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Conceptual Framework of the Internationally-Educated Engineers Qualification Pilot Program, University of Manitoba, Canada

Abstract

This paper presents the conceptual framework of the Internationally-Educated Engineers Qualification Pilot Program (IEEQ) at the University of Manitoba, Canada, highlighting the role that engineering schools can play in facilitating the cultural and labor market integration of foreign-trained engineers in North America. IEEQ is a 12-month program combining academic study and a paid work placement, and key structural features are that it leads to foreign credentials recognition, it relies on external partnerships with government and industry, and it shares common features with Minority Engineering Programs. Assessment and evaluation of IEEQ is characterized by a mixed methods approach, gathering both qualitative and quantitative data.

Introduction

This paper presents the conceptual framework of the Internationally-Educated Engineers Qualification Pilot Program (IEEQ) at the University of Manitoba, Canada. IEEQ addresses foreign credentials recognition (FCR) for engineers recently immigrated to Canada. These internationally-educated engineers hold engineering credentials obtained in their home country (engineering degrees, professional work experience), wish to continue their engineering career in Canada, and need to qualify for a Canadian engineering license in order to do so.

The purpose of the paper is to outline the background and regulatory context, motivations and goals, structural features, delivery features, and assessment and evaluation of the IEEQ program. This conceptual framework provides the reader with an understanding of the underlying features and characteristics of the program in order to discern similarities, differences, and potential applicability to other jurisdictions. While regulatory requirements vary between jurisdictions, this paper highlights the role that engineering schools can play in facilitating the cultural, language, and labor market integration of foreign-trained engineers in North America.

Societal Context

Increasingly, the immigration of skilled workers is considered a powerful demographic and economic force to address labor market needs and to facilitate the current and continued strength of the U.S. and Canadian economies1-3. In Canada, immigrants made up 70% of labor force growth in the 1990s and are expected to make up 100% of labor force growth by the year 20111,4. In the US, immigrants made up almost 47% of labor force growth in the 1990s and were expected to make up 60-62% of labor market growth of labor market growth between 2000 and 20042.

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Friesen, M., & Britton, M. R. (2006, June), Conceptual Framework For The Internationally Educated Engineers Qualification Pilot Program, University Of Manitoba, Canada Paper presented at 2006 Annual Conference & Exposition, Chicago, Illinois. 10.18260/1-2--34