Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
Engineering
WORKBOOK
Contents
Orientation 9
Overview 11
Job Descriptions and Titles 17
Workplace 27
Workplace Law in Ontario 37
Certification, Training and Experience 49
Terminology 55
Equipment and Procedures 57
Terminology for Work Tasks 65
Communication in the Workplace 75
Communication in the Community 85
Personal Plan 95
Glossary 101
Acknowledgements
The Steps to Employment project was made possible with funding from Citizenship and Immigration
Canada–Ontario Administration of Settlement and Integration Services (CIC–OASIS).
LCRT Consulting researched each sector, designed the curriculum, developed the materials,
conducted consultations and focus groups, and coordinated pilot tests of the workshop materials.
Many individuals and organizations were involved throughout the project. Thanks to all who provided
input and support, in particular the focus group participants who shared examples of their own
experiences in accessing employment in Ontario.
March 2001
The information in the Steps to Employment series was researched, collected and written in 1999-
2001 by LCRT Consulting under contract with Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Some of the
information may change in time. Please consult the contacts listed for the most current information.
The Steps to Employment workshop manuals are strictly for use in non-commercial, not-for-profit
educational environments.
Where do you begin?
; employers, how they hire, and what they are looking for in their workers
; basic health and safety issues for engineering technologists and technicians
; pronunciation of key words for the engineering technology and technician sector
… and prepare…
; a personal plan for your next step to employment in Ontario.
Icons used in the workbook
Exercises in the workbook are headed by the following icons. The icon indicates the type of
activity intended by the exercise.
Reading
Vocabulary
Writing
Pair Discussion
Group Discussion
Research
Pronunciation
Workshop introduction INTERVIEW
Steps to Employment
Interview
Ask your partner the following questions. Write down the answers in complete sentences.
Once you have finished, prepare to introduce yourself to the group using the answers on
your partner’s sheet.
Overview
Occupations
Workplace
Workplace Law in Ontario
Steps to Employment 9
1 OVERVIEW
Steps to Employment 11
Engineering Workbook
Activity 1: Comprehension
Put a check mark beside all of the duties in the list above that you have performed as a
technician or technologist.
Activity 2: Pronunciation
Listen to the instructor say the following words. Mark the stressed syllables in these words,
then practise saying each one.
hands on equipment troubleshoot conduct
prototype compile coordinate evaluate
5. __ compile d) collect
6. __ troubleshoot e) idea
7. __ coordinate f) perform
g) test
Activity 4: Interviewing
Make questions out of the job duties listed in the reading. Ask you partner if he or she has
ever done them. What verb tense do you have to use?
Activity 5: Discussion
Now in a small group, describe the difference in duties between engineering technologists
and technicians. Present your findings to the rest of the class.
12 Steps to Employment
Overview
Activity 6: Employers
Match the following organizations to the categories given.
Educational requirements
To become an engineering technologist, you must graduate with a three-year diploma from a
Canadian college program or a foreign equivalent. Engineering technicians must graduate
with a two-year diploma from a Canadian college program or the equivalent. Once you
graduate from these programs, you may call yourself a technologist or technician.
Steps to Employment 13
Engineering Workbook
Activity 7: Pronunciation
Listen to the instructor and mark the stressed syllables in these words, then practise saying
each one.
mandatory equivalent regulatory designation
2. Make a chart showing the requirements you already meet and those you must complete.
14 Steps to Employment
Overview
professional associations
Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and
Technologists (OACETT)
For more information on…
Suite 404, 10 Four Seasons Place
Etobicoke, ON
M9B 6H7
416-621-9621
416-621-8694
www.oacett.org
credentials assessment
It is recommended that the assessment be done by the provincial or national
regulatory bodies; if not, contact World Education Services at www.wes.ca
translation services
for the name of a translator or translating service in your area contact the
Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (AITO) at
1-800-234-5030
visit the Ontario Ministry of Education site: www.edu.gov.on.ca
Steps to Employment 15
2 JOB DESCRIPTIONS AND TITLES
This unit will focus on job descriptions of mechanical, electrical and civil engineering
technologists and technicians, as they are the most common occupations.
Civil engineering
Civil engineering technologists measure and analyse, design and supervise field operations
and quality control. They also conduct field surveys, prepare designs and drawings, and
collect data for engineering projects. They assist in designing and building bridges, roads,
highways, airports, power stations, dams and other structures.
