Internationally Educated Engineers: Get Canadian Work Experience
How do you get Canadian experience when you have no Canadian experience? That's the question we hear time and again, from the internationally educated Engineers who visit the Library.
Things aren't perfect yet. But there is good news in the form of bridging programs that are offered by non-profit and educational institutions. These programs help internationally educated Engineers get the Canadian work experience they need.
First – Some background information
The Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Access to the Engineering Profession in Ontario website states :
Under Ontario law, you must complete four years of verifiable, acceptable engineering work experience, of which at least 12 months must be experience gained in a Canadian jurisdiction under the supervision of a professional engineer, before you will be granted your licence as a professional engineer. The mandatory requirement for Canadian experience ensures that you are conversant with Canadian engineering codes, legislation, technical standards and regulations as they pertain to engineering practice in your field.
Your engineering experience will be assessed against the following five criteria:
application of theory;
practical experience;
management of engineering;
communication skills;
awareness of the social implications of engineering.
Bridging Programs in Ontario to Help You Get the Canadian Experience You Need
Government Bridging Programs for Engineers - Click here for a list of bridging programs in Ontario.
Here are some more programs to choose from.
Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) - Internationally Educated Engineers Qualification Bridging Program (IEEQP - The Internationally-Educated Engineers Qualification Bridging (IEEQB) Program is offered by Ryerson University’s Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Science, in collaboration with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO). The program is funded by the Ontario Government and the Government of Canada. The program includes a four-month paid co-op work term in an industrial corporation, or in a public organization which employs engineers.
Complete information is for this program is on the PEO site. Click on Programs and Events in the left hand column of PEO's main page. Then select Programs and click on Internationally-Educated Engineers Qualification Bridging Program.
ACCESS Employment.Engineering Connections Program - This comprehensive six-week program provides internationally trained engineers with essential knowledge and skills to help them to connect with employers. Participants learn and practice effective job search strategies, develop an understanding of workplace communication and employer expectations, learn about the engineering labour market in the province and the country at large, and gain important insights on professional engineering standards and professional licensing in Ontario. They also enhance their professional skills through workshops on project management, software for engineers and Canadian engineering codes and standards delivered by the Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.
COSTI Job Connect – Internationally Trained Individuals - This program is designed to assist and support newcomers who are seeking employment in their profession or trade through a continuum of service options. Flexible services are based on individual client need and can range from sector-specific information sessions to terminology and communication training to job trials in the workplace. Additional supports such as credentials assessments, language assessments, business attire and transportation costs as well as employer-subsidized work placements are available as required to facilitate employment. The Job Connect ITI program is suitable for professionals and tradespeople seeking employment in both regulated and non-regulated professions or trades. 
Skills for Change – Engineering Your Future – Engineering Your Future (EYF) is a program designed for Internationally Trained Engineers, Technicians and Technologists to successfully integrate into the Canadian workforce. The program includes a training module on job development and work experience placement.
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