Career Mapfor Internationally Educated

Engineering and Applied Science Technicians and Technologists

Table of Contents

Fall 2016

Introduction......................................................................................................................1

Access to Engineering Technology and Applied Science Professions in Ontario............1

Certification Requirements in Ontario..............................................................................3

Certification Process........................................................................................................5

Before You Immigrate to Canada..............................................................................5

How to Apply.............................................................................................................5

Fees and Related Costs.................................................................................................13

Working in Ontario.........................................................................................................14

English Language Proficiency.................................................................................14

Occupational Training and Upgrading.....................................................................14

Labour Market Information.............................................................................................15

For More Information......................................................................................................17

Getting Help...................................................................................................................18

Questions and Answers.................................................................................................18

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Introduction

This Career Map was updated in August 2016 in collaboration with the Ontario Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists (www.oacett.org) and the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration (www.ontarioimmigration.ca). The information is accurate at time of writing. Requirements may have changed by the time you apply. Please refer to the Ontario Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists website for the latest information and before commencing your application process.

Copyright in this Career Map is held jointly by the Queen’s Printer for Ontario and the Ontario Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists, © 2016. This Career Map may be used or reproduced by any third party for non-commercial, not-for-profit purposes, provided that (a) no fee, payment or royalty of any kind is charged by the third party for any further use or reproduction of the Career Map by any person; (b) the Career Map remains in context; and (c) the joint ownership by the Queen’s Printer for Ontario and the Ontario Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists in the Career Map is acknowledged in all reproductions of the Career Map as follows:

© Queen’s Printer for Ontario and the Ontario Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists, 2016, reproduced with permission.

Any proposed commercial or for-profit use or reproduction of this Career Map requires a written licence from the Queen’s Printer for Ontario and the Ontario Association of Technicians and Technologists.

Access to Engineering Technology and Applied Science Professions in Ontario

Professions in the field of engineering technology and applied science are not regulated in Canada. Certification is voluntary and not required in order to work as a technician or technologist. However, certification for engineering/applied science technicians and technologists is offered in each province by provincial associations, and may be required by some employers.

In Ontario, certification for engineering/applied science technicians and technologists is available through the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) (www.oacett.org/). OACETT is a non-profit, self-governing, professional association of over 25,000 members. OACETT was incorporated in 1962 and then legislated under the Statutes of Ontario by the Ontario Association of Certified

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Engineering Technicians and Technologists Act of 1984. The Act established OACETT as a self-governing body with right to title for its members. Later, the provincial legislature passed the OACETT Act of 1998, a revised act that includes a description of work for technicians and technologists. The Act recognizes OACETT as a professional body whose main objective is to establish and maintain high standards for the profession of engineering technology and applied science. You can obtain a free copy of the OACETT Act of 1998 on the OACETT website (www.oacett.org/getmedia/93c0fc00-0f38-4553-b25e-b10c98ea969a/act98.pdf.aspx).

The certifying arm of OACETT is the Institute of Engineering Technology of Ontario (IETO). IETO's panel of expert members evaluates applications and registers engineering/applied science technicians and technologists who meet recognized national standards in education and experience.

OACETT awards the following certified titles:

Certified Technician (C.Tech.)

Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.)

OACETT members may also hold the protected titles of Applied Science Technologist (A.Sc.T.) or Certified Engineering Technician (C.E.T.) which are no longer awarded.

In Canada, it is illegal to use these titles without being certified as a full member of a certifying association. In Ontario, only certified members of OACETT may use these titles. Technicians and technologists trained in engineering or applied science technology who are not certified may call themselves technician, engineering technician, technologist, or engineering technologist.

OACETT also awards the following three specific designations to members who have completed specific courses and experience requirements allowing them to work on Ministry of Transportation Road Construction Contract Administration assignments:

Road construction junior inspector (rcji);

Road construction senior inspector (rcsi); and

Road construction contract administrator (rcca).

