Understand how to

become certified to work as a

skilled professional in Canada

A SIX STEP
GUIDE
www.prepareforcanada.com

Contents
Chapter One: Pre-Arrival
Chapter Two: Skills Development
Chapter Three: Understanding
Canadian Workplaces
Chapter Four: Job Finding
Techniques
Chapter Five: Associations
Chapter Six: Employment:

Career Pathways > Engineering

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6
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Career Pathways

Career Pathways is a 6-step guide that helps you understand how to

become certified to work as a skilled professional in Canada; all the skills
upgrading and job searching strategies that you need to succeed in the
Canadian workplace.
It offers resources about major employers and best locations for your
profession. It even shows through success stories how other immigrants
before you have walked on the path to professional success in Canada. You
will find information that is specific and tailored to your occupation. All in one
place!
Career Pathways is divided into six sections and each has a few subsections of their own. Take some time to navigate the various sections and
pathways.
1) Pre-Arrival (If you are about to immigrate, it is advisable to start with this one)
Working in Canada Tool
2) Skills Development
Skills Upgrading; Bridging Programs; Universities and Colleges
3) Understanding Canadian Workplaces
Volunteering; Internship; Mentoring; Job Shadowing
4) Job Finding Techniques
Immigrant Settlement Agencies; Resume Writing; Interview Techniques;
Information Interviews; Networking
5) Associations
National; Provincial; Regulatory Bodies; Immigrant Networks
6) Employment
Occupations; Credentials Recognition; Best Locations; Major Employers; Sector
Reports; Resume Database; Job Board

Career Pathways > Engineering

Chapter One

Pre-Arrival
Engineering is a regulated profession in Canada and you need a
license to work as a professional engineer.
You cannot call yourself a professional engineer, use the professional
designation (P.Eng.) or carry out engineering work in Canada unless
you have a license. Each province and territory of Canada has its own
regulatory structure to license engineers, and to govern the practice of
engineering and integrating skilled immigrants.
Engineers Canada is the national organization for the 12 provincial and territorial
associations that regulate the practice of engineering in the country. You need to
apply directly to the appropriate provincial regulatory authority to become licensed as
an engineer in Canada.
It is important to have a general
overview of how your
international qualifications may
be viewed in Canada as well as
an understanding of the
Canadian labour market and
workplace culture.
There are many steps that you
can take before immigrating to
Canada to improve your
chances of success to practice
your profession in your new
country.
Contact the Canadian diplomatic mission closest to you to find out about the
employment requirements for the engineering occupation in Canada.
Contact the regulatory association mandated with regulating engineers in the
province where you will settle in Canada and enquire about the specific procedure to
follow to obtain an Engineers permit and the steps in the licensing process that you
can take prior to immigrating and afterward.
Understand how your profession is practiced in Canada and familiarize yourself with
the laws and legislation that governs your profession in the province where you will
settle.
Career Pathways > Engineering

Success Story:
Aracelli Abramovs Canadian

Know the name of your job in Canada and make a list

of potential employers.
You will need to prove your English or French
(depending on your destination province) language
competency or be tested. Even if youre a fluent speaker
of English or French, its helpful to improve your
language skills and enroll in language classes while you
are in your native country and continue after moving to
Canada. You can assess your language skills by taking
an online self-assessment test on the Canadian
Language Benchmarks website.

dream was to continue

working as an Engineer, but
obtaining her professional
license proved to be a long

and tedious process. Getting

a job within her field was
even harder. Her cold-calling
efforts to secure an interview
proved fruitless. Read more.

It is easier for you to gather and organize your official

education, work and identity documents while still in
your native country. Check with your provincial or
territorial regulatory body to enquire about the
documents you need to bring as well as verifying the
translation of these documents. You might need to use a
professional translation service in Canada.
Enquire about the procedure to get a drivers license in
Canada and apply for it as soon as you arrive. The
ability to drive can play a critical factor in getting a job.
Another important step is to attend a pre-departure
orientation seminar in your native country, organized by
the Canadian Immigrant Integration Program (CIIP), and
a Know Before You Go webinar online to learn more
about life in Canada.

