David Agosti

We've been discussing what APSA does for its members. We've covered negotiations, advocacy and this month I'd like to talk about APSA's initiatives on education and professional development.

So what exactly are the types of education and professional development APSA offers?

  • Socials and networking events, where you can get to know your peers.
  • Learning sessions related to giving you new skills or improving your skills in your current job.
  • Learning sessions to help you develop skills towards furthering your career.
  • Other learning sessions related to member work/life interests.

Examples of recent courses APSA has given include Psychological First Aid, Personal Tax Planning Tips, Power T  ools for Managers, and Taking Charge of your Future.

All of the above relate to APSA's purposes of promoting professionalism, excellence and congeniality and encouraging your professional and career development.

One of the challenges we face with educating our members is the dividing line that should exist between HR (SFU) and APSA. Although we do fill gaps as needed, we believe that work-related professional development should be a part of your on-the-job training process. APSA's focus should be on our members' personal professional development. We are encouraged by the steps that have been taken recently in HR’s Learning and Development department, but there's still much progress to be made.

Courses put on by APSA are free to all members, whether they're continuing, temporary, full-time or part-time.

We're currently looking at events for Fall 2019 to Spring 2020 including design, mentorship and another Psychological First Aid certification. If you have any ideas on professional development events that you'd like to attend, contact APSA.