Certified Engineering/Applied Science Technicians and Technologists specialize in the following engineering or applied science disciplines:

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Civil/Building/Geomatics

Chemical/Instrumentation/Bioscience

Electrical/Electronics/Computer

Mechanical/Industrial

Resources/Mining/Geological

Environmental

Certified Engineering/Applied Science Technicians and Technologists may work for consulting firms, manufacturers, industries, utilities, educational institutions, and government. They may work in a variety of positions ranging from project manager, maintenance supervisor, and quality analyst to professor, president, and chief executive officer. They usually work as part of an engineering team, but may also work as consultants operating on their own or in partnerships.

Certification Requirements in Ontario

To become a Certified Technician or Certified Engineering Technologist in Ontario, you must:

1. Have the appropriate education or academic training.

A Certified Technician must be a graduate from a recognized 2-year post-secondary engineering technology or applied science diploma/degree program or equivalent.

A Certified Engineering Technologist must be a graduate from a recognized 3-year post-secondary engineering technology or applied science diploma/degree program or equivalent.

2. Submit documentation of at least two years of appropriate level experience obtained after graduation.

A minimum of two full years of appropriate level experience in your engineering technology or applied science discipline inside or outside of Canada is required for certification. IETO will review your resume, job descriptions, and references to ensure that you can apply the principles of

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engineering technology or applied science to tasks required on-the-job. Visit the Application Guidelines on the OACETT website (www.oacett.org/Membership/Application-Guidelines/) for resume, job descriptions and references guidelines, and Technician and Technologist Profiles.

3. Write and successfully pass the Professional Practice Exam (PPE) or the Internationally Educated Professional Practice Exam (IEPPE). For more information, visit PPE/IEPPE on the OACETT website (www.oacett.org/Membership/Professional-Practice-Exam-and-Seminar/PPE_IEPPE_Information).

4. Demonstrate a facility with the working language, standards, codes and practices of the engineering technology or applied science discipline in which certification is being sought. Normally this will be proven by successfully completing the IEPPE or working in Canada for one year.

5. Provide proof of English language proficiency equivalent to a CLB Level 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmarks for all skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking) with your application or submit at a later date. Proof of English language proficiency must be submitted before certification will be granted.

In January 2016, OACETT introduced an English language proficiency requirement for internationally educated applicants. Applicants can prove their language proficiency in one of two ways. One way is by achieving the required scores on an approved language test, specifically IELTS Academic, iBT TOEFL, CAEL or MELAB. Another is by providing evidence of graduation from a program equivalent to a 2- or 3-year Ontario post-secondary engineering technology or applied science program recognized by OACETT as being administered and instructed in English. For more information on accepted language proficiency tests and scores, and the list of countries exempted from the language proficiency requirement, visit English Language Benchmarks on the OACETT website (www.oacett.org/Membership/Requirements-for-Membership-Application-Process/English_Language_Benchmarks).

6. Submit a Technology Proposal and Report (for C.E.T. only).

The Technology Proposal and Report assesses a candidate’s ability to effectively examine and describe in detail an engineering or applied science

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problem. Candidates will be able to select a topic that is related to their discipline of registration. Visit the OACETT website for Technology Report Guidelines (www.oacett.org/Membership/Technology-Report-and-Seminar/TR-Guidelines).

7. Complete the certification within three or six years from date of file review, depending on whether you have been assigned further academic competencies to complete. You will be given a completion date and must comply in order to maintain membership. Find information on the Three and Six Year Certification Rule on the OACETT website (www.oacett.org/Membership/Requirements-for-Membership-Application-Process/Three-and-Six-Year-Certification-Rule).

8. You are at least 18 years of age and of good character.

In keeping with Fair Registration practices, OACETT has defined certain acceptable alternatives for members for certification. For a table of acceptable certification requirement alternatives, visit the OACETT website for Acceptable Alternatives (www.oacett.org/Membership/Application-Guidelines/Acceptable-Alternatives).

Certification Process

Before You Immigrate to Canada

In order to complete an Application for Certification, you will need supporting documents such as a detailed job description that must be signed by your supervisor, the names, addresses and email addresses of persons who can act as professional references and attest to your work experience, a resume of all your past experience, and official school transcripts of subjects taken, marks achieved and diploma/degree attained. If possible, prepare these documents before you leave your country of residence. See Step 1 for more details.

