Five reasons to become an engineer-in-training

Just as those with the engineer title are recognized for qualities of excellence, character, ethics, and quality of work, enrolling as an engineer-in-training is a signal to others in the profession, to employers, and to society that you are serious about attaining those same high standards and making a difference in society through your career choice.

Becoming an engineer-in-training, member-in-training, or equivalent in your province or territory, where available, is an advantage that can open doors for faster licensure timelines and future opportunities as an engineer.

Here are five reasons to explore the engineer-in-training path to becoming an engineer:

1. Work toward earning the right to call yourself an engineer and practise engineering

To call yourself an engineer and practise engineering in Canada, you must be licensed by the engineering regulator in the province or territory in which you are practising. As an engineer-in-training, you cannot practise engineering without having a licensed engineer take responsibility for your engineering work. By registering as an engineer-in-training with a provincial or territorial regulator, you are demonstrating to your employers and colleagues your commitment to meet the standard for licensure requirements.

2. Gain prestige

Completing an engineering education is a personal accomplishment to be proud of, and becoming a member of a profession held in high regard by the public garners respect.

By enrolling as an engineer-in-training, you’re showing that even while you’re learning, you have the broader interests of society in mind, including safeguarding life, health, property, economic interests, public welfare, and the environment.

Being able to call yourself an engineer- or member-in-training, intern or junior engineer, depending upon the jurisdiction, makes sure you’re recognized for this commitment.

3. Enrich your career development

Hiring managers seek out employees enrolled in engineer-in-training programs because they know that professional engineering candidates will be working at building the necessary competencies and developing an inclusive professionalism on the job to practise independently, as well as these candidates are legally bound to uphold a code of ethics even though they are not licensed yet. Some employers have special programs for engineers-in-training, while others require that you have the appropriate provincially- or territorially-recognized engineer-in-training title to qualify for certain jobs. Make sure you don’t miss out!

4. Get supervised by an engineer

As an engineer-in-training, you are working toward becoming a licensed engineer. At least one licensed engineer must take legal responsibility of your engineering work and that individual can sometimes be used as a reference to demonstrate how you meet the requirement to obtain your engineering license. Being an engineer-in-training can provide you with the opportunity to gain a better access to a closer and more frequent review of your work from an expert, learn how to properly prepare records and get the individual support you need to meet all the requirements for licensure.

5. Participate in a professional, inclusive community

Build a network that will last a lifetime by joining a community of engineers who have travelled the same path you’re on and peer engineers-in-training sharing your journey. Some jurisdictions have mentoring programs that match you with an engineer who can provide you with guidance and advice on how to make the most of being part of the engineering community.

Experience members-only programs, services and benefits, which may include monthly publications and/or mentoring services.

Ready to get started? Explore the engineer-in-training path to becoming an engineer:

Have a story to share on what made you decide to become an engineer-in-training? Share it with us by contacting Isabelle Flamand, Specialist, Qualifications at Isabelle.Flamand@engineerscanada.ca