Engineering

Engineers make a key contribution to Canada’s social betterment and economic competitiveness. The results of engineering are everywhere. Medical equipment, bridges, airport navigation systems…all have been designed, created or improved upon by engineers.

In Canada, engineers, technologists and technicians are distinct occupational categories that perform different types of work and have different professional certification requirements. Engineers and technologists work with technology in a complementary way, with engineers focusing more on the theoretical aspects and technologists on the practical. Technicians specialize in using specific tools and techniques.

Working in Engineering

Engineers may work in project management, design, management, project planning, technology support, operations and production, research and development, technical specifications, quality assurance or marketing and sales.

Common types of engineers and the main industries in which they work are listed below:

• Aerospace engineers: aviation industry
• Agricultural engineers and environmental engineers: agricultural, environment and natural resource, and scientific sectors
• Biomechanical and biomedical engineers: health sciences
• Civil engineers: construction, electricity, and oil and gas industries   
• Computer engineers and software engineering engineers: information technology and virtually all other sectors
• Geological engineers and geomatics engineers: environment and natural resource, oil and gas, and mining sectors
• Chemical engineers, industrial and manufacturing engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and materials engineers: manufacturing and science and technology
• Metallurgical engineers: manufacturing, mining, and scientific fields
• Mining engineers: mining industry  
• Naval architectural and ocean engineers: marine industries  
• Nuclear engineers: energy production 
• Petroleum engineers: oil and gas industry

Skills & Training

Engineers require strong math and science skills, and good communication and teamwork abilities. They generally like to build things or improve the way things work.

In order to practice in Canada, engineers must be licensed by the relevant provincial or territorial authority. Licensing requires completion of an accredited program of study, supervised work experience, and an examination in professional ethics.

Education or work experience obtained in other countries may be accepted for licensing in some cases.