…And Now, a Word from Our Attendees

One of the questions I routinely get from mentees, students and recent graduates is about the value of additional training, and where to find specific training relevant to environmental consulting. For those interested in Environmental Site Assessments, I always recommend considering AESAC’s ESA training courses – not just because I have been teaching these courses for a long time, but because I really believe in the education and knowledge they provide. When I have hired environmental consulting staff in the past, especially for entry level positions, I always gave preference to students or recent grads who put in the extra effort to improve their knowledge and expertise, whether it was taking additional training at their own expense, or providing valuable time as a volunteer. Gaining additional expertise through focussed training can be a great asset in a job search, or as a way of expanding your knowledge, or to network with like minded professionals. 
I was pleased to read a few Linked In posts from recent course attendees, Joseph Tabi and Elijah Anderson, discussing this topic. I have included their posts below. Thanks Joseph and Elijah!

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“Do you know that feeling when you're about to make a decision and suddenly your brain becomes a debate club? “Do I really need this?” “Is it worth my savings?” “Should I just pretend I didn’t see this opportunity and go back to minding my business?”
Yeah… that was me a few weeks ago.

I’ve been working hard to transition into the environmental consulting industry, and when I saw a LinkedIn post from about their Phase 1 & 2 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) training courses, my curiosity lit up, and my self-doubt clocked in for overtime. One of the instructors, Jennifer Fletcher, was already a connection of mine. I reached out to her with a long list of questions. You know, the kind that exposes exactly how unsure you are. Honestly, I half-expected to hear, “This course is for seasoned professionals, not you.” But instead? She encouraged me, reassured me, and told me what I needed to hear: just go for it.

So I did. And let me tell you, I’m so glad I did.

For two back-to-back, three-day sessions in Calgary, I found myself surrounded by experienced professionals who were generous with their knowledge, patient with my endless questions, and genuinely invested in creating a supportive learning environment. A huge thank you to Jennifer and Sam Siegl C.Tech, CESA for leading us through Phase 1, Jennifer again for guiding Phase 2, Erik, AESAC’s Program Director, who was with us throughout both phases, and our guest speakers: Mike Seifert from ERIS for Phase 1, and Ronaldo Sagenes from AGAT Laboratories in Phase 2.

This wasn’t your “sit quietly and take notes” kind of training. This was hands-on, real-world, boots-on-the-ground learning rooted in CSA Z768 (Phase 1) and CSA Z769 (Phase 2), full of case studies, reporting, scenario walkthroughs, reconnaissance videos, sampling design, drilling insights, and field-ready methodologies. And now? I’m thrilled to share that I am officially a Registered Environmental Site Assessor (RESA), with my eyes already set on the Certified Environmental Site Assessor (CESA) designation in the near future. For anyone who, like me, is trying to break into the environmental consulting world, especially in Phase 1 & Phase 2 ESA, site investigations, and remediation, this training is absolutely worth it. Not just for the knowledge, but for the confidence it builds.

Today, I’m buzzing with excitement and fully ready to take on Junior Environmental roles. If you're looking for someone driven, trained, and eager to get into Phase 1 & 2 ESA work… well, here I am!
And I’ll leave you with this: If you believe it’s worth it, just do it.”

Joseph Tabi – Joseph attended the Phase 1 and Phase 2 courses in Calgary, AB in 2025 

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“Excited to announce the successful completion of AESAC Inc.’s Phase I Environmental Site Assessment training, resulting in the acquisition of a certificate. The course provided a comprehensive exploration of the CSA-Z768 standard, offering a detailed overview of the Phase I ESA process. A notable aspect was the practical workshop, where participants crafted a Phase I report for an actual property, enhancing hands-on learning. The Ontario-specific segment proved invaluable, delving into MECP’s O.Reg 153/511, its evolution, mandates, and the distinct duties of Qualified Persons within the province. This experience has been instrumental in advancing my expertise in environmental due diligence

Excited to announce my recent certificate from the Environmental Site Assessor – Phase II program with AESAC Inc.! The comprehensive training, in line with CSA Z-769-00 standards, covered various aspects such as developing sampling plans, drilling/well installations, lab data analysis, and reporting. A standout experience was the hands-on Field Day in Cambridge, where we conducted soil and groundwater sampling, and installed monitoring wells, bridging theory with practical application. Special thanks to Bill Leedham, P. Geo. QPESA, CESA, and Erik Luzak for their exceptional delivery of the program. The insights into Ontario Regulations O.R. 153/511 and the Excess Soil Regulation were particularly valuable for practitioners in Ontario. Excited to utilize these newfound skills in supporting land use, due diligence, and remediation projects effectively!”

Elijah Anderson - Elijah attended the Phase 1 and Phase 2 courses in Cambridge, ON in 2025

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In closing, I encourage anyone considering ESA training to check out the AESAC training courses. For potential employers out there, please consider Joseph, Elijah, or any of AESAC’s other course attendees or AESAC members if you are recruiting for a position.

 From all of us at AESAC, have a safe and Happy Holidays, and best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Bill Leedham, P. Geo., CESA
Bill is the Head Instructor and Course Developer for the Associated Environmental Site Assessors of Canada (www.aesac.ca); and the founder and President of Down 2 Earth Environmental Services Inc. You can contact Bill at info@down2earthenvironmental.ca