David Bartle
Gold Seal certification is an industry wide qualification people, like myself, recognize. It sets a great standard that people understand and it displays an individual’s work ethic and expectations for excellence.”
David Bartle, GSC, Civil Engineer, Director of Operations, Lawson Projects Ltd.
In 1985, David came to Canada in search of more opportunities and experiences. Originally from Newcastle in the UK, David discovered his interest for Civil Engineering in his teens. On multiple occasions, he and his family travelled to Scotland on holiday, and on the way David would witness the construction and development of major roads and bridges. He recalls thinking to himself how great it would be to work on projects such as those. David comes from a family of engineers, so it felt like a natural step for David to pursue a similar career.
After earning his degree in civil engineering, David worked on a multitude of interesting project whilst in Europe such as: Tidal defences, bridges, and the largest petrol chemical complex in Europe – at the time. After a while, David’s wanderlust began coaxing him to broaden his horizons and after the opportunity presented itself, David came to live in Calgary, Alberta.
Today David is still a Civil engineer registered in Alberta with his P.Eng, he is also a member of the institution of Civil Engineering from the UK, and is a proud Gold Seal Certification holder. Currently he is the director of operations at Lawson Projects Ltd.
David earned his Gold Seal Certification in 1994, and was one of the first people to get his certification through the grandfathering process (which no longer exists). At the time, similarly to the Gold Seal Certification we now know, David had to have the set Gold Seal standard of experience and knowledge to acquire his certification.
Today, as a director, when David communicates and coordinates with contractors and subcontractors he notices their credentials and appreciates seeing GSC (Gold Seal Certified) written in a signature. It allows him to acknowledge that the professionals he’s working with, like him, are experienced and have knowledge that specifically extends in the field in which he works. “It’s a recognition of experience, knowledge, and educational background! I like seeing it out there because, unlike other available certifications that are on the market, Gold Seal Certification is more construction- related.”
“Education is a life-long. I still come into work and learn something new, every day! Never close the door on trying to do something new. Always have an open mind, that alone will allow you to do many different things and teach you new ways of accomplishing your goals. For me, the Gold Seal Certification shows that you’ve got an open mind, and that you have the education, as well as experience. Keep your mind open to change at all times, because the big thing in the construction industry is change.”