Internationally trained engineers get help in acquiring Ontario license

The Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) has received funding from the Government of Ontario to develop and deliver special bridge training courses for internationally trained engineers. These courses will prepare engineers to write and pass the Professional Practice Examination (PPE) — a requirement of the Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) licensure process in the province.

OSPE will assist internationally trained engineers in their goal to be licensed by offering a tailored preparatory course for the PPE. In addition to the required technical information, the new course will include the Canadian cultural context of examination writing. It will incorporate content relating to engineering, legal and ethical practices in the workplace, as well as address examination intimidation/stress reduction, unfamiliarity with the Canadian context and exam study habits.

According to the Government of Ontario, by 2011 all of Ontario’s net labour force growth will come from immigrants. OSPE recognizes the important contribution Internationally Trained Engineers can make to the economic growth of the province.

“Our bylaws have been written to expressly provide the opportunity for these individuals to join OSPE,” says Angela Shama, CEO. “We look forward to the creation, delivery and continuation of this essential learning element which will lead to the betterment of the Engineering Profession and to Ontario as a whole.”

The first offering of the course, conducted as a pilot, is scheduled for January 2009 with a second pilot offered in September 2009. Following an evaluation process and making any necessary revisions or enhancements, the course will be delivered on an ongoing basis.