Electrical & Electronics Engineers. A guide for newcomers to British Columbia

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2 Contents 1. Working as an Electrical or Electronics Engineer Skills, Education and Experience Finding Jobs Applying for a Job Getting Help from Industry Sources Working as an Electrical or Electronics Engineer Job Descriptions Working as an Electrical and Electronics Engineer you will perform some or all of the following duties: Use computer programs to design products, components, or electrical systems Estimate quantities and cost of materials, equipment, and labour needed for projects Develop maintenance and operating standards for electrical and electronic systems and equipment Supervise manufacturing process Test systems and equipment to make sure they perform as required Prepare contract documents and evaluate tenders for construction or maintenance Supervise technicians, technologists, programmers, analysts and other engineers. Electrical and electronics engineers may specialize in a number of areas including electrical design for residential, commercial or industrial installations, electrical power generation and transmission, and instrumentation and control systems. Source:NOC, Last updated: July 22,

3 Industry Overview Qualified and experienced electronic and electrical engineers are in demand in B.C. But a shortage of entry level positions is making it difficult for recent graduates to gain valuable on the job experience and additional skills. Graduates with co-op or internship experience and experienced skilled immigrants with current technology knowledge in this field may have an advantage when job searching. Future employers include: electric, gas, telephone and other utility companies; alternative and renewable energy resources sector; and business participating in activities in aerospace, oil and high voltage power system industries. Source: WorkBC Career Exploration, [Search NOC 2133 or electrical engineer] Job Outlook in BC Electrical and Electronics Engineers, NOC 2133 Source: WorkBC, Last updated: July 22,

4 The Employment Outlook for BC provides job openings projections for electrical & electronics engineers within BC regions: Region 2010 Estimated Employment 2015 Estimated Employment Avg Annual % Change, 5 Years, 2010 to 2015 Vancouver Island % Lower Mainland / Southwest 3,350 3, % Thompson-Okanagan % Kootenay % Cariboo % North Coast & Nechako % Northeast % Source: Regional Employment Projections, BC Stats. Projections for development regions. EmploymentProjections.aspx [accessed October 2014] You can learn more about the engineering sector from WorkBC Career Exploration, [Search NOC 2133 or electrical or Electronics engineer] Last updated: July 22,

5 Types of Employers Electrical and electronics engineers are employed by electrical utilities communications companies manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment computer manufacturers government consulting firms a wide range of manufacturing, processing and transportation industries. Many professionals in this field pursue a master's degree to work in a more specialized field. Electrical and electronic engineers who pursue a doctoral degree can contribute to the field through research and teaching at the post-secondary level, and may find employment in a larger firm in their specialty. Salary In BC, the average annual salary for electrical and electronics engineers is between $66,000 and $95,000. Some may earn more. Earnings depend on a number of factors, including experience, level of education, employer, and specialization. In addition to their salaries most salaried engineers also receive benefits, including health and dental insurance and paid sick leave and vacation time. Some may receive further benefits, including performance-based bonuses, use of a company car, and pension plan contributions. Source: WorkBC Last updated: July 22,

6 In its 2012 Report on Members Compensation And Benefits, the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC) provided these salary figures: Engineering Consulting Electrical/Electronics Industry Electric power & gas utilities incl. BC Hydro Bachelor s degree Base salary Electrical/Electronicsd Mean Lower Quartile Median Upper Quartile $87,245 $60,375 $77,960 $108,040 $97,492 $74,250 $90,500 $113,125 $91,019 $82,000 Source: APEGBC, In BC, electrical and electronics engineers can expect to make: Source: Job Bank Canada, wage reports Working Hours Electrical and electronics engineers typically work a standard 40-hour week; however, deadlines often cause added pressure that may result in longer hours. Source: WorkBC Career Exploration, Last updated: July 22,

7 2. Skills, Education and Experience Skills Critical thinking and problem solving Oral communication and public speaking creative, inquisitive, analytical, and detail-orientated Planning and organizing Team project work Project management Proposal writing and financial management Committee work- industry ethics Source: Career Cruising database. Available from the VPL Online Articles, Encyclopedias & More page: Education and Experience To work as an Electrical or Electronics Engineer you require: a Bachelor's degree in Industrial engineering or in a related engineering discipline licensing by the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists in order to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng) You may also require: a Master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline Last updated: July 22,

8 Qualifications This occupation is regulated in British Columbia. Entry level engineering positions do not require professional designation in BC. You must be registered with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (APEGBC) to use the title Professional Engineer in BC. However, you can work in engineering, even if you haven t been licensed by a professional engineering association, as long as you are supervised by a professional engineer (P.Eng). However, only licensed engineers are permitted to undertake and assume responsibility for engineering projects in BC. Licensing is required to approve engineering drawings and reports, and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P. Eng.) In order to become a registered member of APEGBC you require: graduation from an accredited educational program four years of supervised work experience in engineering passing a professional practice examination completion of the law and ethics seminar For more information: APEGBC - Become a Member Last updated: July 22,

9 Internationally trained engineers If you are an internationally trained engineer you may qualify for membership with APEGBC if you meet all requirements including: education, work experience, language skills, good character, professionalism and ethics. For more information: APEGBC - Become a Member A Roadmap to Engineering in Canada. Engineers Canada International agreements between professional engineering associations Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials Information on accreditation for internationally trained chemical engineers APEGBC's Online Resource for Internationally Trained Engineers and Geoscientists : Self assessment tool: Assessment-Tool-Available-for-In Job Mentoring Programs: Introduction to Engineering in BC Langara College These courses are designed to provide internationally trained engineers with industry specific skills in order to find employment in an engineering environment. They also help you gain a good understanding of Canadian workplace culture. Last updated: July 22,

