Job Opportunities Grow for Engineering Technology Professionals

A college education in engineering and applied science technology is opening plenty of doors, even as the general Canadian economy struggles with slow growth.

When the new 2012 OACETT Salary Survey asked employers if they planned to increase the number of engineering technicians or technologists in their organizations within the next 12 months, 47% said Yes, up from 41% in OACETT’s previous survey in 2010. Organization size was not a factor in the decision – small firms were just as likely as larger ones to plan on adding engineering technology staff over the next year.

The survey also canvassed employers for their views on professional development (PD). Almost a third encourages their employees who are members of professional associations to volunteer their time as part of their PD commitment. Of the types of PD coursework pursued by engineering technology professionals, industry-related activities were cited most frequently (78%), followed by disciplined –related (66%). However, a growing number of employers (41%) encourage non-technical PD activities such as effective communication, negotiation skills and sales training. This important finding offers fresh evidence that communication skills are vital to successful performance in engineering technology.

“The findings clearly shows that volunteering with your professional association, becoming certified and pursuing continued education can provide a return on investment for our members,” said David Thomson, Chief Executive Officer of OACETT. “In a job market where technicians and technologists are in-demand, certification not only puts you at an advantage, it puts you at the top of the hiring pool.”

OACETT’s 2012 Salary Survey is available at no cost to all OACETT members and can be downloaded by clicking here. You will be required to log-in if you are not already.

The Surveys are available to non-members for $350 plus applicable taxes.  To order the surveys, download the order form and return to Emily Sinkins by fax at 416-621-8694 or email at esinkins@oacett.org.