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Educate with science, Popsicle sticks and glue

With the impending retirement of baby boomers and increasing demand for skilled engineering and geoscience professionals, it's time to pique the interest of a new generation.

With the impending retirement of baby boomers and increasing demand for skilled engineering and geoscience professionals, it's time to pique the interest of a new generation.

In the past few weeks, the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (APEGBC) and its members have been quietly preparing for National Engineering and Geoscience Month (NEGM). They are purchasing glue and Popsicle sticks, briefing judges and finding spaces to hold the young competitors and their small but strong structures.

March 1 is the kick-off for NEGM, where APEGBC's member volunteers and staff host community events that teach kids about science principles in a challenging yet fun way.

The Sea to Sky regional branch will be hosting its annual Popsicle stick bridge building contest for kids on Sunday, March 16, at noon at the Sechelt Indian Band Community Hall. See more details at: www.apeg.bc.ca/Events/Events/SS1MAR14

While these events and challenges are a great way to educate kids, it's also important to get them thinking about careers in engineering and geoscience.

With a skills shortage and approximately 40 per cent of practising members over the age of 50 and likely to retire in the next 10 to 15 years, replacement positions in these professions are slated to rise.

"Engineers and geoscientists make a real difference to the communities they live and work in," said Ann English, CEO and registrar of APEGBC.

"They are the explorers, problem solvers, creators and makers - and they're passionate about what they do. By sharing that enthusiasm with the public through these events, we're really looking to inspire that next generation of science professionals."

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