Career Pathways > Engineering

Chapter Two

Skills Development
Education
Many immigrants continue
their education after
coming to Canada. Some
even want to change
careers or enhance their
careers with a Ph.D or
MBA.

In order to practice in Canada, you must be

licensed by the relevant professional provincial or
territorial authority. You will be required to complete

Click here for links to

Universities and Colleges
across Canada where you
can find the courses and
subjects that may interest
you.
Bridging programs

an accredited program of study, supervised work

experience, and an examination in professional
ethics. Bridging programs and other skills upgrading

courses and workshops help you in obtaining

licensure.

Skills Upgrading
You may possess strong technical skills, but
often that is not enough to get a job or maintain it
afterward. You may need more training or skills
upgrading, especially regarding your soft skills.
Employers in Canada expect engineers to have

Bridging programs are a

good way to transition
from your international
experience and training to
the Canadian workplace.
Many colleges,
universities and
immigrant-serving
agencies offer engineering
related bridging programs
or workshops. You may be
eligible for one. Conduct
some research to find a
program thats suitable for
you.

advanced math and science skills, strong

communication and interpersonal skills, business
writing and report writing skills, teamwork, critical
thinking problem solving skills, and project
management. It is advisable to learn or improve your
knowledge of MS Office and AutoCAD as they are
the most widely used programs in Canada.

Career Pathways > Engineering

Alberta:
Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) Calgary
Engineering and Technology Upgrading Program
The Engineering & Technology Upgrading Program is an integrated training program
that provides upgrading and Canadian work experience to help foreign educated
professionals integrate into the local engineering industry. This program promotes
employability and career development in the participants related engineering
discipline.
Bredin Centre for Learning
Building Information Modeling (BIM) Program
The Building Information Modeling (BIM) program is designed to bridge internationally
educated engineering professionals into professional jobs as Engineering
Designers/Drafters.
The program is a 28 week course that integrates language training with different
levels of computer software training, culminating with comprehensive training in the
suite of Revit BIM software programs.
Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN)
Engineers and Technologists Integration Program (ETIP)
The program facilitates the professional accreditation and labour market access of
internationally educated engineers through training, which meets local business
demand by developing participants English language proficiency and assists in
adapting and improving previously learned skills to Canadian Standards.
Manitoba:
University of Manitoba
Internationally Educated Engineers Qualification Program
This program provides a pathway for immigrants with engineering credentials
obtained outside of Canada to meet part of the licensing requirements for
professional engineering practice in Manitoba.
University of Winnipeg
English for Engineering Professionals
This 12-week course is for internationally educated engineering graduates who live in
Manitoba and are planning to resume their engineering career in Manitoba.
Participants should also be in the process of having their credentials recognized by
the regulatory body in Manitoba. An online course is also available for participants
who are unable to attend the classroom course due to special circumstances.
University of Winnipeg
Technical Communication for Engineering Professionals
This 12-week course is for internationally educated engineering graduates who are
permanent residents of Canada with Canadian Language Benchmark levels of 7 or
higher. It focuses on English skills needed for success in practicing engineering in
Manitoba. It is a 12-week classroom program and is offered in the Winter
session. The pre-requisite for this course is the ESP course, English for Engineering
Professionals, which is also offered at the University of Winnipeg.
Career Pathways > Engineering
7

