Most job openings in the Electrical and Electronics engineering field are expected to result from replacing retiring workers.
Electric, gas, telephone and other utility companies are typical provincial employers that will likely experience increased need in the near future. Since firms increasingly obtain electronic engineering expertise from consulting and service companies, most employment growth will be in these non-manufacturing firms.
According to a study by Engineers Canada and Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists, the engineering profession is currently experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, at the same time as a number of recent graduates are in positions they are overqualified for; this seems like a contradiction, but it reflects the current labour market.
Currently there is a trend where engineering employers are not investing in the training that bridges the gap between the skills acquired through post-secondary education and the additional skills required on the job. Many recent graduates may be underemployed due to a decline in the number of entry-level positions that provide opportunities for them to gain experience and additional skills. These declines in training may result in skills shortages.
Since the reputation of a consulting engineering firm is sought out by potential clients, self-employment may be a less viable option for electrical and electronic engineers.
The aerospace, oil and high voltage power system industries may provide opportunities for larger electronic and electrical engineering companies to work on international contracts. Engineers who would like to work in international consulting must have a good professional reputation and be able to adapt to different cultures.
Rapid advances in technology will continue to make it necessary for engineers to keep up-to-date with new developments in their areas of specialty
The alternative and renewable energy resources sector will have an impact on the traditional electronic and electrical engineering occupation. New technologies such as wind, geothermal, solar, tidal, biomass and other non-traditional resources are becoming increasingly available and will likely have an impact on how this occupation will evolve in the coming years. These developments could result in some demand for engineers to work outside of urban centres.