WFTO... The First Two Years
WFTO Launched June 13, 1995
The WFTO was officially launched at the Awards Dinner during Innovations 2020, the 3rd International Symposium on Technician Education & Training held in Vancouver, Canada. Taking part in the unveiling of a plaque were Vladimir Zharov, Director of Basic Sciences Division, UNESCO; Honourable Dan Miller, Minister of Skills Training and Labour; Tony Bradley, Chair, International Symposium on Technician Education & Training Advisory Committee and founder of the Symposium.; John Leech, Chair, Symposium Steering Committee and Executive Director, Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC); and Charles Brimley, Executive Director, Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT).
The creation of WFTO was a result of recommendations from the previous two symposia, the first in Ireland (1986), and the second in Malaysia (1991). The recommendations called for global unity of those involved in technology education, technology professional associations and their partners in industry, government and non-governmental organizations.
WFTO Today
WFTO currently boasts membership of 42 organizations in 19 countries around the world. The goal is to reach 100 members by the end of 1998! Currently, 19 Country Representatives (CR's) have been appointed by the Secretary General. The role of the CR is to represent and provide a contact for WFTO and to deliver services at the local level.
Since the launch in 1995, the WFTO has begun an extensive process to establish international standards for professional certification as a technologist or technician. It is the WFTO's goal to have some initial drafts for discussion at the upcoming 1998 Symposium. The WFTO is collaborating with a number of partners including the Commonwealth Association of Polytechnics in Africa and UNESCO in the development of associations for technology professionals in developing countries. The WFTO will take an active role in the World Solar Decade, culture of maintenance and similar initiatives where technicians and technologists can make a positive contribution.