Civil Engineers Booming Demand in Canada
In the Toronto region, the outlook for civil engineers is expected to be good in 2012-2013. Demand for this occupation stems from the concentration of engineering, construction and architecture firms in the area, in combination with continued spending on infrastructure improvements in the Greater Toronto Area. In Ontario, the outlook for civil engineers is expected to be good in 2012-2013. Demand for these professionals has been increasing due to the growth in public sector spending on infrastructure and an increase in private sector construction and energy projects. Increased demand in infrastructure, transportation and transit, and power transmission and distribution facilities to accommodate the needs of a growing population should contribute to the demand for civil engineers in most regions of Ontario. Although intermediate and senior level engineers will be in greater demand across Ontario, engineers with their Professional Engineer (P.Eng) Licence will be in higher demand in smaller cities and rural communities due to the limited supply of experienced engineers outside of metropolitan areas. Also, opportunities will be better for those who are willing to travel as many engineering firms work on projects in other areas. According to the 2006 census there were about 15,500 civil engineers in Ontario, a 6.5% increase from the previous census. The average age for civil engineers was 44; 4 years older than the provincial average for all occupations. In addition, almost one-third civil engineers in Ontario was 50 years and over in 2005. Job opportunities should arise from the need to replace retiring workers.
Civil engineers plan, design, develop and manage projects for the construction or repair of buildings, earth structures, powerhouses, roads, airports, railways, rapid transit facilities, bridges, tunnels, canals, dams, ports and coastal installations and systems related to highway and transportation services, water distribution and sanitation. Civil engineers may also specialize in foundation analysis, building and structural inspection, surveying, geomatics and municipal planning. Civil engineers are employed by engineering consulting companies, in all levels of government, by construction firms and in many other industries, or they may be self-employed.
Engineering in Canada
In Canada, engineering is a regulated profession. You must have a licence to work as a professional engineer. no one can call him or herself a professional engineer, use the P.Eng./ing. designation or carry out engineering work in Canada without a licence.
Engineering regulatory bodies have been established in each province and territory of Canada to license engineers who meet the profession’s high standards, and to govern the profession of engineering. Engineers have a duty and an ethical responsibility to protect public safety. the licensing of engineers through the regulatory bodies ensures this. You must confirm the requirements with the provincial or territorial association. You will find contact information for all the provincial and territorial associations at www.engineerscanada.ca.
Before You Come to Canada
While you are waiting to go to Canada, there are many important things you can do to improve your chance for success. The Foreign Credentials Referral Office (www.credentials.gc.ca) is an organization of the government of Canada that provides you with helpful resources such as the Planning to Work in Canada? workbook and the Working in Canada tool (www.workingincanada.gc.ca). Use these resources to find and collect important information and to develop your job search plan.
You will need to prove your language skills in English or French (depending on the province where you wish to settle) or be tested. You can find information at www.language.ca. if you need to improve your language skills, start before you come to Canada.
Your official education, work and identity documents are important. it is much easier for you to gather and organize your documents while still in your home country.
Verify the translation requirements. in some cases, you will have to use a professional translation service in Canada.
Each provincial and territorial association has its own provisions for the steps in the licensing process that you can take prior to immigrating to Canada. For more information on these steps, you can contact the provincial or territorial association directly.
Finding a Job in Canada
You cannot work as an engineer if you are not licensed. However, during the licensing process, you can work if a licensed professional engineer takes responsibility for your work.
While a licence application is in progress, you may wish to register as an engineer-in-training to receive advice and guidance from the provincial or territorial association.
You may be eligible for a bridging program. Bridging programs ease the transition from your international
training and experience to the Canadian workplace.
Do some research to see which engineering firms, companies or immigrant-serving organizations have
bridging programs.The Engineering institute of Canada offers a job board at www.engineeringcareers.ca. some provincial or territorial associations offer job boards as well. For more information, you can contact the provincial or territorial association directly.
Provincial Regulators
- association of Professional Engineers and geoscientists of British Columbia www.apeg.bc.ca
- association of Professional Engineers, geologists and geophysicists of alberta www.apegga.org
- association of Professional Engineers and geoscientists of saskatchewan www.apegs.sk.ca
- association of Professional Engineers and geoscientists of the Province of Manitoba www.apegm.mb.ca
- Professional Engineers ontario www.peo.on.ca
- Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec www.oiq.qc.ca
- association of Professional Engineers and geoscientists of new Brunswick www.apegnb.ca
- Engineers nova scotia www.engineersnovascotia.ca
- Engineers PEi www.engineerspei.com
- Professional Engineers and geoscientists newfoundland and labrador www.pegnl.ca
- association of Professional Engineers of Yukon www.apey.yk.ca
- northwest territories and nunavut association of Professional Engineers and geoscientists www.napeg.nt.ca
Additional Resources
- Canadian Council of technicians and technologists www.cctt.ca
- Citizenship and immigration Canada www.cic.gc.ca
- service Canada www.servicecanada.gc.ca
- Foreign Credentials Referral Office www.credentials.gc.ca
Source: FCRO, Service Canada, CIC
