Wesley Wizniuk, P.Eng.

Please tell us about your personal background.

Born and raised in Saskatoon, SK. I spent most of my childhood on the farm, when we weren’t in school. I gained an appreciation for fresh air, nature, and wide-open spaces. We were across the road from PFRA pasture which is like a whole world of natural prairie.

My parents were a farmer and research scientist which upon reflection, is quite far removed from engineering. It wasn’t until much later that I got to know that some of my cousins were engineers.

Why did you choose engineering, and what is your area of specialty?

Engineering wasn’t my first choice of post-secondary education. I had applied to SIAST to be enrolled in their Architectural & Building Technologies program. I was put on a one-year waitlist. I enrolled in engineering and completed my first-year courses. After finishing first year engineering, I thought I should see it through.

I chose geological engineering because I thought it required the least amount of math. I was wrong. After celebrating passing second year math, we were rewarded with a third year math/mesh application course, though it was quite interesting. If I ever need to apply a mesh to jet fighter wing, it’s something we covered!

I also chose to complete a certificate in professional communication through the Ron & Jane Graham School of Professional Communication. I ate up all my RCM courses as they were my mental escape from engineering classes. I would recommend that program to everyone. Developing communication skills is paramount for future success.

Where and when did you study, and how would you describe that experience?   

I studied at the University of Saskatchewan. I treated school like a job, on campus from 8-5. I also worked on campus part time throughout my schooling. My experience was great, however I think we were at the beginning of some fundamental changes, or shifts perhaps, in the evolution of historical practices. We had the Red Eye publication, which would not translate well to today’s social practices. I have no idea what the experience is like today, but I’d like to think it’s a more inclusive experience.

What are some of the most interesting, rewarding, and/or challenging experiences you have had?   

After graduation, I had the opportunity to work in Alberta (based out of Red Deer) covering projects from Calgary up to La Crete. Looking back, there were some precarious situations that I navigated well; however, as safety culture has changed over the years, those situations should have never existed. Know your right to refuse unsafe work and trust intuition. If it feels wrong, it probably is.

One project that is dear to me is the Caswell Bus Barns. I had the privilege of working alongside some amazing people at the beginning of that journey in 2014. I love buses and Transit was still operating out of there while we completed drilling. I was so intrigued by all the Detroit Diesel motors in various states of repair. In my current role, I can see the decade of work that it took to get the site to its current state.

What have you appreciated most about your engineering journey?   

There’s always opportunity to learn something new. Graduating university isn’t the end of your learning journey, really, it’s the beginning. Learning is critical to expanding knowledge and maintaining competency. APEGS does a great job of supporting membership in providing opportunities for professional development.

Please share a few words about your time on the APEGS Council.

When I joined council, I didn’t fully know what to expect. I was assigned a mentor who did a great job supporting me and helping me get up to speed to serve effectively. I can say that we have a great breadth of expertise on council, who do great work together.

Council members have excellent support through the Executive and Administration which do great work. We have the opportunity to ask tough questions and make decisions based on the information before us to ensure alignment with APEGS’ strategic plan.

Would you recommend council service to other APEGS members?

100% – I can’t believe I waited this long to apply to serve. The opportunity to learn, network, and serve membership is invaluable. I recommend applying to volunteer with APEGS in any capacity. If you’re not ready for council, apply to volunteer for a committee. It’s a great learning experience and a chance to meet fellow members.

What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of work?

I enjoy biking/walking to work. It’s a short bike ride that takes me across the river. I get to enjoy a bit of Meewasin trail every time I go to the office. I bike in the winter and would recommend studded tires to anyone biking on snow/ice. I’m currently training for the Saskatchewan Marathon. We have recently started another major renovation on our house which allows us the opportunity to learn how to be contractors as we aim to do most of the work ourselves.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I would like to thank APEGS for all the support and opportunities. We are very lucky to have great people working diligently to improve how we regulate the profession and protect public safety.