Ontario:
ACCES Employment
Engineering Connections
This program helps internationally trained engineers learn about the engineering
labour market and the licensure process in Ontario. Participants study effective job
search strategies, workplace communication and employer expectations. In addition,
the program provides workshops on project management, software for engineers and
Canadian Engineering Codes.
Ryerson University
Internationally Educated Engineers Qualification Bridging (IEEQB) Program
This program provides internationally educated engineers with an opportunity to meet
the academic requirements for professional engineering licensure in Ontario. It is
offered in collaboration with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).
Humber College
Engineering Software Skills Enhancement Bridging Program
This is a 15-week bridging program for internationally educated mechanical, electrical
or civil engineers and architecture professionals with training in the latest technical
and software skills in demand by Ontario employers. More than 85% of program
graduates have secured jobs such as Engineers in Training (EIT), Project Managers,
Structural Engineers, Estimators, and Design Engineers within six months of
graduation.
There is more to the success of these Bridging Programs than their impressive
statistics. In a short time, they can enable you to integrate into the country, and most
importantly, into a meaningful job.
Humber College
Mobile Systems Integration Bridging Program
This bridging program is for internationally trained immigrants with education and
experience in information technology, computer science or engineering (computer,
electronics or electrical). Over 15 weeks, you will learn advanced concepts and gain
skills in computer networking, information security, installation and configuration of
servers in a virtualized environment with an emphasis on operating systems.
Graduates from this program are now working as Systems Analysts, IT/Network
Administrators, Network Analysts, and more.
Humber College
Occupation Specific Language Training: Project Management
This FREE occupation-specific language training course in project management
provides immigrants with the workplace culture and language skills to communicate
effectively on the job.
OSLT Project Management is an intensive program for immigrant professionals who
have training and/or experience in Project Management from outside Canada.
This program provides you with the technical work-related training which you require
to enter, and be successful, in your profession in Canada. All Humber OSLT
graduates earn a certificate.
Career Pathways > Engineering

Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE)

Examination Skills Preparation for Internationally Trained Engineers
This program helps internationally trained engineers seeking licensure in Ontario to
prepare for the Professional Practice Examination. Participants learn about the role
and context of exam writing in Canada as well as legal and ethical practices in the
workplace. Participants will also be prepared with the technical information needed to
pass the exam.
University of Toronto
Licensing International Engineers into the Profession
This program helps internationally trained engineers obtain the training required to get
licensed and employed as professional engineers in Ontario. It offers Civil, Electrical
and Mechanical engineering courses at the University of Toronto in lieu of PEOs
Confirmatory Examination Program. It also offers engineering-specific language
training, workplace culture and communication training, technical engineering courses
and preparation to write the Professional Practice Examination (PPE). Participants
are also provided with the opportunity to obtain Canadian work experience.
University of Waterloo
Bridging programs for internationally trained professionals
The Faculty of Engineering offers a coursework-based Master of Engineering
program (MEng) that allows internationally trained engineers to upgrade their
qualifications. Programs are available in chemical engineering, civil engineering,
electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering and systems design
engineering, and in management sciences.

Career Pathways > Engineering

Chapter Three

Understanding Canadian
Workplaces
Canadian employers,
who often do not know
how to assess education
and work experience from
other countries, may
require or prefer you to

have experience working

in Canada. Lack of local
market experience can
pose a challenge for
newcomers, but there
are ways to overcome
some of these

Volunteering
Volunteering is an important part of Canadian society
and lifestyle. It helps you settle in faster, make friends,
practice skills and even it might lead you in some
cases to a job at the organization where you are
volunteering or somewhere else. You can find
hundreds of volunteering opportunities in community
organizations and other non-profits in your area by
contacting your local volunteer centre. You can also
ask your relatives, friends or colleagues for volunteer
opportunities that suit your skills and interests. You
should consider volunteering in your community as it
is an important tool that can help you integrate faster
into society and workforce. Even one afternoon of
volunteering a week would be helpful.

challenges. When an

employer tells you that you

have no Canadian
experience, they often
mean that theyre not sure if youre
going to fit into their workplace.
They are unsure that you are
familiar with Canadian codes and
standards of practice or that you
have the communication skills,
etiquette or interpersonal savvy to
be an asset to their firm. Employers
want friendly, assertive
professionals with excellent
communication skills who will fit in
and become natural leaders.
You can overcome this barrier and
acquire a good understanding of
how a Canadian workplace
operates by volunteering, meeting
people, having a mentor, getting an
internship or job shadowing.
Career Pathways > Engineering

Internship
Another effective way to acquire Canadian
experience is through internships. Career
Bridge is an innovative internship program
that allows you to apply for paid internships
at Canadas leading private, public or nonprofit sector employers. The program
regularly posts internship opportunities and
offers paid internships of four, six, nine or
twelve months for recent immigrants:

10

with fluency in English

Mentoring

with at least a Bachelors level

education

Its important to find someone who can coach

or mentor you and share information about
the engineering industry in Canada. Many
professional associations and some
companies offer this type of buddy program,
where a seasoned member guides a junior
member.

with a minimum of three years

international work experience
The program is run by Career Edge
Organization, a not-for-profit social
enterprise that has managed over 9,200
paid internships across Canada since
1996.

