This case study of the Perth Branch of the IICA (one of seven across the country) illustrates the kinds of activities in which the IICA is engaged.
Significant success with the Tech Expo in October 2012 has set the scene for a more exciting year. A different approach to Technical Evenings also paid off with some very well attended sessions recently.
The last Technical presentation on 28 Feb 2013 was a sell-out, with 98 registrations. Determining what the instrumentation and controls community wants to see and hear about is definitely paying off.
The future direction of the IICA in WA is to be supportive and inclusive. Supporting Members is foremost on the Branch Committee's agenda.
The mining, oil and gas booms may not be as strong as we have seen over the past years. However, there is also a realisation that there are many valuable assets and plants that are in need of rejuvenation.
The IICA's proactive engagement, through involvement with suppliers, plays a facilitation role and allows the Institute to be positioned to serve these needs through its increasing network and Members.
Providing workshops and seminars that address critical aspects of technology decisions is the aim of the IICA Perth Branch's technical program for the next few years.
Individual Members of the IICA benefit with their opportunities for Continued Professional Development. The recently conducted Branch Member Survey seeking input about specific topics WA Members wish to see being offered in coming years, has paid off hugely, increasing interest in our Technical presentations.
Networking is another key focus. Having developed a close relationship with those in the WA Division of Engineers Australia (EA) that may have an interest in IICA activities continues to prove invaluable.
EA member participation in Perth IICA events has increased our reach and has definitely also raised awareness and interest in the IICA nationwide, adding another dimension to networking.
The future requires us in the IICA Perth Committee to maintain our focus on all of our Membership categories' needs and requirements. The value of the Technology Expo and other innovative means of supporting the instrumentation community is and will continue to be at the forefront of our direction and vision.
The next generation of professionals is another key area of focus for us. An effective Education Committee will support school leavers in their decisions for career choices. Making use of next generation communications methods like podcasts, webinars and blog entries will allow us to reach the iPad generation directly.
Together with more traditional information methods of providing printed materials, talking directly to students in high school as well as university and holding information evenings, Perth Branch raises the awareness of career choices available.
[The information in this column was provided to IICA Federal Secretary, Cathie Tynan by Ernst Krauss, IICA Perth Branch Chairperson.]