was frustrating not hearing about ASET sooner as it cost her a lot of time and money for something she already had experience in.

“My education was not fully accepted here in Canada, so I had to start all over again I already have this degree, and I can’t use it. So, not only did I have to retake the courses, I had to pay for them. It was so frustrating I didn’t hear about the competency-based assessment program during that time because I could have gotten my graduate or get certified and my profession and get my professional designation quicker,” said Wagner.

Barry Cavanaugh, Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel of ASET, says Wagner is one of the many examples of people who shouldn’t have had to attend college to receive a Canadian recognized degree.

“She shouldn’t have needed to go to the college to gain her designation again. Honestly, she wasn’t aware. She would probably be qualified in her competencies and assessment program. She’s a perfect example of what we try to prevent. Mila is exceptionally well qualified now, but she was well qualified before she went back to college,” said Cavanaugh.

Wagner says becoming a member of ASET was beneficial, even after graduating, as they helped her land a job here in Lethbridge.

If you are a member of ASET it is way easier to find a job because you will receive job advertisements and they will help you,” said Wagner.

Cavanaugh is optimistic about the future and what ASET will be able to do for current professionals as well as open doors for future professionals.

“We’re hopeful the profession will continue to grow and there will be more seats in places like Lethbridge College,” said Cavanaugh.

Wagner was awarded ASET’s CEO award in 2023.

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