The job market for engineers is strongest in Western Canada, according to data in a recent report, Engineering Labour Market in Canada: Projections to 2020.

Sponsored by Randstad Engineering in conjunction with Engineers Canada, the report shows there is job growth in the engineering sector in British Columbia, Alberta and the Prairie provinces.

British Columbia is one of the strongest engineering markets in Canada. The province faces skills shortages and volatile markets in resource-related occupations like mining, metallurgical and petroleum engineering. However, conditions are more balanced for computer and industrial engineers. B.C employers will need to source engineers from other markets; however, it is hard to attract them from other Western provinces due to competitive compensation levels.

Along with B.C., Alberta is the strongest engineering market in Canada. There was strong engineering job growth in the past year, however, there are ongoing shortages and recruiting challenges for engineers with five to 10 years experience or specialized skills. Growth in enrollments in post-secondary programs for engineers has lagged behind national trends and may contribute to a tight labour market.

In Saskatchewan, engineering markets are more cyclical and varied but supply constraints are an issue. Resource projects are absorbing all available engineers – especially mining engineers. Saskatchewan is a small market with big project demands that come and go. Local post-secondary programs are not able to keep pace. Engineering immigration has been limited and strong current demand is reflected as Canadians from other provinces seek jobs and licensure in the province.

In Manitoba, expansion demands are concentrated in resource and utility projects. Construction, particularly in electrical generation and transmission, is a big driver. Labour markets are divided with ongoing shortages and recruiting challenges for engineers with five to 10 years experience or specialized skills.

On a national basis, expansion demand is expected to create an additional 16,000 jobs for engineers by 2020. Virtually all these jobs will be west of Quebec, with the bulk of them in Alberta and B.C.

The report suggests that markets will function better if human resources planning for engineers includes:

• Retaining older engineers in the workforce longer, and adding to programs to accelerate on-the-job training of new graduates;
• Adapting post-secondary programs to meet the specialized needs of employers; and
• Increasing the supply of engineers in Western Canada, through post-secondary programs and immigration.