Engineering trends in Canada

2. ENGINEERING 2013 CAREER TRENDS
Presentation to the Professional Engineers of Ontario

3. About IME
• We have over 1200
Engineering and
Technical Contractors
• We place 500
professionals in
permanent positions
every year

4. We provide our Candidates
• In-depth process
• Respectful & transparent
interaction and communication
• A working relationship built on
integrity, trust and
confidentiality
• Timely feedback
• On-going support to ensure
success

5. We Provide our Clients
• Access to top talent
• Thorough & comprehensive searches
• Proven networking capability
• Trusted referral process
• Extensive database
• Value added services

6. Independent Contractor
An independent contractor (IC) is a person who contracts to perform services for
others without having the legal status of an employee. Most people who qualify
as independent contractors have their own trade, business, or profession -- that
is, they are in business for themselves

7. T4 Employee
Traditional employer/employee relationship where the employer directs the work
of the employee and pays the worker in accordance with Canada Revenue
Employment standards. This includes appropriate taxation, sick pay, vacation
pay, employment insurance. There is usually no defined end date.

8. Advantages
• Independence
• Breadth of experience
• You control length of contract
• Less politics
• Establish tax-advantaged retirement (tax breaks
for putting money away for retirement)
• Increased income
• Access to work at brand name companies
• Increased personal referral network
• Flexibility in hours worked or other
opportunities
• Build Portfolio of Projects
Disadvantages
• Self provided benefits –retirement plan
• Self provided health insurance, paid vacations,
and sick leave
• Demand for your skill set is subject to market
changes which can cause uncertainty for long
term planning
• Less opportunity to see and experience the
impact of your work
• Required to interview on a frequent basis
• Salary Stagnation
Independent Contractor

9. Strategies to find the RIGHT job
What are your available resources
1. Inventory of circle of friends – where have they been hired, are they also a
new Canadian?
2. LinkedIn – Look at your extended network, friends of friends, join groups
3. Build an extended professional network – ask to join a managers network to
a company you would like to be associated with, tell them why?
4. Make a list of 10 companies you would like to work for in your career.
Research the companies and find out who their competitors are. Apply to all
of them
5. Build a trusting relationship with select recruiters (trustworthy,
knowledgeable, your best interest)
6. Social Media – retweet an executive of a company – get noticed!

10. Labour Market Trends
Websites to Follow
www.workingincanada.gc.ca - Explore careers by wages, job postings
www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/labourmarket/ - Employment patterns, unemployment rate
www.canadiancareers.com - Who’s hiring, who’s not
www.tedtalks.com - Innovation, conversation starters, future of technology

11. Canadian Wage Levels
Wage levels for your occupation in all regions in Canada
Community/Area
Wages ($/hr)
P.EngLow Median High
Canada 21.63 33.41 55.29
Alberta 25.00 38.46 60.63
Banff--Jasper--Rocky Mountain House Region 25.00 38.46 60.63 + $5-10/hour
Calgary Region 24.23 40.38 60.63 + $5-10/hour
Camrose--Drumheller Region N/A N/A N/A
Edmonton Region 25.00 38.46 60.63 + $5-10/hour
Lethbridge--Medicine Hat Region 27.74 33.84 59.70 + $5-10/hour
Red Deer Region 34.33 37.94 62.36 + $5-10/hour
Wood Buffalo--Cold Lake Region N/A N/A N/A
www.workingincanada.gc.ca

12. Wage Levels In Ontario
Ontario 21.63 33.65 53.85 P.Eng
Hamilton--Niagara Peninsula
Region
21.63 33.65 50.61 + $5-10/hour
Kingston - Pembroke Region 21.63 33.65 53.85 + $5-10/hour
Kitchener--Waterloo--Barrie
Region
19.40 32.82 45.07 + $5-10/hour
London Region 21.63 33.65 53.85 + $5-10/hour
Muskoka-Kawarthas Region 21.63 33.65 53.85 + $5-10/hour
Northeast Region 21.63 33.65 53.85 + $5-10/hour
Northwest Region 21.63 33.65 53.85 + $5-10/hour
Ottawa Region 21.63 33.65 53.85 + $5-10/hour
Stratford--Bruce Peninsula
Region
21.63 33.65 53.85 + $5-10/hour
Toronto Region 21.63 33.41 57.69 + $5-10/hour
Windsor-Sarnia Region 27.00 36.92 48.08 + $5-10/hour
Junior Intermediate Senior
www.workingincanada.gc.ca

