bright and skilled newcomers: there’s a place for you in engineering

Engineers are world-class problem solvers, and the future of engineering careers is bright for newcomers to Canada. 

The demand for engineers is projected to keep rising as many companies seek to innovate and create new products and services. This is an excellent opportunity for engineers looking to immigrate to Canada. 

There’s an increasing need to replace retiring engineers. However, there isn't enough talent in Canada to fill these open positions. So, the Government of Canada and employers of engineers are looking outside our borders to find trained engineers. For newcomers, this means there is a place for you in engineering in Canada.

why canada is a good place for engineer immigrants 

Engineering is a broad sector with lots of job opportunities in Canada. It's consistently been one of the most in-demand jobs in the country. There is an ongoing need for highly skilled engineering professionals.

However, thousands of engineering jobs need to be fulfilled. Why? There needs to be more talent locally in Canada to fill the available jobs. One significant barrier has also prevented internationally trained engineers from coming to Canada - the Canadian experience licensing requirement for newcomers. The great news is this requirement has been removed, making it easier for newcomers to work in engineering.

canadian experience licencing required is removed in ontario

Lack of Canadian work experience is viewed as a critical reason why newcomers struggle to receive engineering licenses when they arrive in Canada. But this is no longer the case in Ontario. 

The Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) has become the first professional regulatory body to remove the Canadian work experience requirement from their application criteria. 

“By no longer requiring proof of Canadian experience when applying for an engineering licence, PEO will effectively ensure that qualified international applicants are licensed fairly and without undue delay so they can actively work as engineers,” said Jennifer Quaglietta, the regulator’s CEO registrar, to thestar.com.

“Our new application process for professional engineering licences is efficient, transparent and fair, and will provide most applicants with a registration decision within six months of submitting a completed application,” she adds. 

Engineering regulatory bodies in Ontario have until December 2, 2024, to remove Canadian work experience as a licensing requirement for internationally trained professionals. With this barrier removed and significant career opportunities available, Canada has become an even more attractive destination for internationally trained engineers. 

there are lots of immigration programs for engineers

In addition to relaxed licencing requirements, Canada offers international engineers several paths to immigrate to Canada. Here are the most notable programs that can help newcomers transition into engineering jobs in Canada:

• Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP): Targets proficient workers with education, work experience, and language proficiency to make meaningful contributions to the Canadian economy.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This program is tailored for individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada. It offers a route to immigration for those who have successfully assimilated into Canadian society and demonstrated their capacity to contribute to the economy.
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Enables provinces and territories to choose immigrants based on their unique economic experience. Provinces offer specialized streams and pathways for engineers, making the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) an appealing choice for those seeking immigration in this field. Each province establishes its eligibility criteria.

essential skills in engineering 

Engineers are reshaping their roles as the industry evolves, welcoming a diversity of cultures and experiences among professionals. Although traditional foundations remain relevant, new domains are emerging.

Engineering is becoming more diverse in culture, experience, background, and skill requirements. To prepare for this future, engineers will need to continue to adapt and learn new skills - both technical and soft skills.

Some of the essential technical and soft skills international engineers need to acquire to have success in Canada include:

technical skills

These are the skills engineers typically focus on and are good at acquiring. They are the technical skills that are used in day-to-day activities:

• proficiency with software tools
• technical engineering skills
• adaptability to new tools
• understand AI and automation
• market research and data analysis

However, soft skills are becoming more critical in the engineering industry. 

soft skills

Here are soft skills that can greatly help newcomers upon arriving in Canada:

• adaptability: The ability to adapt to technological advancements, methodologies, new tools and approaches to stay relevant.
• teamwork: Engineering is increasingly multidisciplinary. The ability to work with colleagues cohesively is a key success factor.
• flexibility: Professionals need to work through unforeseen challenges and sudden project changes. 
• communication: Effective communication skills are essential. You need the ability to communicate complex plans and ideas to non-engineers easily. 
• inclusivity and diversity awareness: Engineering is a global profession. You collaborate with people from diverse cultural, ethnic, and gender backgrounds. An awareness and appreciation of this diversity and an inclusive mindset create a more robust work environment.

tips for your job search 

Engineering is a broad sector with lots of job opportunities in Canada. However, searching for a job in Canada can differ greatly from other countries. Newcomers need to research the Canadian job market to understand the best practices to apply for jobs. 

• update your resume to meet Canadian employer standards: Canadian engineering employers have certain resume expectations. Spend some time researching what to include in your resume and format it. Focus on your previous project experience. Note your responsibilities, project scope and value, and the outcome. Use numbers and data to quantify your impact.  
• create a project portfolio: A project portfolio can help you highlight your experience and expertise in your engineering field. Highlight the project you worked on and your technical skills and certifications. 
• research the best provinces to look for jobs: Canada is a large country divided into unique provinces and territories. Some regions have a lot of job opportunities, and others do not. Generally, Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta have the most open positions. Quebec is another option, but it's recommended you be fluent in French. 

work with randstad, your partner for talent!

As Canada’s leading provider of recruitment solutions for engineering, Randstad works closely with its partners to understand their staffing needs and opportunities. When you meet with our engineering recruiters, your business gains access to Canada’s top engineering talent.

Are you aspiring to kickstart your engineering career? Explore information on the top positions, qualifications, job descriptions, salaries, and other relevant details.