www.studentscholarships.org
Electrical and Electronics Engineers
What they do?
Electrical and electronics engineers perform some or all of the following duties:
A. Electrical and electronics engineers may specialize in a number of areas including electrical design for residential, commercial or industrial installations, electrical power generation and transmission, and instrumentation and control systems.
B. Conduct research into the feasibility, design, operation and performance of electrical generation and distribution networks, electrical machinery and components and electronic communications, instrumentation and control systems, equipment, and components
C. Prepare material cost and timing estimates, reports and design specifications for electrical and electronic systems and equipment
D. Design electrical and electronic circuits, components, systems and equipment
E. Supervise and inspect the installation, modification, testing and operation of electrical and electronic systems and equipment
F. Develop maintenance and operating standards for electrical and electronic systems and equipment
G. Investigate electrical or electronic failures
Where they find work?
1. Computer and electronic product manufacturing - 18.0%
2. Architectural engineering and related services - 17.0%
3. Utilities - 16.0%
4. Information and cultural industries - 7.0%
5. Electrical equipment appliance and component manufacturing - 6.0%
6. Scientific research and development services - 4.0%
What education do I need?
1. You need a university degree in electrical or electronics engineering or in a related field of engineering.
2. You may also need a master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering field.
3. You need a licence from a provincial/territorial association of professional engineers to approve engineering drawings/reports and to practise as a professional engineer (P. Eng.).
4. As an engineer, you are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering, and after passing a professional practice examination.
5. With experience, you can move up the ranks to become a supervisor.
6. Most recent entrants have an undergraduate university degree.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. English
3. Sciences
4. Industrial Arts (Electronics)
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Electrical and Electronics Engineers is $33.48/HR, which is above average for occupations in the natural and applied sciences and related occupations and above average for all professional occupations. These wages grew at an average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
2% of Electrical and Electronics Engineers are unemployed. This rate is close to the average for professionnal occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Electrical and Electronics Engineers is considered Average because:
1. Employment grew at an average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($33.48) are above the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is close to the average.
3. The unemployment rate (2%) is close to the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be above average. The rise in the Canadian dollar and the increase in international competitiveness are pushing manufacturers to adopt new technologies.
2. Although the retirement rate will likely be average, the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings.
3. The number of job seekers will likely exceed the number of job openings. This will not be significant enough to have an impact on the work prospects.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of Electrical and Electronics Engineers are found in Alberta and Ontario while the lowest concentrations are in Saskatchewan and Prince Edward Island.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (20%) is below the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Project management
2. Team project work
3. Proposal writing
Part Time Workers
Part time workers:
1% of Electrical and Electronics Engineers are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 36,500 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 32% since 1997.
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The relatively low percentage of younger workers suggests few entry-level job openings, and could point to a greater need for workers with experience or a number of years of training. The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average reflecting the age/retirement structure of the occupation.
