Let us know what CCTT say as then I may be able to help others faster...

Well nothing as of today, hmph.

I knew this was potentially going to be long winded though I guess.

Is getting a TWP (with a degree acknowledged in Canada) and working under the supervision of a P. Eng also another possibility? And then try get a job offer and apply for PR?

Actually I just realised searching through the Wiki

Im guessing on this basis things are slightly easier to go through with? The term 'engineer' certainly did throw me off abit.

Then you should be fine.

What you need to get done is an accreditation of your diploma/certificate.

Again i know in Manitoba the technologist wage is around $45000/year.

Word. I'm still keen Ontario and maybe Vancouver, hopefully I'll be taking a trip towards the end of October.

How would I go about getting accreditation of the diploma/apprenticeship then?

Also on a different note I just noticed this;

British Gas is part of the Centrica group which also has holdings in Direct Energy which has bases in Canada.

Would it be easy to be transferred jobs in that situation? I've honestly no idea.

Well in order to achieve accreditation you would just need to drop an e-mail to CCTT and ask them how this process works I have never done it myself but i'm pretty sure they will ask you to fill out a form and send in your certificates (maybe a test or two will come with it).

In terms of a transfer I would think it is unlikely but ask your HR rep at work.

No, it wouldn't I'm afraid. To be eligible for an intra-company transfer TWP, you need to be in one of three categories: executive of the company, senior manager of the company or have specialist knowledge of the company.

So don't think an engineering technician would qualify under any of those three categories I'm afraid. There is an article on intra-company transfers in the Wiki which explains more about the criteria and the three categories.

27 isnt old! I finished my degree in the UK in electrical engineering in 2008. Im 26 and im lucky to be getting paid quite well (80K) So my advice to you is do the degree.

But on another note: in the summer of 2007 I was working as an electrician for a major oil and gas company and our crew were making very good money in Fort MacMurray (northern ALberta). Over 100K but long hours take their toll and when you do hit 30, you will feel like 40.

Im pretty sure you would be earning less than this if your look towards eastern Canada as opposed to Western Canada.



gl

Really? That's intriguing.

I'd kinda had my heart set on Ontario but who knows. Obviously the Occupations Under Pressure changes every year, hopefully I can get the degree opportunity.

On another possibly odd note though some guy on another messageboard (B9, hardcore/punk) has said he'd marry me if I paid all the fees. Amazing, hahaha.

Bumping this so any more 'engineer' types can possibly help me!

Right, I had a quick word with hubby and he's looked at vacancies for Project or Manufacturing Engineers posted on their internal job board over the past year. All of them said "Applicants should have a degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial engineering".

So it would appear from that (admittedly only one company though) that you will need a degree in it if you want to work as a Power Engineer in Canada.

Hope that helps.

Thanks for that. No mention of a P. Eng or where the job titles different? I'm kinda confused what I'd end up calling myself to a Canadian with the use of terms.

I started here as an Electrical Tech, even though my background is an Industrial Electrician. Mainly because you did not need a license to work as opposed to an Electrician

I am surprised that the technicians are paid so low, compared to Electricians. In the UK they do a job that commands a higher wage than Electricians- but dont forget in Canada, the trades unions influence the pay rates.

By neccessity I quickly got my red seal so I could work as an Electrician and be paid a livable wage.

It is true that the term 'Engineer' in the UK has been devalued somewhat, the only exception for the use of the term in Canada is that of Power Engineer, they are more like tradespeople although they do not go through an Apprenticeship program.
Their role is to look after the services within any large facility, be it a factory or large office building, specializing in HVAC, limited Electrical and general maintenance.

Darren

Hey dude, i'm 28 and just finishing my fourth year (honours) of my BEng in Building Services Engineering, which is a mixture of mechanical and electrical engineering. I've carried out my all studies part time day release whilst working full time from an NVQ, then to HNC, and now finally my BEng Hons. Its taken 7 years of study, with a year break between each qualification, which has been hard work but definitely worth it.

I would definitely take up the route you have been offered with EDF and get your company to sponsor all your learning and take it as far as you can at minimal cost to yourself. Think of all the full time students that come out of uni with massive debt and no work experience, whilst at 28 i have a Beng Hons and 10 years experience, whilst also earning a very good salary over the years. My education must have cost my various employers over £12k in fee's and expenses alone, never mind 25 days off work each year for 7 years! Take advantage of that if you can!

At 21 i was still going out every night drinking and having a laugh with my mates, enjoy that whilst you are still young! I am only now looking at emigrating to Canada before i am 30 to possibly start family and gain a bit more world wide life experience after missing out on the chance when i was younger due to work and study commitments.