How to Apply

Step 1 – OACETT Application for Certification

To begin the application process, complete the Application for Certification on the OACETT website (www.oacett.org/Membership/Applications) or print the PDF version and send the following documents and fees to OACETT:

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A photocopy of your Canadian birth certificate, Canadian Permanent Resident Card (front & back) or Record of Landing – Form IMM 1000 (front and back).

If the name on your application is different from the name on your documents, include a copy of the change of name certificate, or marriage certificate.

Official transcripts of your post-secondary education showing the subjects you studied, the marks you obtained and the degree/diploma achieved.

Graduates from Canada and the U.S.: You must contact your educational institute(s) and arrange for an official transcript to be sent directly to OACETT. Make sure that they send a transcript that includes subjects, marks and degree/diploma obtained for all post-secondary education relating to your application.

Graduates from other countries: If you cannot arrange for your institute, college or university to provide an official transcript of subjects and marks directly to OACETT, send a photocopy. Photocopies must be notarized in Canada as a true copy before a lawyer, notary or a commissioner of oaths. Do not submit your only original as the documents become part of your official file.

If your academic documents are not in English, you must provide a notarized English translation prepared by a service that is certified by the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO) (www.atio.ca/).

A detailed job description of your current position, stating your duties and responsibilities and the length of time you worked at the job–each page must be verified and signed by your supervisor. Visit the Application Guidelines on the OACETT website (www.oacett.org/Membership/Application-Guidelines/) for detailed instructions on how to prepare the job description.

A resume stating the dates of employment (yyyy/mm/dd), names and addresses of employers, and a detailed description of your technical experience, responsibilities, and/or achievements. Visit the Application Guidelines on the OACETT website (www.oacett.org/Membership/Application-Guidelines/) for detailed instructions on how to prepare the resume.

A non-refundable application fee. (Upon acceptance as an Associate member, you will receive your first invoice for annual membership dues. The annual dues must be paid for your application to move to the admissions committee for the

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complete file assessment.) See the OACETT website for the current list of fees including application fees and membership dues.

In addition to your post-secondary training, you may submit copies of any industry-related courses or other courses related to engineering technology or applied science. Memberships in or courses taken through related associations should also be documented.

Once OACETT receives your application, if your academic background meets its requirements, OACETT will initially register you as an Associate Member so that you will be able to access the benefits of membership as soon as you apply. You will be able to participate in the Canadian Technical Employment Network (CTEN) (www.cten.ca/), OACETT’s job database online, and benefit from other services offered by OACETT. Once you are registered as an Associate Member you are eligible to write the Professional Practice Exam (PPE). You will also be able to track your progress to certification on the OACETT website.

Equivalency Assessment Process

The certifying arm of OACETT is the Institute of Engineering Technology of Ontario (IETO). IETO's Admissions Committee is a panel of expert members that evaluates applications and registers members who meet recognized standards in education and experience.

Once your application and the required documents are all complete, your file moves forward to the Admissions Committee which will formally assess both your academic qualifications and work experience to determine if your training and experience are equivalent to Ontario’s standards for certification.

It takes approximately three to four months from the time OACETT receives your application, documents and professional reference questionnaires for you to be notified of the Admissions Committee’s decision, and of any additional requirements for certification. This certification summary will be sent to you by email.

Step 2 – Assessment of Academic Qualifications

The Admissions Committee will review and evaluate your official school transcripts of subjects and marks and any other relevant academic/training documents. The committee will compare your academic achievements to the requirements for certification in Ontario and determine if there are any additional academic requirements that you must complete before certification.Fall 2016 7

If your academic training does not meet the requirements for certification, you will be advised of what further training is needed. You may be asked to complete technician or technologist-level subjects relevant to your discipline of registration, or to write technical exams set by OACETT. Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) may be another option if you have greater than 10 years of experience in your discipline and if you can prove that you have the acquired missing academic subject(s) through non-traditional means. You will be notified if you are a suitable candidate for PLAR. For more information, visit the OACETT website for PLAR (www.oacett.org/Membership/Application-Guidelines/PLAR).