If you plan to settle in Ontario and apply

for a P.Eng. license, you may be eligible
to be registered in PEOsEngineering
Internship (EIT) Program. The EIT
Program is designed for applicants who
are employed in an engineering
capacity. It is not a job search or
placement program, but assists in
understanding the licensing
requirements, particularly the
experience required to qualify for a
P.Eng. license, and offers you the
opportunity to obtain detailed,
confidential work experience reviews
from the EIT Program Manager. At your
request, PEO will review your
experience upon changing jobs, upon
completion of any temporary work
assignment, and after obtaining your
first six months of engineering
experience in Canada. The program
also encourages you to become
involved in the profession and to
participate in PEOs chapter activities,
insurance and investment plans.

Many immigrant-serving agencies

have mentorship programs where they team
up a newcomer with someone in their
professional field.
The Mentoring Partnership brings together
recent skilled immigrants and established
professionals in occupation-specific
mentoring relationships. The program is
managed by the Toronto Region Immigrant
Employment Council.
For similar programs in other Canadian cities,
check the immigrant employment council in
your area.
You can also look for mentoring opportunities
online by registering for sites such
as MentorCity.
Video
How can newcomers benefit from mentoring?

Job Shadowing
Not exactly a mentorship or a volunteer opportunity, job shadowing is an interesting way to
obtain inside information on your industry in Canada, learn how the Canadian workplace
operates and possibly gain some good networking contacts. This can last anywhere from
an hour to an entire day. Toward the end of an information interview, ask if its possible to job
shadow the person, of course only if you feel that the interview has gone well. Job
shadowing is a great way to find out what an hour or a day on your job is like in Canada. It
might be difficult to find job shadowing opportunities in large engineering firms, so try
searching for such opportunities in small to medium engineering companies.

Career Pathways > Engineering

11

12

Chapter Four

Job Finding Techniques

Consider the following tips
in your job search:
Broaden your search and
include alternative
careers.
Join engineering related
job-finding or networking
groups through the
immigrant-serving
agencies.

The career opportunities for professional engineers in

Canada vary according to your area of practice, the
industries in which you wish to work, and the
province where you plan to settle.
The Canadian job market is very competitive and
jobs are difficult to find. You cannot work as an
engineer if you are not licensed. However, during the
licensing process, you can work with a licensed
professional engineer if they take responsibility for
your work.
You may possess strong technical skills, but

Attend engineering
related career/job fairs and
info sessions.
Seek out a mentor in the
engineering sector for
example, a retired
engineer who would
provide valuable insight
and advice and probably
introduce you to their
professional network.

often that is not enough to get a job or maintain it

afterward. You may need more training or skills
upgrading, especially regarding your soft skills.
You do not need a license to work in the many
different professions within the field of engineering or
applied science technology. While your license
application is processed, you may wish to register as
an engineer-in-training to receive advice and
guidance from the provincial or territorial association.

13

Career Pathways > Engineering

13

Resume Writing

Settlement Agencies

The engineering industry includes many different

disciplines and cannot be described in a few words.
Some of these branches include chemical, civil,
electrical and mechanical.

Most settlement agencies

and other immigrant-serving
organizations offer help with
finding job vacancies,
updating your resume, writing
cover letters, preparing for
interviews and understanding
what Canadian employers
are looking for.

If you are an engineer, your resume must

demonstrate excellent knowledge in drafting,
including the ability to interpret data to develop and
design models. It should also demonstrate your
ability to think laterally to provide solutions, exercising
independent judgment and decision-making in the
diagnosis and resolution of problems.
For example, if you are a Processing Engineer, your
resume needs to cover all aspects of engineering and
construction, with solid knowledge of the project
development process. Your background should be
showcased, including designing and budgeting
projects; negotiating contracts and assigning
responsibility; ensuring projects remain within budget
and purchasing equipment and necessary materials.
For information on writing a Canadian style
resume, click here.

Click here to find

immigrant services in your
area.

