Local Employment Requirements
- To work as a professional engineer, membership with the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA) is required under Alberta's Engineering, Geological and Geophysical Professions Act. To register with APEGGA, completion of an accredited program, successful completion of the National Professional Practice Exam and four years of work experience in the field, with one year Canadian experience, is required.
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Local Skills Requirements
- Experience is an important asset to finding employment in Alberta. Most employers look for individuals with three to five years experience.
- Employers look for people who are familiar with various programming languages such as SQL, Visual Basic, Java and C++. Employers also look for individuals who are familiar with different hardware and software such as Windows, Macintosh, IBM PC and compatibles, and complex instruction set computer (CISC).
- Professionals must develop software which includes collecting and documenting user's requirements and develop logical or physical specifications. From this, software engineers will plan, design and co-ordinate the development and integration of computer-based systems.
- Strong communication skills are essential including writing, reading and oral communication. Professionals must have strong critical thinking and decision-making skills with strong numerical and research skills. As the computer field is always changing, continuous learning is essential.
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This occupational profile is one of many tools available to Canadians. When making decisions, the use of multiple data sources is always recommended.
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Skills Requirements
There are often specific abilities, aptitudes and knowledge that are prerequisites to obtain employment in an occupation.
Most employers who advertise are looking for workers who have the following experience and skills:
Experience:
3-9 years
Specific Skills:
Plan, design and co-ordinate the development, installation, integration and operation of computer-based systems. Research, evaluate and synthesize technical information to design, develop and test computer-based systems. Develop data, process and network models to optimize architecture and to evaluate the performance and reliability of designs.
Computer and Technology Knowledge:
Software development, database software and C++ programming language.
Essential Skills:
Oral communication, working with others, computer use, problem solving, job task planning and organizing, writing, reading text, document use, finding information, critical thinking, decision making and continuous learning.
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Local Training
Training to become a software engineer in Alberta:
Currently, the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary offer a four-year Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BSc or sometimes referred to as BEng) degree program. There are also various colleges throughout Alberta that offer a two-year transfer program. Employers may also hire individuals with a related degree such as a Bachelors of Science in Computing Science, which is offered through many universities throughout the province. In this region, Grande Prairie Regional College offers a one year Engineering University Transfer program.
To apply for admission to the engineering program requires a high school diploma with an average of 75% to 80% in English 30, Pure Math 30, Math 31, Chemistry 30, and Physics 30. Admission into the program is limited and a competitive average usually applies. After the first year of general studies, engineering students choose a specific engineering discipline to study. Co-op or internship programs are also available at both universities. With an additional year, these programs allow engineering students to gain practical experience by working within industry.
For internationally trained engineers and engineering technologists, the Engineering Technologist Integration Project is aimed to help immigrants enter their profession in Canada. This is a ten-month course which consists of English training, first-aid and WHMIS training, workshops on job search techniques in Canada, and technical training and upgrading. This project was created through the partnership of the Alberta Society of Engineering Technologists, the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, NAIT and the Government of Alberta.
For further information contact:
University of Alberta
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
2nd Floor, Electrical & Computer Engineering Research Facility
9107 -116 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T6G 2V4
Phone: 780-492-3332
Fax: 780-492-1811
Email: www.ece.ualberta.ca
Website: www.engineering.ualberta.ca/ece
University of Calgary
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta
T2N 1N4
Email: info@enel.ucalgary.ca
Website: www.enel.ucalgary.ca
Grande Prairie Regional College
Office of the Registrar
10726 - 106 Avenue
Grande Prairie, Alberta
T8V 4C4
Phone: 780-539-2944
Toll-Free: 1-888-539-4772
Fax: 780-539-2888
Email: studentinfo@gprc.ab.ca
Website: www.gprc.ab.ca
Engineering Technologist Integration Project
Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers
#101, 10010 - 107A Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5H 4H8
Phone: 780-424-7709
Fax: 780-424-7736
E-mail: employsr@emcn.ab.ca
Website: www.emcn.ab.ca
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This occupational profile is one of many tools available to Canadians. When making decisions, the use of multiple data sources is always recommended.
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