You will also be able to track your academic progress to certification on the OACETT website.

Step 3 – Assessment of Work Experience

To become a Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.) or Certified Technician (C.Tech.), you must have at least two years of work experience in your chosen discipline of engineering technology or applied science. When you apply for certification you must provide a resume, a detailed job description with each page signed by your supervisor and three professional references to which IETO will send questionnaires. These documents will serve as proof of your work experience and will be used to assess if your work experience meets OACETT’s requirements.

At the completion of the file assessment you will be sent an email advising you of the results of both the academic and experience reviews and if you require any further academics or experience for the level of certification you are seeking. You will also be assigned a timeline for certification, the Internationally Educated Professional Practice Exam (IEPPE) or the Professional Practice Exam (PPE) and the Technology Proposal and Report for those working towards Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.). Members are always welcome to submit new academic or work experience for evaluation as they proceed to certification.

Step 4 – English Language Benchmark

Proof of English language proficiency equivalent to a CLB Level 7 on the Canadian Language Benchmarks for all skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking) is required for OACETT certification. Proof of English language proficiency can be demonstrated in one of two ways.

1. Official results on a recognized standardized English language proficiency test accepted at a Canadian public community college or institute, as outlined below. As

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proof of your English language proficiency you must submit an official or notarized copy of your test results with your application, or as soon as possible thereafter. Your test results can be no more than two years old.

Scores on any of the following recognized standardized English language proficiency tests will be accepted:

IELTS Academic: 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 on each band (listening, reading, speaking, writing) www.ielts.org

iBT TOEFL: 78 overall, with no less than 11 on listening, 12 on reading, 17 on speaking and 20 on writing www.toefl.org

CAEL: 60 overall, with no less than 55 on each band (listening, reading, speaking, writing) www.cael.ca

MELAB: 77 overall, with no less than 73 on listening, GCVR and writing, and no less than 3 on speaking www.cambridgemichigan.org/test-takers/locations/

Scores on the following standardized English language proficiency tests will NOT be accepted: IELTS General, paper-based TOEFL, computer-based TOEFL, CELPIP, CLBA, CLBPT, PTE, CPE, CAE, FCE and TOEIC.

2. Graduation from a program equivalent to a 2-year or 3-year Ontario post-secondary engineering technology or applied science program, administered and instructed in English, in one of the countries listed on the OACETT website for English Language Benchmarks (www.oacett.org/Membership/Requirements-for-Membership-Application-Process/English_Language_Benchmarks).

It is recommended that you complete this prior to writing the Internationally Educated Professional Practice Exam (IEPPE) (www.oacett.org/Membership/Professional-Practice-Exam-and-Seminar/PPE_IEPPE_Information).

Timeline for Certification

In July 2005, OACETT introduced certification timelines for all Associate Members to ensure they would continue on to certification. Members were either given three years to certify or six years to certify if further academics were required. In reconfirming the commitment to being an association of certified members, OACETT has made compliance with the certification timelines mandatory beginning January 1, 2016. All members will be given a mandatory certification date after which failure to certify will

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result in loss of membership with the first enforcement beginning January 2019 for those members given three years to certify. The first enforcement date for members given six years to certify will be January 2022 as long as progression to certification is shown by the January 1, 2019 date.

Second File Review

OACETT members may request a 2nd File Review if they disagree with the results of the file assessment. Members requesting a 2nd file review evaluation must refer to the 2nd File Review Evaluation Troubleshooting Guide (www.oacett.org/downloads/get_certified/second_file_review/2nd_File_Review_Evaluation_FAQ%27s.pdf ) to make sure that none of the examples given pertain to their situation and complete the Request for 2nd File Review Form (www.oacett.org/downloads/get_certified/second_file_review/2nd_File_Review_Evaluation_Brochure.pdf ) stating why they are requesting their file be re-assessed. The 2nd File Reviews take a minimum of 8 weeks. Members who do not agree with the 2nd File Review evaluation can file a formal Certification Appeal. See the next section for further information.