Civil engineering technicians develop or assist in preparing engineering designs, prepare
construction specifications, cost and material estimates. They inspect soils, drainage and
water supply systems, road and highway systems and buildings and structures to provide data
for engineers. They also inspect construction materials and supervise and monitor
construction projects. In addition, they test and measure air, water and soil quality, watch
natural resources, try to avoid natural disasters such as flooding and help in environmental
cleanups.
These technologists and technicians work in the construction, municipal planning,
transportation, environmental and water resources industries.
Common job titles include: building materials technician, construction technologist, highway
technician, municipal engineering assistant, soil technologist and construction estimators.
Activity 1: Comprehension
Match each word to its definition by writing the corresponding letter in the blank space.
Steps to Employment 17
Engineering Workbook
Activity 2: Pronunciation
Listen to the instructor say the following words. Mark the syllable stress in these words then
practise saying each one.
Activity 3: Employers
Match each word on the left with the examples on the right.
What other related Ontario companies or government departments are you familiar with?
Activity 4: Interview
Interview your partner and ask if he or she has ever done any of the job duties in the reading
at the beginning of this unit.
18 Steps to Employment
Job Descriptions and Titles
Mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineering technologists assist in preparing engineering designs, drawings and
specifications for machines and components, power transmission systems, process piping,
heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.
They conduct tests and analyses of machines, components and materials to determine their
performance, strength, response to stress and other characteristics.
They help design moulds, tools, dies, jigs and fixtures for the manufacturing process. They
assist in inspecting mechanical installations and construction projects
They also prepare cost and material estimates, prepare standards and schedules and supervise
mechanical maintenance programs or operations of mechanical plants.
Common job titles include: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technician,
mould designer, production assistant, thermal station technician and aeronautical
technologist.
Activity 5: Pronunciation
Listen to the instructor say the following words. Mark the syllable stress in these words then
practise saying each one.
aeronautics maintain analyze
analyses maintenance characteristics
moulds estimates potential
Activity 7: Interview
Using the job description of the duties of a mechanical engineer, interview your partner,
asking if he or she has ever done those duties. Report your partner’s answers to the class.
Steps to Employment 19
Engineering Workbook
Activity 8: Pronunciation
Listen to the instructor say the following words. Mark the stressed syllable in these words
then practise saying each one.
distribution industrial diagnose calibrate
maintain shifts compile telecommunications
How does the pronunciation change between the following base words and the new words
made from the base word? Is there a rule?
distribute industry analyse communicate
distribution industrial analysis communications
20 Steps to Employment
Job Descriptions and Titles
1. ___ Civil engineering a) carry out applied research experiments and prepare
technologist and detailed technical reports
technician b) help design, develop, maintain, install, repair and test
2. ___ Instrumentation and machines, moulds, tools, dies, and other equipment
control technologists and fixtures for manufacturing
3. ___ Power technicians c) test and measure air, water and soil quality, watch
4. ___ Building materials natural resources, try to avoid natural disasters such
technicians as flooding and help in environmental cleanups
5. ___ Mould designers d) prepare cost and material estimates and reports, and
sell and service equipment and systems
e) service telecommunications equipment
Steps to Employment 21
Engineering Workbook
22 Steps to Employment
Job Descriptions and Titles
Trends
Technologists and technicians now do some work that used to be done by engineers and
tradespeople. That’s one of the important trends highlighted in a recent survey.
Automation and robotics have decreased the need for some skilled trades, but increased the
need for technicians who are able to setup, diagnose and repair these complex systems. And,
because of the growing use of engineering software, many calculations, design and process
control tasks that used to be done only by engineers are now done by technologists. This
trend is mostly seen in consulting, engineering, construction, mining, and oil and gas.
The study results show that there has been a large increase in the number of technicians and
technologists becoming engineering team leaders. It also found that 40% of engineering
technicians and technologists use engineering software on a daily basis and that computer-
aided design (CAD) is the most commonly used technical software.
Source: The Ontario Technologist, Vol. 42, Number 2, March/April 2000
For example, in the past, designers drew manually or by hand, but now they use 4._______
which stands for 5. __________ __________ ___________.
