To work as an engineer in Canada you must have Canadian credentials. But, while you get your credentials you can work in a job related to engineering if a licensed engineer supervises your work. This is because engineering is a regulated profession in Canada. But only with a Canadian license can you call yourself an engineer in Canada and practice.
The licensed engineer will be accountable for your work as an assistant, junior, or engineer in training, etc. So to work as an engineer in Canada, it’s important to get Canadian credentials.
P.Eng. Required to Work as an Engineer in Canada
Canadian employers place a high value on the professional engineer (P.Eng.) designation. And you require a P.Eng. for many engineering duties and positions. Without this designation, you cannot sign any documents or call yourself an engineer. Each province and territory in Canada has its own regulatory body to license engineers. For example, in Ontario, the Professional Engineers of Ontario can confer the P.Eng. the designation. These bodies govern the practice of engineering and integrate skilled immigrants.
To get your P.Eng. license, you must apply for it and:
- Get recognition for your international degrees
For example., you require four years of work experience and one year must be Canadian experience. And you can gain this work experience when you work under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer.
Research How to Work as an Engineer in Canada
It’s important to know how your international qualifications will be viewed and what you need to work as an engineer in Canada. It’s also helpful to research the Canadian labour market and job prospects for your engineering type. These are some of the steps you can that you can take before you immigrate to Canada. And with this information, you will have greater success in resuming your career in Canada.
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Engineering jobs in demand in Canada
Get Credentials to Work as an Engineer in Canada
It can be time-consuming to get your international education and work experience evaluated. However, you can start the assessment process before you arrive in Canada. For example, you can gather and organize your official education and work documents while still in your home country.
A great place to start is to contact the regulatory body in the province where you intend to work. The regulatory body can tell you what documents you need to bring. As well, the licensing body can tell you what you can do before and after you arrive in Canada. This may also save you time and money if you know what you require before you leave for Canada.
You may also need to translate your documents by a professional translation service in Canada. Again, the regulatory body will provide you with this information.
If you are already in Canada, you can work in a job related to engineering while you work towards getting your P.Eng. But you can only work as an engineer in Canada when you receive your license.
Watch now to learn how to become a P.Eng. in Ontario
Benefits of Working in a Job Related to Engineering
While you may have engineering experience from your home country, you require Canadian experience to get your license. So it’s helpful if you can find a job that does not require a P.Eng. license but is related to engineering.
When you work in a job that is related to engineering you can:
- Add value to your existing education and work experience
- Show employers that you’re committed to Canadian standards
- Enhance your language skills
- Develop an understanding of the Canadian workplace, and
- Build your professional network in Canada.
When in job interviews, you can explain to employers that you are currently getting your credentials assessed and when you expect to become a licensed engineer in Canada.
While you pursue your credentials, you can get your foot in the door with an employer. And once hired, you can apply for internal jobs that require a P.Eng. when you receive your license.
Key Takeaways to Work as an Engineer in Canada
1. You can do engineering work in Canada without being licensed, but only under the direct supervision of a Canadian professional engineer (P.Eng.).
2. Without a license from the provincial engineering association, you cannot:
- Call yourself an engineer
- Hold the job title of engineer
- Be recognized as an engineer, or
- Work independently as an engineer in Canada.
3. Contact the provincial engineering association where you intend to work (see links below). Each province may have specific requirements for your engineering background and the licensing process may vary.
4. There are many benefits when you work in an engineering role that does not require a license. For example, it allows you to work in your field while you get your credentials assessed or work towards your P.Eng.
Provincial Regulators:
Alberta
British Columbia
Manitoba
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
Saskatchewan
For more information, tools, and resources about finding a job in Canada be sure to visit our website.
