Like other Canadian industries and sectors, Engineering waned in the early days of the pandemic in 2020 but slowly recuperated over the spring and summer of 2021 and is now quickly becoming the busiest sector in Canada. Engineers in Canada are enjoying their choice of opportunities as there is more demand than supply. Even with all this broad growth, there are clear sector leaders that are fueling the demand for engineers.
Investment in Infrastructure is driving the demand for civil engineering. Governments are investing in the construction or repair of buildings, earth structures, powerhouses, roads, airports, railways, rapid transit facilities, bridges, tunnels, canals, dams, ports, and coastal installations and systems related to highway and transportation services, water distribution and sanitation.
There is a resurgence in the Oil and Gas Sector as oil prices reach unprecedented highs and Russian sanctions limit overall inventory. However, challenges remain downstream for Canada with limited access to refining capabilities. Canadian oil & gas investments are expected to rise 22% this year to $32.8 Billion. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) 2022 forecast predicts a 22 percent increase in natural gas and oil investment in 2022. The association also said capital spending in the sector is expected to reach $32.8 Billion, compared with an estimated $26.9 Billion in 2021.
The Renewable Energy Sector continues to gain traction and investments, especially in Alberta where divesting in Oil and Gas has, until recently, been a focus. Nuclear power remains a sustainable and viable energy source and Canada continues to invest in nuclear power. The first contracts are being awarded the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL’s) Advanced Nuclear Materials Research Centre.
(https://www.cnl.ca/about-cnl/revitalization-of-the-chalk-river-laboratories/)
The Canadian government states that the country is the seventh biggest producer of renewable energy and over 17 percent of energy in the country comes from a renewable source.
Canada has the privilege of being rich in resources, and precious metals in particular. Between 2015 and 2020, the Canadian Precious Metal Mining Industry has grown by a reported 6.4%. This growth is continuing bolstered by the price of gold given the uncertainty in the stock market, inflation, and the Ukraine crisis.
(Source: https://www.futurelearn.com/info/blog/fastest-growing-industries-in-canada)
The demand for Lithium and other base elements required for electric car batteries, means we are seeing interest and investments in Northern Ontario which will increase the need for engineers of all backgrounds.
At Agilus we work with all types of engineers as well as turnover specialists and EPCM (consulting engineering). Our work community comprises over 100,000 engineers across Canada, and we engage with them on a regular basis to understand the markets we serve. Based on our experience, here are the top engineering jobs in Canada:
1. Civil engineers are in the highest demand, as civil engineering projects account for one-fifth of all workers in Canada
2. Mining Engineers are in high demand as the field has an aging population and new graduates have not kept up with the demand
3. Electrical Engineers are a mainstay in many sectors and critical to operations
4. Mechanical Engineers are similarly highly proficient in adapting to numerous sectors which keep them in high demand
5. Geotechnical Engineers complement infrastructure projects by analyzing soil and rock, and natural formations like slopes and embankments, in service of the design and construction of foundations, buildings, roadways, tunnels, and other such systems.
Even with 12,000 engineering graduates a year, it is clear that Canada requires more engineers than it can produce and those with 10+ years are even more in demand having a solid track record in the industry.
If you are an engineer looking to evaluate the job market, give us a call at 1.855.622.1200 or email us at hello@agilus.ca. You can also search our open positions at agilus.ca.