Certification Appeal

The appeal of a decision to refuse registration of an applicant must be submitted in writing to the Registrar within 30 days of the notice of the decision being appealed, and must detail the grounds for the appeal. The appeal will then be heard within 90 days by three members of the IETO Board. The Registrar will advise the candidate of the final decision in writing. There is a fee for the appeal which is refunded if the appeal is successful. For more information, visit the OACETT website for Certification Appeals (www.oacett.org/Membership/Requirements-for-Membership-Application-Process/Certification-Appeals).

Step 5 – Professional Practice Examination (PPE) / Internationally Educated Professional Practice Exam (IEPPE)

As an OACETT member working towards certification as a C.Tech. or C.E.T., you must pass either the Professional Practice Exam (PPE) or the Internationally Educated Professional Practice Exam (IEPPE) to ensure awareness of your legal and ethical responsibilities to the public, employers and yourself. Writing the PPE/IEPPE enables you to meet the high professional standards set by OACETT in the area of law, ethics and professional practice.

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The PPE has three parts: Law, Ethics and Practice. The PPE is a 3 hour online, on demand, multiple choice exam written with an online proctor. The exam is self-study and based on Canadian civil law, the OACETT Act, Bylaw 19, OACETT’s Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct and the IETO Terms of reference. You should apply to write the exam and purchase the study materials at least 2 months prior for appropriate study time.

The IEPPE has four parts:  Law, Ethics, Practice and Enhanced Practice.  The Enhanced Practice section contains additional content in Legislation and Professional Practice, Workplace Culture and Health and Safety. The IEPPE is a 3 ½ hour online, on demand, multiple choice exam written with an online proctor. The exam is self-study and based on Canadian civil law, the OACETT Act, Bylaw 19, OACETT's Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct and the IETO Terms of Reference. You should apply to write the exam and purchase the study materials at least 2 months prior for appropriate study time.

Once your Application for Certification has been accepted and you have been registered as an Associate Member, you are eligible to write the PPE or IEPPE. Successful completion of this exam is a mandatory requirement for certification.

OACETT also offers two optional online seminars, PPE Seminar and IEPPE Seminar, to help members prepare for the exams. For more information, visit Professional Practice Exam Seminars on the OACETT website (www.oacett.org/Membership/Professional-Practice-Exam-and-Seminar/Seminar-online).

Step 6 – C.E.T. Technology Proposal and Report

Applicants for certification as a C.E.T. with OACETT must submit a Technology Proposal and Report (TR). The TR assesses your ability to effectively describe and examine an engineering problem in detail. The TR should provide appropriate discussion and well-structured recommendations and conclusions.

The first step in completing the TR is to submit a proposal for the report. You may submit your proposal for the TR at any time after you have been registered as an Associate Member and have been notified of your specific certification requirements. If you have been assigned technologist-level academic subjects, these must be completed prior to the TR being submitted.

When OACETT examiners approve the proposal, you must submit the report within one year and earn a grade of "satisfactory."

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The report must:

Relate directly to the discipline in which certification is sought

Describe a comprehensive study of an engineering or applied science topic

Reflect engineering technology fundamentals appropriate to the subject matter including the appropriate mathematics (if applicable)

Deal with the identification of a problem, or the improvement or proposed improvement of existing processes, equipment, or procedures.

OACETT offers an optional online and two-day in person Technology Report Writing Seminar to assist members to write and submit a successful proposal and Technology Report to attain certification as a Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.). For more information on the Technology Report guidelines, samples and seminar, visit the OACETT website for Technology Report Guidelines (www.oacett.org/Membership/Technology-Report-and-Seminar/TR-Guidelines).

Step 7 – Registration

Associate Members who have their training and experience approved, successfully pass the PPE/IEPPE, have submitted proof of the English language proficiency requirement, and C.E.T. applicants who have also successfully completed their Technology Report, will achieve certification and be registered in their new category. Membership dues must be paid annually.

As a Certified Member, you have the full range of rights and privileges of OACETT membership, and are legally entitled to use the designation for which you have approval, either Certified Technician (C.Tech.), or Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.).

