Seeking Advice on Transitioning to Engineering Profession in Vancouver, BC

Question

Hello everyone, 
 I am reaching out to this knowledgeable community as I am about to embark on a major transition in my life. I have recently completed my BEng (Hons), and while I have not yet received my final results, I am anticipating a first. I am set to move to Vancouver, British Columbia at the end of July and am eager to begin my career in engineering there. 
 From my research, I understand that I must become licensed as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) with Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC) before I can legally work as an engineer. While I prepare for this move and the necessary procedures, I have several questions that I'm hoping some of you may be able to help with: 
 
 Is it possible to work as an engineer without being licensed by EGBC if I am working under a Professional Engineer (Peng)? 
 Am I able to apply for engineering roles as long as the licensing/registration process is underway? In other words, can I start applying as soon as I&rsquo;ve submitted my application for licensure? 
 Can I begin the application process for the EIT licensure before actually setting foot in Canada? 
 I would be grateful to hear from anyone who has gone through this process. Any insights, tips, or general advice you could share would be invaluable. 
 I am also interested in job hunting tips specifically for the Vancouver area. Are there any particular things to look out for, any companies or sectors to avoid, or any general advice on securing a good engineering role in this region? 
 Finally, I would appreciate any recommendations for groups or forums that are good for networking with other engineers or recruitment agents in Vancouver or Canada more broadly. 
 
 Transitioning to a new country and navigating the professional landscape can be challenging, so I appreciate any help and guidance I can get from those who have already walked this path. Thank you in advance for your time and for any advice you may provide. 
 Best Regards, 
 Spike Wilson

Spike Wilson · Accepted Answer

Greetings, 
 I am writing this post to share some valuable insights I have gathered from the Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC) team. This information may be beneficial for those seeking to understand the intricacies of engineering licensure in British Columbia. I would also like to use this as an opportunity to respond Mark Tickner and Andy Millar whose contributions have prompted this update. 
 The EGBC team has been instrumental in clarifying my doubts. I reached out to their licensure team via email and also posted in the EGBC discussion group on LinkedIn. The response from the organization was swift, friendly and informative. 
 Here are the answers to some of the questions I initially had, supplemented with additional information: 
 1. Can one work as an engineer without EGBC licensure if supervised by a Professional Engineer (Peng)? 
 No, one cannot assume the title or role of an engineer without EGBC licensure. However, it is permissible to work in the engineering industry under the supervision of a licensed P.Eng. In such cases, one can hold positions such as technician, technologist, or PCB designer, but not PCB Design Engineer. These roles may not offer the same compensation or benefits as an engineering role but serve as a good entry point into an organization. 
 2. Can one apply for engineering roles while the licensing/registration process is underway? 
 This is a nuanced area. Technically, one can apply for an engineering role before obtaining licensure. The hiring organization will determine if licensure is required for the position. However, you cannot be identified as an engineer without licensure. In practice, a company may hire you as a technologist if your licensure application is in progress and you meet all the requirements. Upon licensure, you may receive a title change and additional responsibilities. 
 3. Can the application process for the EIT licensure begin before arriving in Canada? 
 Yes, one can apply for the Engineer in Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (P.Eng) licensure from outside Canada, provided all requirements are met and the associated fees are paid. 
 4. Are there recommended groups or forums for networking with other engineers or recruitment agents in Vancouver or Canada? 
 Some recommended groups include the Society of Internationally Trained Engineers of British Columbia (SITE BC) , Electrical Engineers Networking in Canada , E ngineers and Geoscientists BC Discussion Group , and Linked:Vancouver . These platforms are excellent for networking and sharing experiences. 
 Additional information I have discovered is related to the recognition of my degree under the Washington Accord. My degree, BEng(Hons) Electrical & Electronic Engineering: Design for Manufacture, allows me to apply for the EIT license only. To be eligible for P.Eng, I must first license as EIT and then either gain the required amount of industry experience in a professional engineering setting under the supervision of a licensed P.Eng, or undertake a master's degree in engineering. 
 One question that arose during my research pertains to the appropriate phrasing on my resume. While I cannot identify myself as an engineer without a license, I am currently seeking clarification on how to denote my previous engineering roles on my resume. I will provide an update once I have more information. 
 I hope this post provides useful insights for those navigating the engineering licensure process in British Columbia. I will continue to share new information as I discover it, with the aim of assisting others in the future.

Seeking Advice on Transitioning to Engineering Profession in Vancouver, BC

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