Steps to Employment 23
Engineering Workbook
1. __ promising a) in general
2. __ prospects b) future opportunities
3. __ overall c) feeling forced to make changes to your company
4. __ competitive pressures because similar companies have
d) positive; good
24 Steps to Employment
Job Descriptions and Titles
job descriptions
research the National Occupation Classification at www.on.hrdc-
drhc.gcca/english/lmi/eaid/occ.info/ojf/jobf_e.html
For more information on…
look for materials published by Human Resources Development Canada
(HRDC) such as Canada Job Futures, Ontario Job Futures and Essential
Skills Profiles at local libraries or through the HRDC Web site ww.hrdc-
drhc.gc.ca
see Guidance Centre Career Monograph Sheets, at your local library or
order from 1-800-565-9523 (there is a fee)
wages
check wage charts from HRDC by searching for your area or city on the
HRDC Web site ww.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca
in the Toronto area see www.workwaves.com
job postings
look for job ads from newspapers including:
http://www.thestar.workopolis.com
www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/hrdc/corp/stratpol
www.theglobeandmail.com
www.thenationalpost.ca; click on careers
www.canbus.com
www.jobsat.com
look for Internet postings including:
Electronic Labour Exchange: www.ele-spe.org, click English, then
Ontario
www.canada.plusjobs.com/fronteng.html
www.brainhunter.com/ows/plsql/bh.home
canjobs.com
www.thejob-line.com
www.jobsearch.ca/site-index.html
www.monster.ca
www.cten.ca
www.futurestep.com
Steps to Employment 25
3 WORKPLACE
Real stories…
Nahid’s Story
When Nahid came to Ontario two years But Nahid found the job to be different
ago, she spent the first few months from what she had done in Iran. She had to
improving her English and finding out how do more detailed work, and she found it
to do a job search in Canada. Shortly difficult to learn the new systems and
afterward, she found work as an estimator standards. “Systems we use here are very
for a plumbing and heating company that different. Here, for example, for HVAC
paid $10/hour and also gave her, 5% of they use several rooftop units. The systems
monthly sales. are different for domestic hot water from
what we have back home”.
With a background in heating, ventilation
and air conditioning (HVAC), Nahid was Not everything was new. Nahid had used
able to use her skills. “It was a good job. I Word and Excel in Iran to estimate load
got Canadian experience and I got to know calculation, but she was not familiar with
who the suppliers were in this industry,” Canadian building codes. “My employer
she says. While at this job, she made said that I know the basics and so I would
friends with an employee who worked at get used to using the new codes here.”
the company beside hers. Through talking Nahid’s next goal is to learn AutoCAD as
to this employee, she found out about a well as building codes and fire protection
technician’s job with an engineering plans, either on her own or in a class.
consulting firm. After one year at the
HVAC company, she applied to the
consulting company, using her friend as a
reference.
Adapted from an interview with Nahid Lamei.
Steps to Employment 27
Engineering Workbook
Activity 1: Comprehension
1. How did Nahid find her first job?
2. How did she find her second job?
3. Is it okay to leave an employer after working there only for one year? Why? Why not?
4. How did you find work in your country?
5. What do you have to learn before you look for work in Ontario?
6. Where can Nahid take an AutoCAD course?
Activity 2: Pronunciation
Listen to the instructor. Mark the stressed syllables in these words, then practise saying
each one.
ventilation air conditioning codes estimator
detailed AutoCAD afterward plumbing
Activity 3: Matching
Match each word to its definition by writing the corresponding letter in the blank space.
1.___full time a) means that you are hired to do a job or a project. When the
2.___contract work job or project is finished, so is your employment.
3.___ casual part time b) means that work is not steady. Sometimes it may be ten
hours a week, and sometimes 20. It depends on how much
4.___ part time work there is. Employer may phone any time to “call you into
5.___ benefits work” Also known as “on-call.”
6.___shift work c) means 40 hours a week and a regular schedule. For
example, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.
7.___ job security
d) refers to the permanence of a job
8.___ wage
e) is a set number of hours in a day. For example, the day shift
is usually from 8 AM to 4 PM; the afternoon shift is from 4 PM
to midnight; and the night shift, also called the “graveyard”
shift, is from midnight to 8 AM.
f) means working only a few hours a week. For example, fewer
than 25 hours a week, maybe Monday, Tuesday and
Wednesday, 10 to 3.
g) regular payments received for work or services, usually given
as an hourly amount
h) insurance paid for by employers to pay for things like pay for
days you are sick, dental plan and parental leave
28 Steps to Employment
Workplace
Activity 4: Pronunciation
Listen to the instructor say the following words. Mark the stressed syllables in these words
then practise saying each one.
on-call contract wage
part time shift work benefits
casual salary security
Working conditions
Civil engineering technicians and technologists work in a laboratory, office, or a construction
site depending on the type of work. Construction estimators must frequently visit work sites,
and although they generally work 40-hour weeks, overtime is usually required. Possible work
dangers include falling waste material. On average, they earn $50,000 a year.
