Technology
Canada is a world leader in the application of new technology, and technicians and technologists are key to the country's success.
In Canada, technicians, technologists and engineers are distinct occupational categories that perform different types of work and have different professional certification requirements.
Technicians specialize in using specific tools and techniques. Technologists and engineers work with technology in a complementary way, with technologists focusing more on the practical aspects and engineers on the theoretical.
Working in Technology
Technicians and technologists work for employers in both the private and public sector. Common types of technicians and technologists and the main industries in which they work are listed below:
Biological technicians and technologists:
agriculture,
environment and natural resource, and scientific fields.
Architectural technicians and technologists:
construction industry
Chemical technicians and technologists: manufacturing and scientific fields
Electrical/electronics engineering technicians and technologists: manufacturing, and science and technology
Industrial engineering and manufacturing technicians and technologists: manufacturing industries
Mechanical engineering technicians and technologists: manufacturing
Geological and mineral technicians and technologists: oil and gas and mining industries Petroleum engineering technicians and technologists: oil and gas industry.
Skills & Training
Technicians and technologists are certified by different professional associations in each province or territory. Certification is not mandatory, but many employers are required or prefer to hire certified technicians and technologists. The qualifications of certified technicians and technologists are also more widely recognized both in Canada and around the world.
Certification requires completion of post-secondary technical programs and relevant work experience. Apprenticeships are available for some occupations.