Success Story:

Interview Techniques
Engineers work in dozens of fields, including
aeronautics, biomedicine, manufacturing, chemicals,
computers, nuclear power and agriculture. How you
prepare for an engineering job interview will depend
in part on what type of position you are pursuing.
One way you can separate yourself from the pack is
by creating a work portfolio. It expresses what you
may not be able to put into words. In addition to
taking it to the interview, send your portfolio or a link
to your online portfolio to the interviewer ahead of
time. This way, they can review the portfolio and you
can discuss it during the interview.
Some meetings are mere screening or information
interviews where they employer tries to learn more
about you. A third type is the audition interview, in
which you are asked to perform tasks that would be
required of you on the job.

14

Career Pathways > Engineering

Although he was a professor at

Sharif University of
Technology, one of the most
prestigious universities in Iran,
and had a prosperous private
consulting firm in Tehran,
Mahdi Zangeneh decided to
move to Canada. He was
attracted by the peace and
quality of life found in the North
American country, so in 2009
he came to Toronto. Read
more.

14

When you are called to an interview, make sure to

ask questions, as it shows that you are genuinely
interested in the job. Your questions can include the
following:
What products are in the development stage?
How do you feel about creativity and individuality?
Is there a lot of team or project work?
Below are some sample questions you might be
asked during an engineering interview:
In your last engineering position, what were some of
the things that you spent the most time on, and how
much time did you spend on each?
What do you enjoy most/least about engineering?
What new engineering specialty skills have you
developed during the past year?
Do you have any patents? If so, tell me about them. If
not, is it something you see yourself pursuing and
why or why not?
Think of a specific engineering project when you
answer this question. What could you have done to
be more successful in achieving your goal(s)?
Describe a time when you confronted a problem that
really tested your engineering know-how.
What is your overall career objective? Do you see
yourself working in engineering ten years from now?
If not, what do you think you will be doing?
Tell me about your greatest success in using the
principles of logic to solve an engineering problem in
your last job.
To what extent has your engineering background
required you to be skilled in the analysis of technical
reports or information?

Of course, there are many

other questions that you
need to prepare for.
Consider as well
familiarizing yourself with
recent news or research
about the industry of your
prospective employer.

Information
Interviews
An information interview is
a brief (2030-minute)
meeting that you schedule
with a person who is
currently working in your
target field and geographic
location to learn more
about that particular
sector.
You should not try to get a
job during an information
interview but rather find
out whether or not a
particular position or
industry might be a good
fit for your interests and
your personality. An
informational interview
with a contact from your
network can be an
excellent source of career
information because, in
addition to basic
information about a
particular type of industry
(such as you might find on
an organizations website),
it also offers you the
benefit of a professionals
first-hand experiences and
impressions.

Describe a time when you used your engineering

knowledge to solve a problem for which there
appeared to be no answer.

15

Career Pathways > Engineering

15

Networking
Networking is an essential tool that can provide job leads, offer advice and information
about a particular company or industry that can strengthen your resume, cover letter, and
interview skills. It can also introduce you to others so that you can expand your network. As
many job vacancies are not advertised, you must make connections with working
professional engineers and others within your field.
Good places to network are gatherings such as conferences, seminars, association
luncheons, and chamber mixers for their convenience in meeting people, building
relationships, and sharing information.
LinkedIn is another important professional networking tool. It is great for reconnecting with
your ex-colleagues and employers, search by company or jobs, and get introductions and
recommendations.
You can also mingle with people in the engineering sector and join some related
professional groups.
Note that its not appropriate to ask a networking contact for a job, but if they know of any
job leads, they may share them.
Remember, that you have to allow time to cultivate and grow the ties you establish through
networking. Nothing will happen overnight and therefore, you need to be patient.

LinkedIn is another important professional networking tool. It is great for reconnecting with
your ex-colleagues and employers, search by company or jobs, and get introductions and
recommendations.
You can also mingle with people in the engineering sector and join some related
professional groups.
Note that its not appropriate to ask a networking contact for a job, but if they know of any
job leads, they may share them.
Remember, that you have to allow time to cultivate and grow the ties you establish through
networking. Nothing will happen overnight and therefore, you need to be patient.