Mechanical technicians and technologists work in laboratories, offices, electronic shops,
industrial plants or construction sites depending on the type of work. Possible work dangers
include electric shocks. On average, they earn $50,000 a year.
Electrical and electronic technicians and technologists work in power plants, hospitals,
telecommunications, manufacturing or computer companies. Most work a 40-hour week,
except for telecommunications technicians who may work “on-call” in emergency utility
operations. Possible work dangers include electric shock. On average, electrical engineering
technicians and technologists earn $47,000 a year.
Mechanical technicians and technologists work in laboratories, offices, electronic shops,
industrial plants or construction sites depending on the type of work they do. Possible work
dangers include electric shocks. On average, they earn $50,000 a year.
Steps to Employment 29
Engineering Workbook
Activity 6: Discussion
Take turns in a small group describing the working conditions in other countries.
Using the headings in the chart above, describe to your group the working conditions that
are the same and different between working as a technician or technologist in your home
country and in Ontario.
Activity 7: Research
Look up www.workwaves.com, job ads in the newspaper, and job descriptions in Ontario
Job Futures to see what the current salary for your occupation would be.
30 Steps to Employment
Workplace
Job Ads
? Molson Canada
Electric/Electronic. Human Resources, Molson
Designation required Breweries, Ontario Division,
Electronics or electrical Barrie Brewery, 1 Bay Road,
technologist or technician with Barrie, ON, L4M 4V3 Fax: (705)
Ontario designation needed. 123-4567
Prefer applicants with We thank all applicants for
knowledge of and/or skills with their interest in Molson
industrial electronic process Breweries, however, only those
control systems. selected for interviews will be
contacted. No telephone calls
Allen-Bradley PLCs, please.
variable speed drives,
power distributions,
instrumentation,
preventive maintenance,
machine-person interfaces,
hydraulics and
@ Designers, Engineers &
Technologists
pneumatics. $30,000 to $80,000
The ability to read complicated AutoCAD Designers
schematics is required. Automotive Parts Designers
Control Designers
You will use your motivation,
Electrical/PLC Designers
planning, organizational,
HVAC Engineers/Designers
problem-solving/troubleshooting
I & C Designers
and communication skills to
INJ-MOLD Designers
diagnose and repair plant
Machine Designers
equipment.
Material Handling Designers
You must be available to work Call (416) 123-4567, Ex. 239
all shifts, weekends and Future Executive Engineering
overtime. Personnel Ltd.
Please send your detailed 355 Bay St., Ste. 101
resume, telling us how your Toronto, ON
background meets our needs to: M5H 1R2
Steps to Employment 31
Engineering Workbook
A Project Technicians
Ontario Power Generation is a You must also understand the
major North American electricity assembly, function and operation
generating company, based in of Electrical and Control
Ontario. These positions are systems. You must be computer
permanent positions and temporary literate (e.g. MS Word, Excel,
contracts of up to one year at email, etc.) and have good
our Darlington Nuclear Generating communication skills.
Station on the shore of Lake Civil Project Technician
Ontario in Bowmanville. All
positions require a two-year You will help solve problems,
course of related study from a survey and layout work, interpret
college or polytechnical drawings, prepare sketches and
institute. coordinate contracts. You must
understand civil construction
Mechanical Project Technician work such as roofing, block and
You will solve technical brick, contract monitoring,
problems, help inspect and test scaffolding, concrete, protective
piping, tubing, vessels, coatings and excavation. You must
alignment and cleanliness, also have be computer literate
interpret drawings and codes, (e.g. MS Word, Excel, email,
write reports and coordinate etc.) and have good communication
contracts. skills.
You must understand the assembly,
function and operation of power Please email your resume, as
plant equipment and piping simple text, to
systems, be computer literate careers@ontariopowergeneration.com or
(e.g. MS Word, Excel, email, visit the “careers” page of our
etc.), and demonstrate good
Web site at
communication skills.
www.ontariopowergeneration.com
Electrical & Control Project for an on-line application by
Technician November 1, 200_.