13. Trending Jobs in 2013
• Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) has
identified a number of new and emerging industry sectors in the
economy including:
• Aerospace
• Biotechnology in agriculture, forestry, fishing and pharmaceuticals
• Environment
• Green energy technologies (green energy act of 2009)
• Multimedia, particularly for mobile communications (infotainment)
www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/labourmarket/

14. Trending Jobs in 2013
Power Distribution :– oil and gas, mining
Based on North America Infrastructure Ex.) Transmission lines are over 50+ years old
Power Generation: – Nuclear – discussions around nuclear new build has opened doors for all nuclear
disciplines – P.Eng a must have in these roles
 Electrical
 Civil
 Instrumentation and Control
 Mechanical
 Environmental – Environmental assessments for new build
Manufacturing:
Automation – more manufacturing positions are focused on automation, means less human positions in the
future. Demand is higher for servicing and design of automation equipment and control systems.
Automotive:
Trend is moving to infotainment – computer automated vehicles, Bluetooth,
Wi-Fi, GPS, reverse cameras

15. Employment Growth Q1 2013
www.canadiancareers.com

16. Are you a New Graduate?
Companies that have new graduate programs – looking for “up and coming engineers”
To prepare for engineering interviews, we recommend the following:
• Research all aspects related to the job description so that you’re able to perform any tasks that they
ask in the interview process.
• Learn about what the company does on a high level as well as the details of the specific area or group
that you’re being interviewed for.
• Review previous work experience and know the details of your projects since interviewers will typically
ask about your role in a job and what you contributed to any previous employers.
• Study any notes or textbook material relating to the job since technical questions and problem solving
is often involved
Often you will be given problems to solve, mathematical or otherwise – will you be prepared for this?
www.talentegg.ca/career-guides/engineering/

17. Lack of Canadian Experience
Canadian Work Experience
• Companies may have Canadian work expectations.
Education
• Accreditation – Credentials need to be qualified by a University for Degree
equivalency
• Up to date with Canadian Codes and standards
Security Clearance
• Need to have 5 years of continuous residence in Canada, especially for a
career in Nuclear or Aerospace Defense

18. Solutions
If you don't have Canadian experience, you can……
• Volunteer - While no one wants to work for free, you may want to consider this for a short while
• Intern - A letter requesting an internship should be clear in what you can offer and should include a
résumé that reflects your unique education, work experiences and occupational assets FYI - two
people who are knowledgeable about résumés and letters see it before you send it.
• Network - Join community groups, professional associations, interest clubs, sports teams or any
other groupings that will put you in contact with people you wouldn't ordinarily meet.
• Portfolio – Create a professional looking binder that includes: Resume, references, praise letters,
copies of your degrees and certificates, work samples and citizenship or visa (if applicable), Org
charts.

19. Interview Tips
1. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare - do your homework
2. Take care of the basics – get directions, bring copy of resume to interview and look
professional
3. Presentation Skills – Smile, firm handshake, positive body language
4. Know your resume – Be prepared to discuss career history, projects you worked on,
why you left the company etc.
5. Listen
6. Clear & concise answers
7. Provide examples of past accomplishments - outline your skills, qualify them, and
relate skills to employers needs
8. What are the 3 things an employer wants to know? - explain
9. Compile a list of appropriate and educated questions – use the hiring manager as a
source of information “ what are the most important components of the project?”
10. Prove you are the right person for the job –Ultimate Goal – to have the employer
generate an offer for you

20. Connect with Us.
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