16

Career Pathways > Engineering

16

Chapter Five

Associations
The engineering associations in Canada listed below provide
additional information about licensure and certification and offer a
variety of professional development, education and networking
opportunities.
Provincial Regulators
Each Canadian province and territory has
its own regulatory body to license
engineers who meet the professions high
standards, and to govern the profession
of engineering. The associations listed
below provide additional information
about licensure and certification and offer
a variety of professional training,
education and networking opportunities.

Association of Professional Engineers

and Geoscientists of British
Columbia (APEGBC )
Association of Professional Engineers,
Geologists and Geophysicists of
Alberta (APEGGA )
Association of Professional Engineers
and Geoscientists of
Saskatchewan (APEGS )
Association of Professional Engineers
and Geoscientists of the Province of
Manitoba (APEGM)
Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO)
Ordre des ingnieurs du Qubec (OIQ )
Association of Professional Engineers
and Geoscientists of New
Brunswick (APEGNB )
Career Pathways > Engineering

Engineers Nova Scotia (APENS)

Engineers PEI (APEPEI)
Professional Engineers and
Geoscientists Newfoundland and
Labrador (PEG-NL)
Association of Professional
Engineers of Yukon (APEY)
Northwest Territories and Nunavut
Association of Professional
Engineers and
Geoscientists (NAPEGG)

Engineering Societies
Although they are not involved in the
licensing of engineers in Canada,
engineering societies play a key role
in helping engineers learn about new
theories, advanced techniques and
modern equipment through their
conference, seminars or
publications.
Association of Consulting Engineers
of Canada (ACEC)
Canadian Academy of Engineering
(CAE)
Canadian Dam Association
Canadian Federation of Engineering
Students (CFES)

17

The Canadian Medical and Biological Engineering Society

Canadian Society for Bioengineering

Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering

Canadian Society for Civil Engineering
Canadian Society for Engineering Management
Canadian Society for Mechanical Engineering
The Chemical Institute of Canada
Consulting Engineers of New Brunswick
Consulting Engineers of Manitoba
Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC)

Video
Professional
Immigrant
Networks

Generation-E (Engineering Career Awareness site)

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering
RedR Canada (Registered Engineers for Disaster Relief)

Immigrant Networks
Professional immigrant networks are organized, volunteer-run member-based associations
or networks created by and for immigrant professionals that seek to:create a forum to
contribute to and enrich their respective communities provide opportunities for members to
find meaningful employment and achieve their professional goals
These networks organize networking events, mentoring, information sessions, and also
provide professional development opportunities such as workshops, training and connections
to employment opportunities.
British Columbia:
Society of Internationally Trained Engineers of British Columbia
Society of Punjabi Engineers And Technologists of British Columbia
Nova Scotia:
IETP-NS: Association of Internationally Educated and Trained Professionals of Nova Scotia
Ontario:
Association of Bulgarian Engineers in Canada
Association of Romanian Engineers in Canada (AREC)
Canadian Network of Iraqi Engineers and Architects
Career Pathways > Engineering

18

Chapter Six

Employment
Finding a job in Canada may be different from your native country
and you may need help finding job vacancies, updating your
resume, writing cover letters, preparing for interviews, and
understanding what Canadian employers are looking for.
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canadas
reference on occupations. It provides job descriptions,
occupational statistics and labour market information.
Civil engineers
Mechanical engineers
Electrical and electronics engineers
Chemical engineers
Industrial and manufacturing engineers
Metallurgical and materials engineers
Mining engineers
Geological engineers
Petroleum engineers
Aerospace engineers
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)
Other professional engineers, n.e.c.

