Released on October 19, 2010
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris today announced that the province and its partners are testing a new initiative that will help internationally trained engineers better connect to Saskatchewan's labour market and ultimately to get a job here.
The "Working as an Engineer in Saskatchewan" course, currently underway in Regina and Saskatoon, is the result of a partnership between the Government of Saskatchewan, the Universities of Regina and Saskatchewan, and the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS).
"We expect that the ‘Working as an Engineer in Saskatchewan' course will help international engineering graduates overcome common barriers to more fully contribute their skills to Saskatchewan's labour force," Norris said. "This program will also help the province develop and refine the tools we need to ensure our continued success in attracting and keeping international engineering graduates."
International engineering graduates often face difficulties when trying to access the labour market due to a lack of Canadian experience.
"As the licensing body for engineers, we work to ensure high standards of engineering practice and education in Saskatchewan so that the public can be confident that engineers licensed by APEGS have the right skills and attitudes to help build their businesses," APEGS President Shawna Argue said. "That's why we felt that it was crucial to be involved in this program and look forward to being involved with any initiatives that may develop from it in the future."
This course, delivered through the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, is intended to help address that challenge. Topics include: the engineering profession in Saskatchewan and workplace culture. Participants will also tour engineering workplaces and network with industry leaders.
Professional Development and Community Education for the University of Saskatchewan's Centre for Continuing and Distance Education Director Karen Hayward said. "This program is an important first step for our province, and the University of Saskatchewan is pleased to be helping to advance employment opportunities for international engineering professionals."
"This seminar will help immigrant engineering professionals from around the world gain an understanding of our engineering industry, which will help them transition into the workforce with greater ease," University of Regina's Centre for Continuing Education - Business & Professional Development office Jason Grieve said.
The total cost for the program is $51,500; funding is provided by the province through an agreement with the Government of Canada's Foreign Credential Recognition Program.
A second intake of the course will be delivered at both campuses starting in January 2011. To learn more about the next course, please contact Kate MacLachlan, APEGS Director of Academic Review, at 306-525-9547, katem@apegs.sk.ca, or by visiting www.apegs.sk.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Daniela Machuca
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3716