Director - Internship, Northern Affairs Chair

Photo of Director - Internship, Northern Affairs Chair I am very glad to be on the Board of Directors.

I would like to submit my first annual report being the Chair of the Internship Program, as delegated to me after the conference in Ottawa in September 2007.
Most members may remember me as the former Chair of Certification and Maintenance which was a very challenging and rewarding experience both for my former committee and myself.

The Internship program is an excellent program for our members especially for newly hired building officials and continues to evolve since its inception in 2006 with many municipalities enrolling their employees giving these members "the start they deserve" as quoted by our former Chair Leo Cusumano. Although the number of applicants enrolled and completing the program have not been extremely significant this does not reflect the importance of the program which has seen many municipalities either entering into or inquiring about gaining membership into internship. As we enter into our quest for Self-Management, the Internship program will be a vital component of our Association's Training and Certification requirements. Municipalities should be registering new employees or existing "non qualified" building officials into the program and ensure that the municipalities function in a legal and conforming environment.

In September 2007 the program had 21 members enlisted in which 10 individuals successfully completed the program. As of October 2007 to this date the program has 20 members enlisted with 12 new applications received and approved since my inception into this portfolio. A total of 8 members have completed the program. Congratulations should be given to these members as it clearly shows dedication by these members as well as their mentors.

In closing I wish to thank you for supporting the OBOA and look forward to the coming challenges of this portfolio as well as our path to Self-Management.

Esa Saarela, CBCO	Telephone: (705) 360-2600
Director - Internship, Northern Affairs Chair	Fax:
Term: 1 Year, Acclaimed	Email: esaarela@city.timmins.on.ca

Affiliations - N/A

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