You will solve technical Ontario Power Generation
problems, check and test encourages applications from
instrumentation and electrical qualified women, men, visible
systems, interpret drawings and minorities, Aboriginal people and
codes and coordinate contracts. persons with disabilities.
32 Steps to Employment
Workplace
Activity 8: Pronunciation
Listen to the instructor say the following words and mark the syllable stress in the following
words from the job ad and then practise saying each one. Which letters are silent?
alignment hydraulics pneumatics
Activity 9: Matching
Match the correct meaning to the following new acronyms from the job ads.
Note:There are more meanings than acronyms.
Steps to Employment 33
Engineering Workbook
34 Steps to Employment
Workplace
directories of employers
For more information on… look at the public library or HRDC Employment Resource Centre for the
following:
Scott’s Directory
Canadian Key Business Directory, Dunn and Bradstreet
Directory of Associations in Canada, Micromedia Limited
Canadian Trade Directory, Fraser Publication Company, Montreal
Yellow Pages
visit Consulting Engineers of Ontario, www.ceo.on.ca
Steps to Employment 35
4 WORKPLACE LAW IN ONTARIO
Real stories…
Carlos’s Story
Carlos worked as a production technician at production was as high as 117%, but
a kitty litter manufacturing company. The because he couldn’t depend on a steady
company was non-unionized and it was number of casual workers to show up for
part of Carlos’s job to make sure there were the shifts before Christmas, production fell
enough workers on every shift. The to 81%. Sure enough, after working for
problem was, many workers sent from only three weeks, Carlos’s boss fired him
Manpower Temporary Services didn’t on Christmas Day.
show up regularly – especially the few days Not only did production quotas drop, many
before Christmas Day. of the big retailers, such as Wal-Mart,
When Carlos was hired, his supervisor told complained that whole shipments of boxes
him that if he let production slip below litter were leaking, making a big mess in
100% he would be fired. Carlos had many the stores.
shifts in early December in which
Adapted from an interview
Activity 1: Discussion
Discuss the following questions about the story.
1. What is Manpower Temporary Services?
2. Why would the company rely on temporary workers?
3. In your opinion, was Carlos fired unfairly?
4. Do you know if there are any laws that would provide Carlos protection in this case?
Steps to Employment 37
Engineering Workbook
Employment standards
The Employment Standards Act is the law that contains Ontario’s basic rules about the
minimum standards for salary, overtime, vacations, maternity benefits, termination, and
more. This provincial law covers most workers in Ontario.
These laws set the standards for:
Minimum wage: Employers must pay both full-time and part-time workers at least the
minimum wage. Any changes to the minimum wage are announced in newspaper ads at least
a month before the change happens.
Hours of work: This is the number of hours for each normal working day. The Act says that
the limit for most employees is eight hours a day and 48 hours a week. Employers must pay
employees overtime if they work more than the legislated hours of work.
Overtime pay: Overtime pay is the wage that employers must give workers who work
overtime. Overtime pay is the regular wage x 1.5, or time and a half.
Meal breaks: Workers must have a meal break each working day. The length of this meal
break is determined either by the law, by the employer, or by union contracts. The Act does
not set coffee and rest breaks, but some employers allow coffee and rest breaks throughout
the day.
Public holidays: Under the law, Ontario has eight paid public holidays. Workers who qualify
for paid public holidays don’t have to work on these days, but are still paid their regular
wages for the day.
Vacation pay: Workers are entitled to a minimum number of days of paid holidays each
year. The law determines how long workers must work before they are eligible for paid
holidays and vacation pay.
Pregnancy and parental leave and benefits: This is the time off for a new parent. While on
pregnancy leave employees can receive employment insurance maternity benefits. While on
parental leave, employees can receive Employment Insurance (EI) parental benefits. To
qualify for these benefits the employee must have paid EI over a period of time prior to the
arrival of the baby.
38 Steps to Employment
Workplace Law in Ontario
Deductions: These are payments that employers can legally deduct from an employee’s
paycheque. This includes Employment Insurance and Canada Pension Plan payments.
Termination of employment: The law determines how employees or employers end their
contracts and how much termination pay must be paid.
