At Work

Mechanical engineers work for consulting firms, power generating utilities and a wide range of manufacturing, processing and transportation industries. They may also be self-employed.

They research, design and develop machinery and systems for heating, ventilating and air conditioning, power generation, transportation, processing and manufacturing.

They have duties related to the evaluation, installation, operation and maintenance of mechanical systems.

They often work with professionals from other fields, gaining knowledge and skills that may allow them to practise in associated areas of science, sales, marketing and management.

They also work closely with civil, electrical, aerospace, chemical, industrial and other engineers, resulting in job mobility between some fields of specialization in these disciplines.

Education, Training and Experience

Mechanical engineers usually require a university degree in mechanical engineering or in a related field of engineering. Most recent entrants have an undergraduate university degree.

They are required to register as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng./ing.) with a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers to secure employment and practise in their field.

For those with a degree from an accredited program, eligibility requirements for registration as a P.Eng./ing. include four years supervised experience and successful completion of a professional practice examination.

For those without a degree from an accredited program, eligibility for registration as a P.Eng./ing. requires a term of supervised employment and successful completion of technical examinations and a professional practice examination. With experience, they can progress to supervisory and senior positions.

National Outlook to 2004

Currently, chances of finding work in this occupation are rated ÒGoodÓ, since employment opportunities and earnings are both well above average.

Through to 2004, this outlook is not expected to change, as the number of job openings is expected to be matched by the number of qualified job seekers.

Most of the increase in employment requirements through 2004 for this occupation is expected to occur in the professional services and non-electrical machinery industries. Ñ HRDC

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