10 3. Finding Jobs You ll find job advertisements in local newspapers, trade journals, and electronic sources, as well as through professional associations publications. Local Newspapers You can look at the Vancouver Sun & The Province at Vancouver Public Library for free. Check the job postings daily, the careers section in the Vancouver Sun on Wednesdays and Saturdays and in The Province on Sundays. Job White Pages Available in print at the Central Library or online at (see categories , Science/Engineering Professionals ) NOTE: You can only access this database from the Central Library or VPL branch libraries. Access is NOT available from home or outside the Library. Online Job Postings BC Hydro (provincial electrical utility) Engineering Central Canada Indeed.com Last updated: July 22,

11 Skilled Workers.com Search by Province and employment category, Electrical & Electronics Engineers T-Net British Columbia Covers the Technology Industry in BC. Click on Job Search Professional Associations Career Resources Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (APEGBC) Association of Consulting Engineering Companies British Columbia (ACEC) Engineering Institute of Canada BC Electrical Association path2work Last updated: July 22,

12 Identifying the Right Position When you browse job advertisements, you ll find a range of different job titles that are relevant. For electrical & electronics engineers consider these related job titles (from NOC): Avionics Engineer Control Systems Engineer Design Engineer, Electrical Distribution Planning Engineer, Electrical Electrical Network Engineer Instrumentation and Control engineer Planning Engineer, Electrical Systems Process Control Engineer, Electrical Roadway Lighting Design Engineer Television Systems Engineer Test Engineer, Electronics Last updated: July 22,

13 Creating a List of Potential Employers You can use directories to produce lists of potential employers in the electrical and electronics industries. Contact them directly to find out if they re hiring. Association of Consulting Engineering Companies British Columbia (ACEC) Directory of Member Firms Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (APEGBC) Membership BC Tech, Technology Guide (special issue of Business in Vancouver magazine) Includes biggest BC tech companies, and the top 100 tech companies in BC. Available at the Central Library, 380 EL3CBh Business in Vancouver. Book of Lists. (Biggest Engineering Firms in BC.) Available at the Central Library, B97b or online at Reference Canada Go to the "Reference Canada" database, choose the "Custom Search" button, and select both "Keyword/SIC/NAICS" under Business Type and "City" under Geography. In the top search box enter for example, "electrical engineer" and click LOOKUP. Select the appropriate headings. Lower down, select the Province, choose the cities, and click the "View Results" button. Available from the VPL Online Articles, Encyclopedias & More page NOTE: You can access VPL databases from the Library or from home. If you are using a computer from home or outside the library, you will need a Vancouver Public Library card to login to the databases. After clicking on the database name, you will be asked to enter your library card number and PIN (usually last four digits of your telephone number). Last updated: July 22,

14 4. Applying for a Job In Canada, employers usually expect to receive a resume or curriculum vitae and a cover letter that identifies the position you are applying for and summarizes your relevant experience. Use the library catalogue, to find books on writing resumes and cover letters specific to your industry. To learn about applying for jobs in Canada, use the following pathfinders which are available in print at the Central Library or online at Writing Resumes and Cover Letters Go to [Search Writing Resumes and Cover Letters] Getting Canadian Work Experience Go to [Search Getting Canadian Work Experience] Networking for Employment Go to [Search Networking for Employment] Learn More About Working in BC and Canada Go to [Search Learn More About Working in BC and Canada] Last updated: July 22,

15 5. Getting Help from Industry Sources Industry Associations Associations for professional and electrical & electronics engineers in BC and Canada provide assistance to individuals. Registration and fees are usually required for membership. Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (APEGBC) Provincial association that licenses, registers and regulates professional engineers. Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC) A federation of technical societies that promotes continuing education and technical professional development in the Canadian engineering community. Engineers Canada, Canadian Council of Professional Engineers' (CCPE) National organization of the 12 provincial and territorial associations that regulate the practice of engineering in Canada and license the country's professional engineers. IEEE (Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers) Canada IEEE Canada is the Canadian arm (as Region 7) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) as well as the constituent society of the Engineering Institute of Canada (EIC) for the technical fields of electrical, electronics, and computer engineering Last updated: July 22,

16 IEEE Vancouver Section Society of Internationally Trained Engineers of British Columbia SITE is an independent, non-profit society founded in 2004 to represent the interest of British Columbia s internationally trained engineering community. Society of Punjabi Engineers and Technologists of British Columbia SPEATBC represents all engineering disciplines and all Applied Science Technologists and Technicians Industry Journals Search the Vancouver Public Library catalogue for journals related to your profession. Examples at the Central Library: Canadian Consulting Engineer / Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada. ACEC news Available at VPL Central Library, C212 and online at: Canadian Electronics Available at VPL Central Library, C212 and online at: Electrical Business Available at VPL Central Library, E3831E and online at: Last updated: July 22,

17 Electrical Line Available at VPL Central Library, E3831 and online at: Innovation / Journal of the Association of Professional Engineers & Geoscientists of BC Available at VPL Central Library, B86 and online at: Questions? Please ask the Information Staff in the Central Library, Vancouver Public Library or telephone Please note that the information in this guide is also available online through the Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre website at Last updated: July 22,