Credentials Recognition
One of the first things you need to do is to find out the requirements to work as an
engineer in Canada. Therefore, after you get your immigration visa, contact the
regulatory body in the province or territory where you intend to settle in Canada. They
will advise you about the required documentation and the fees for assessment. It is
highly recommended that you complete this step before you arrive in Canada.
You may be asked to submit some or all of the following:
Original diplomas, degrees or full transcripts recording your course and marks, and
the official program syllabuses or course descriptions.
Full address of the educational and professional institutions where you obtained your
engineering qualifications.
Employment and character references.
Career Pathways > Engineering

19

All documents must have certified English or French translation

(depending on the province).
The association will review your university background, assess
your academic qualifications and may assign an examination
program to ensure that academic requirements are met.
The examinations assigned will be based on your claim
discipline or specialty of intended work. Examinations are held
once or twice a year, depending on the jurisdiction.
Contact the professional association in the province or territory
you will settle in before you move to get more information about
the schedule of exams and take that into consideration when
deciding the actual date of your departure to Canada.
Note that it is only engineers that require an Engineering license
to practice in Canada. Engineering Technicians and
Technologists are not regulated but are certified instead. They
may be asked to produce a Technologist/Technician Certificate,
which is voluntary and is offered in each province by the
provincial associations.
Its important not to rush your application and only complete it
once you are fully aware of the licensure procedure and the
regulatory bodys expectations from you.
Credentials Assessment Services

If you are planning to enroll in a college or university program to

upgrade your skills, contact the institution in which you plan to
study and find out the steps you should take and which
credential assessment agency you should use.
World Education Services (WES) Ontario
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
Alberta
The International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) British
Columbia
Career Pathways > Engineering

20

The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials

(CICIC)
The Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada
To find more organizations and agencies providing credential
evaluation, assessment and qualification recognition services,
click here. You can also visit the Foreign Credentials Referral
Office for information, path-finding and referral services on
foreign credential recognition to help internationally trained
workers like you succeed and put their skills to work in Canada
more quickly.
Best Locations
Most Canadian cities offer employment opportunities in the
engineering sector and the demand for each occupation varies
from one province to the other. However, the provinces of
Alberta and Saskatchewan offer a concentration of employment
opportunities, especially in the construction, mining and energy
sectors. Northern Ontario also offers opportunities in the mining
sector.
When looking for jobs, broaden your geographic area to include
smaller cities close to your target city. For example, if you intend
to work in Toronto, you might find a job opportunity in the nearby
city of Hamilton, which is less than an hours drive. Find out
where there is demand for your engineering profession in
Canada and accordingly decide where you want to settle.
Major Employers
Professional engineers can be employed at construction
companies, manufacturing companies, public power generation
and utilities companies, mining companies, various levels of
government, and consulting engineering firms. They can also be
self-employed.
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In Canada, the demand for engineers is especially high at the

middle level, because of retirement. Companies are facing
significant challenges finding senior level engineers. Though
you might not get a senior level job immediately, its good to
start at a lower level and work your way up in a few years.
You can get lists of engineering firms in different Canadian
provinces by clicking the links below:
Alberta
B.C.
Ontario
Saskatchewan
You can also visit the Best Employers for New
Canadians website. This special designation recognizes
Canadas best employers for recent immigrants. These
employers offer interesting programs to assist new Canadians in
making the transition to a new workplace and a new life in
Canada.
Another website to check is TRIECs Immigrant Success
Awards, which recognizes employer leadership and innovation
in recruiting and retaining skilled immigrants in the Greater
Toronto Area.
Sector Reports
Labour market study shows engineering market skills shortage
and job growth
The Engineering Labour Market in Canada: Projections to
2020 report released by Engineers Canada shows that Canada
is facing a short supply of engineers with more than 10 years of
specialized experience.

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The report projects 95,000 professional engineers will retire by

2020. It adds that the country will face a skills shortage because
the workforce cannot be replaced fast enough by incoming
Canadian or experienced internationally trained graduates.
The report found that supply and demand imbalances are
becoming more serious. While engineering labour market
conditions vary from region to region, markets must find ways to
strike a balance between retiring workers and training incoming
graduates and international engineers interested in working in
Canada.
Other key findings of the report include areas of job growth due
to investment in resources, utilities and infrastructure. This is
particularly evident west of Quebec, meaning engineers who are
willing to move will find many prospects. In terms of immigration,
experienced and specialized engineers will have better job
prospects in Canada, as employers have recruiting needs for
specific projects, but markets will be weaker for new graduates.
Read the full report here.

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Copyright 2015 by Destination Canada Information Inc. All rights reserved. No part
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 Prepare for Canada . 2015

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