A worldwide demand for seasoned engineers: establishing diverse social cultures is key to attracting professionals to the North.

• Author: Ross, Ian
• Position: SPECIAL REPORT: ENGINEERING

The shortage of experienced engineers is not just a Canadian problem, it's a worldwide problem.

It's a job-rich but candidate deficient market for mining, electrical and mechanical engineers with heavy industry experience.

Louise Bergeron, director of executive recruitment at Levert Personnel Resources says there's a "desperate" need for engineers across the region.

Her Sudbury-based recruiting and staffing firm serves mining, industrial supply and construction clients in northeastern Ontario and northwestern Quebec.

"Most companies have more work than bodies," said Bergeron.

One of her Sudbury engineering clients has 40 positions to fill.

Levert sources professionals worldwide--China, India, United Kingdom, Russia, Ukraine, Australia, Sweden and Romania--with many of them inquiring through job websites like Workopolis.

These days, it's a job hunter's market with some engineers only committing to short-term contracts or project work.

"They don't have to commit, because the world is open for them," said Bergeron. "They've got a very solid hand to play with."

There's heavy demand by the major miners and consulting engineer firms for prime candidates with seven to 15 years experience, but they're tough to find.

In Northern Ontario, engineering grads, depending on discipline, can start anywhere between $40,000 and $60,000. Starting salaries for more experienced people can be between $75,000 to $80,000 and upwards.

But besides the frenzy of mining-related activity, there's spinoff industrial projects work with service and supply companies doubling their square-footage.

"There's such an appetite for project work, production and planning," said Bergeron. "If there's community growth because of mining, there's a domino effect to everything."

There's a plethora of industrial construction work in the North and especially a need for engineers with high-tech skills because of the need for more efficient, automated processes.

She conceded the lack of qualified and experienced talent is hampering economic growth in the region.

Some partners at short-staffed engineering firms are involved in both day-to-day business operations plus project work.

"You can't sustain that without it having an impact on timing of projects. Companies are saying no to new work," says Bergeron.

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