Episode 80: Erin Karaim, Civil Engineering Technician, WSP

Best of the WWEST

In our first Best of the WWEST episode in partnership with ASTTBC (Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of British Columbia) and the Advancing Women in Engineering and Technology project, Best of the WWEST host Danniele welcomes Erin Karaim to the podcast. Erin tells us all about what it’s like to be a draftsperson - the ins and outs of her education and her career creating technical drawings for engineering projects. You’ll hear why being a technologist/technician is a very rewarding career option in STEM. But don’t worry, it's not all about work - you’ll also learn fun facts about Erin in the lightning round. (Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)

Erin Karaim is a civil engineering technician at WSP in the sectors of Architecture and Construction, Engineering, and Technology. Erin completed a 1-year drafting certificationin Computer Aided Design and Drafting at Kwantlen College in Surrey, BC. Her work varies from pipe plans and profiles, to road design and ditching and she works with engineers all over the country.

WWEST and Best of the WWEST would like to thank the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) for connecting us with the individual profiled above.

Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) is leading the Advancing Women in Engineering and Technology Project, a Sector Labour Market Partnership project, funded through the Canada-BC Workforce Development Agreement. The project’s goal is to increase the participation of women in the engineering, geoscience, technology and technician occupations through the implementation of diversity and inclusion strategies to recruit, retain and support career development of women to lead a system level cultural shift within these professions.

For more information on ASTTBC, please visit www.asttbc.org

(Please excuse any audio hiccups in this remotely recorded interview.)

Relevant Links:

• Diploma in Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (Kwantlen Polytechnic University)
• Drafter (Wikipedia)
• Quadra Island, BC
• WSP Global, Inc.

Hosted by: Danniele Livengood (@livengood) Theme Music: “Positive and Fun” by Scott HolmesProduced by: Vanessa Hennessey

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