Top 10 Technologies

Career Profiles Regionally

Mechanical Engineering Technologists

Job Titles: HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning) Technologist, Machine Designer, Marine Engineering Technologist, Mechanical Engineering Technologist

What’s It Like?

Mechanical engineering technologists design, build and work with machinery and equipment in all kinds of settings.

Mechanical engineering technologists are employed in design, application engineering, technical sales, manufacturing, plant engineering, construction and inspection. They might work in a structured environment doing design, maintenance or research, or in a fast-paced company where they solve different technical problems every day, either alone or as part of a team.

Mechanical engineering suits people who enjoy problem solving, tinkering with machines, and inventing new uses for mechanical parts, processes and machinery.

Mechanical Engineering Technologists or Technicians may:

Use computer programs to design or make drawings of systems, products or prototypes
Figure out the best way to manufacture something
Develop production plans and cost projections
Calculate production costs
Plan and test for quality
Conduct usability studies
Troubleshoot and solve design or production problems

Money and Benefits

Wages

Designation	Hourly Rate
Entry Level	$15.00 - $21.00
Experienced (+5 years)	$21.00 - $27.00
Management (Senior)	$27.00 - $33.00

Benefits

Benefits are unique to each company.

Larger businesses and government have employee benefit packages including health care.

Why We’re Betting on This

The average full-time, full-year wage for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians is substantially higher than the average for all occupations in the province
Mechanical engineering technologists can work full time all year
Employers in the central Vancouver Island region report a significant shortage of mechanical engineering technologists
In the central Vancouver Island region, we expect the occupation to experience steady growth rather than strong cyclical fluctuations, because employers are often small to medium sized manufacturers of a very diverse range of products
There is a large proportion of workers 55 and over who will be retiring over the next ten years

Interested? Where to Start

You can work as a certified or uncertified mechanical engineering technologist in B.C. In this occupation, work as an uncertified technologist will be more likely for current employees who work their way up within an organization.

Mechanical engineering technologist certification requires completion of a two-year diploma program and at least two years of industry work experience. Certification in B.C. is done through the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC).

There are three ways to enter into certification:

Educational Requirements

1. Direct Entry to the job

Find a job with an employer who is willing to train you. A grade 12 education is recommended with grade 12 math and physics as well as any technology related courses. You can become certified as an Associate through ASTTBC.

2. Entry level training at a college or institute

You can also undergo Entry-Level Technical Training (ELTT) at a post-secondary institution. A grade 12 level in English and math and grade 11 physics plus any technology-related courses is recommended.

3. Two year diploma program in mechanical engineering technology

At the end of training, passing the exam will allow you to register with the ASTTBC as a Graduate Technologist/Technician.

Upon completion of a minimum of two years of work experience in the industry you can apply to become a certified member.

Completion of a diploma program leads to Applied Science Technologist (AScT) membership and completion of a certificate program leads to Certificate Technician (CTech).

Educational Intstitutions

Camosun College

http://www.camosun.bc.ca/learn/programs/mechanical-eng.html
This nationally accredited program is designed to give you a broad knowledge in sciences and engineering with applications to the design, development, manufacture, marketing, operation and maintenance of machines and mechanical devices.

Education Planner

http://www.educationplanner.bc.ca

Success Stories

Interviewed & Documented

PROOF of the abundance of Jobs in the Mechanical Engineering Technologists Industry