Mandatory Continuing Professional Development

Engineering technology/applied science technicians and technologists have an important role in society to serve and protect the safety, health and welfare of the public. Like other certified professions, it is vital that OACETT can assure governments, employers, clients and the public - as well as own peers in the industry - that members are up-to-date with professional development in the technologies of the profession and in the soft skills needed to interact and communicate effectively. To earn and keep the public's trust, OACETT's engineering/applied science technicians and technologists

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need to demonstrate that their work meets high standards. For this reason, OACETT adopted mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD), effective January 1, 2016.

The Continuing Professional Development applies to all certified members (working full-or part-time), including Life and Fellow OACETT categories and Associates admitted to membership prior to July 2005 who have maintained continuous membership.  It does not apply to students, retired and honourary members.

CPD does not apply to Associates admitted or reinstated to membership after July 1. 2005. These members have been assigned a certification date and must certify to maintain membership.  Compliance with CPD will be required after certification is achieved.

Members on maternity/parental/medical leave or who are unemployed are not automatically exempted and may apply to the Registrar for a limited-time exemption but it is recommended that they maintain their CPD as a means of staying current, building their network and using this time to full advantage.  Extensions may also be granted by the Registrar on compassionate or other acceptable grounds.

OACETT’s CPD program allows members to choose activities that fall under the following categories: Technical Knowledge, Management/Leadership Training, Contributions to the Profession and Peer and Professional Interaction.

Over a three-year cycle, certified members will be expected to complete three activities from any of the categories plus one formal course or self-directed study from the Technical Knowledge or Management/Leadership Training category.

For more information, visit the OACETT website for CPD (www.oacett.org/Careers/CPD). 

Fees and Related Costs

For more information about fees and related costs, please visit the fees schedule on the OACETT website (www.oacett.org/membership/2016_Fee_Schedule_for_Web.aspx).

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Working in Ontario

English Language Proficiency

The job of an engineering technician or technologist requires highly developed language skills that go beyond reading and interpreting technical literature and safety regulations and writing technical reports. Technicians and technologists usually work in engineering/applied science teams, so they must be able to communicate with others and work well in a team. In a recent survey, OACETT members reported that written and verbal communication skills were very important for effectiveness in their positions.

Occupational Training and Upgrading

Engineering technology and applied science is a dynamic field. Technological innovation means that engineering/applied science technicians and technologists in all disciplines need knowledge of computer applications, both technical and non-technical. Most engineering/applied science technicians and technologists use computer-assisted design (CAD) on a regular basis. The use of non-technical software such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, and project management is common.

Chances for promotion will increase with the amount of training and upgrading you do, either through work or on your own. Besides being certified with OACETT, additional certificates obtained in your discipline may also be helpful. OACETT’s journal The Ontario Technologist contains articles that will help keep you informed. The OACETT Code of Ethics requires that members “keep informed to maintain proficiency and competence, to advance the body of knowledge with their discipline and further opportunities for the professional development of their associates.” It is about making progress in the profession and increasing your skills, knowledge and understanding.

In order to assist OACETT members to document important continuous learning activities, the Institute of Engineering Technology of Ontario (IETO) will provide an electronic portfolio verifying their compliance with mandatory professional development This allows you to: keep track of your achievements and professional development experiences; build and maintain a professional electronic portfolio to present to your current employer and/or prospective employer; reflect on and plan your learning and professional development; take ownership of your career progression; and set professional objectives.

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Labour Market Information

Canada’s engineering/applied science technicians and technologists possess highly in-demand skills and make a significant contribution to the Canadian economy, according to a new study from The Conference Board of Canada.

There are many opportunities for employment in engineering and applied science technology in Ontario. One of the reasons for this is that technicians and technologists now do the work that used to be done by engineers and tradespeople. Automation and robotics have decreased the need for some skilled trades, but increased the need for technicians who are able to set up, diagnose and repair these complex systems. The growing use of engineering software has made it possible for technologists to do many calculations, design and process control, and tasks that used to be done by engineers. This trend is seen in consulting, engineering, construction, mining, and oil and gas among others.

The report, titled Assessing the Economic Contribution of Canada’s Engineering and Applied Sciences Technologists and Technicians, indicates that employment growth for this occupational group has strongly outpaced overall employment growth for Canada as a whole over the past 15 years and that their wages are more than 20 per cent higher than the national average.

