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Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 2232)

Minimum education: Diploma, Certificate or Apprenticeship Training

  • Average salary
    63.5%
  • Occupation size
    53.0%
  • Job stability
    61.0%
  • Demand growth
    79.0%
  • Below Average
  • Excellent

Profile last updated: August 31, 2016

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On this page

  1. 01 Overview
  2. 02 Earnings
  1. 03 Duties
  2. 04 Work environment
  1. 05 Workforce & employment statistics
  2. 06 Job requirements
  1. 07 Subject Areas & Training Resources
  2. 08 Career paths
  1. 09 Employment outlook
  2. 10 Insights from industry
  1. 11 Additional resources
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01 Overview

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians support a wide variety processes in machinery and power transfer systems.

People in this occupation:

  • help design, develop, test and maintain machines, components, tools, industrial robotics, heating and ventilating systems, power generation and power conversion plants, manufacturing plants and equipment
  • solve design or repair problems in machinery or tools
  • are employed by consulting engineering, manufacturing and processing companies, mechanical equipment companies, institutions and government departments

Good math and computer skills, as well as good interpersonal and problem solving skills help individuals to be successful in this occupation.

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians also:

  • have an interest in precision work with tools and equipment
  • require manual dexterity with an attention to detail, as well as skills in organization, analysis and teamwork

02 Earnings

Provincial median salary

$60,628

Source: Estimated median employment income based on 2015 Job Bank median hourly wage rate (median annual salary = hourly wage rate x 40 (hours per week) x 52.14 (weeks per year))

Provincial hourly rate

  • $18.00/hr
    Low
  • $29.07/hr
    Median
  • $49.89/hr
    High
Source: 2015 Job Bank Wage Report

03 Duties

Mechanical engineering technologist and technicians perform similar, yet distinctive duties which vary depending on the industry. The following duties are generally required.

04 Work environment

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians typically work 40 hours per week, however, overtime may be a regular requirement.

On the job, they use computers daily for communications, as well as for design and other functions. Those specializing in design will work at CAD stations, but will also spend a small percentage of their time working on site.

Most technicians and technologists work in offices, factories and labs, and some work in other settings, such as warehouses, power stations, mills or construction sites or in a combination of these environments.

Mechanical engineering technicians and technologists work alongside engineers to provide technical support and services or they may work independently.

These technicians wear protective gear as appropriate, including hard helmets, boots, eyewear and earplugs for noise when working on sites. Those working long hours at a computer workstation employ ergonomic work practices.

05 Workforce and employment statistics

Workforce characteristics

1,900 workers are employed
61 % of workers are working mostly full time

Employment by gender

Labour force by age group

Source: 2011 National Household Survey

06 Job requirements

Education, training and qualifications

While work as a Mechanical Engineering Technologist or Technician is not restricted by legislation in British Columbia, many agencies and employers recognize or require the professional certification provided by the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC).

Certification and registration as an Applied Science Technologist (AScT designation) or Certified Technician (CTech designation) in the Mechanical Discipline requires completion of a diploma of technology (or equivalent) for the AScT designation or completion of a technician certificate (or equivalent) for the CTech designation. Certification for AScT or CTech also requires a minimum of two years work experience.

College training programs eligible for AScT or CTech certification may be accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB) for the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT). Full-time students may apply for student membership with ASTTBC.

Graduates are eligible for Graduate Technologist or Graduate Technician membership and may apply for full registration after completing the required minimum two years of relevant experience.

For more information, see the ASTTBC website at www.asttbc.com.

Workers already licensed or certified in another province or territory in a provincially regulated occupation can have their credentials recognized in B.C. For more detailed information, contact the provincial regulator or visit the list of provincial regulators at: www.tilma.ca/pdf/BCRegulatoryAuthorities.pdf

For program information on public post-secondary education in B.C., please see the Education Planner website at: www.educationplanner.ca/.

07 Subject Areas & Training Resources

Education Planner

www.educationplanner.ca

08 Career paths

Technicians can advance to mechanical technologist positions with further education and experience. Technologists may progress from designer or engineering assistant positions to supervisory or technical management positions or they can enter a degree program to become a mechanical engineer or pursue studies in management in technology and engineering. They may become involved in research and development, technical sales or drafting technology.

Members of this occupational group may specialize in one of the following areas: aeronautical technology, CAD/CAM, energy systems, fire protection, naval architecture, marine engineering, mechanical design, mechanical technology, power engineering, robotics or tool and die design.

09Employment outlook

N/A - Data not available or not provided due to data quality issues

Provincial Outlook:

Unemployment rate

  • 4.9%
    2015
  • 5.6%
    2020
  • 4.5%
    2025

Job openings

  • 70
    2015
  • 50
    2020
  • 50
    2025

10 Insights from industry

Job openings will arise due to both new job creation and the need to replace experienced workers who retire.

It is expected that the demand from the energy and environmental fields will drive job growth in regions outside of the Lower Mainland in upcoming years.

Industry sources also expect there will be a significant shortage of skilled trades people to meet the demand in the HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) mechanical systems industry.

Mechanical engineering technicians and technologists who are able complete their tasks in a cost-effective manner will be more competitive due to pressure to increase productivity in the Manufacturing industry. Knowledge of database applications and other computer applications will be increasingly useful to these workers, as they perform work duties in environments that have become more computer-controlled.

11 Additional resources