In 2013-14, more than 400,000 Canadians were employed as engineering/applied science technicians and technologists, according to the report, which was commissioned by Technology Professionals Canada, an alliance of four Canadian technology professional associations including OACETT. In quantifying their collective impact, the report revealed that the economic contribution of engineering/applied science technicians and technologists was worth $54.7 billion – 3.3 per cent of the Canadian GDP – which is larger, proportionately speaking, than the share of technicians and technologists in the Canadian workforce.

Visit the Conference Board of Canada website for the full report (www.conferenceboard.ca/e-library/abstract.aspx?did=7899).

Engineering/Applied science technicians and technologists work for small, medium and large firms, and in all levels of government. Some work as consultants in engineering consulting firms, or as independent consultants. Major employers are found in the manufacturing, construction and service industries.

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Working conditions vary according to each discipline. Some technicians and technologists work outdoors as site supervisors or field service support; others work indoor in a design office, research laboratory, or manufacturing facility. Most technicians and technologists work full-time.

Most technicians and technologists work in non-unionized workplaces, although most of those employed by government are part of a public service union. Salary ranges depend on the discipline, company and industry that you work in.

The OACETT salary survey completed in 2014 shows the average base salary for Associate members who responded to the survey is $57,869, compared to $75,960 for Certified Technicians and $80,919 for Certified Engineering Technologists.

If you are planning to settle in Ontario, it is a good idea to get familiar with the local labour market in your destination community. This information will give you a detailed description of your profession and a good sense of the job prospects in your field to help you make informed decisions about your employment search.

Here is a list of resources that provide Ontario labour market information, including current industry trends, job salaries and work conditions, where to find employers, and what skills and training employers are looking for:

Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development Labour Market Information (www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/labourmarket/)

Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development Ontario Job Futures (www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/labourmarket/ojf/)

Government of Canada Job Bank (www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/jobs/lmi/publications/index.shtml)

Settlement.org Labour Market Information (http://settlement.org/ontario/employment/working-in-canada/labour-market-information/)

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For More Information

For more information on certification requirements in Ontario, contact:

Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT)404-10 Four Seasons PlaceToronto, ON  M9B 6H7CANADATelephone: 416-621-9621Fax: 416-621-8694Email: info@oacett.orgWebsite: www.oacett.orgJobs Database: www.cten.ca

For information on finding a certified translation service, contact:

Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO)1 Nicholas Street, Suite 1202Ottawa, ON  K1N 7B7CANADATelephone: 613-241-2846 Toll free: 1-800-234-5030Fax: 613-241-4098Email: info@atio.on.ca Website: www.atio.on.ca

For English language proficiency testing, contact:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)Website: www.toefl.org

Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)Website: www.melabsuccess.com

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)Website: www.ielts.org

Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) AssessmentWebsite: www.cael.ca/ Fall 2016 17

For more information about the occupational skills engineering/applied science technicians and technologists require on the job in Ontario, search for engineering technician and technologist in the occupation database at:

The Ontario Skills Passport, Ontario Ministry of Educationhttp://www.skills.edu.gov.on.ca/OSP2Web/EDU/Welcome.xhtml

For a government contact about accessing professions and trades in Ontario, contact:

Ministry of Citizenship and ImmigrationGlobal Experience Ontario (GEO)Telephone: 416-327-9694 or 1-866-670-4094 TTY: 416-327-9710 or 1-866-388-2262Email: GEO@ontario.caWebsite(s): www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/geo/index.htm or www.ontario.ca/globalexperience

Getting Help

There are many programs and services designed to help internationally educated professionals work in their field in Ontario, such as internship and mentoring programs, bridge training programs and language training programs. For more information, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration website (www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/working/index.htm).

Questions and Answers

To view the most common questions and responses for applicants, please visit Frequently Asked Questions on the OACETT website (www.oacett.org/Membership/Frequently-Asked-Questions).

You may have additional questions about the registration process for engineering/ applied science technicians and technologists in Ontario. For more information, please visit the OACETT website (www.oacett.org).

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