Activity 2: Pronunciation
Listen to the instructor. Mark the syllable stress in these words, then practise saying each
one.
termination overtime vacation minimum
compensation standards deduction benefits
3. ___ overtime pay b) the wage that employers must give workers who
work more than the normal hours of work in a
4. ___ meal breaks workweek
5. ___ public holidays c) employers must pay at least this much to part-
6. ___ vacation pay time and full-time employees
7. ___ deductions d) firing or giving notice
8. ___ termination of employment e) time off or the equivalent pay
f) a normal working day
g) time available for breakfast, lunch or dinner,
depending on your work schedule
h) days of rest, recreation or festivity
Steps to Employment 39
Engineering Workbook
Activity 4: Interview
Work with your partner to fill in the chart with information about Ontario’s employment
standards, then ask your partner about workplace law in other countries.
EARNINGS DEDUCTIONS
Time Overtime Gross Income EI CPP Union NET PAY
pay Tax dues
40 Steps to Employment
Workplace Law in Ontario
Discrimination
Discrimination means being treated differently from other people. There are situations in
which the employer is allowed to be selective on the basis of citizenship, age or disability.
But generally it is against the law to discriminate against people because of race, ancestry,
place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, age, record of offences, marital
status, same-sex partnership status, family status or disability. This is why it is illegal for
employers in Ontario to ask questions about an applicant’s marital status, number of children,
age, etc.
Harassment
Harassment is a situation in which someone threatens or insults you. Racial harassment
includes racial jokes and derogatory comments. Sexual harassment includes unwanted
touching, sexual comments, sexual jokes and suggestions. Discrimination and harassment
can occur in job advertisements, questions about Canadian experience, job applications, job
interviews and in the way workers treat each other and how the employer treats the workers.
Steps to Employment 41
Engineering Workbook
Activity 7: Discussion
Brainstorm questions that an employer might ask or statements that you might see in a job
ad that would be against the Human Rights Code.
42 Steps to Employment
Workplace Law in Ontario
Activity 8: Matching
Match each situation with one of the following types of discrimination or harassment:
P – place of origin R – race G – gender
C – creed A – age D – disability
__ 1. Andy answered an advertisement for a Girl Friday. The duties of the job involved
typing, filing and sorting. When he asked for an interview, he was told that the job
was for “girls” only.
__ 2. Ameena applied for a job as a receptionist. Ameena is East Indian. She speaks
English very well, but she has an accent. At the job interview the employer told her
that she was not right for the job. He said that the company needed someone who
spoke English with no accent.
__ 3. Andrea speaks with a stutter. One of her co-workers makes fun of her when she
stutters. He knows that this makes it harder for her to speak, but he does it
anyway.
__ 4. Nathan works in a machine shop. He is black. Most of his co-workers are white.
Last week his co-workers were telling “black jokes.” Nathan asked them to stop,
but they just laughed at him and went on with the jokes.
__ 5. Ute has been looking for a job for almost two years. She can’t understand why it is
so difficult. Her friends say that it will be impossible for her to get a job because
she is 52 years old.
__ 6. Ahmed is a Muslim. He has a special prayer time every Friday. Every Friday one of
his co-workers teases him: “There goes Ahmed to the mosque again!”
Adapted from Discrimination and Harassment at Work, CLEO, August 1993
Activity 9: Discussion
Discuss the following situations and decide if the actions described are lawful (L) or unlawful
(U) according to the laws described in this unit:
L U 1. Jonathan could not apply for a job as an environmental technician because he
uses a wheelchair to get around, and fieldwork would require him to go into
areas that are not wheelchair accessible.
L U 2. Jose applied for a job and did well during the interview, but he did not get the job
because a requirement for the job is Canadian citizenship.
L U 3. A job ad in the newspaper said: single males only need apply.
Steps to Employment 43
Engineering Workbook
44 Steps to Employment
Workplace Law in Ontario
Workers’ compensation
Real stories…
WSIB Violations
An Ontario company operating as Ontario These are violations under sections 152(3)
1234567 has been charged with one count and 151(1) respectively of the Workplace
each of failing to notify the WSIB within Safety and Insurance Act.
three days after learning of an accident to The company and the company owner are
an employee. scheduled to appear at a provincial
The company has also been charged with courtroom.
one count of failing to register a new
employee with the WSIB within ten days
of hiring that employee.
Adapted from media and government sources
Steps to Employment 45
Engineering Workbook
46 Steps to Employment
Workplace Law in Ontario
Steps to Employment 47
Engineering Workbook
employment standards
general information: contact the Ministry of Labour at (416) 326-7000 or
toll-free at 1-800-531-5551.
For more information on…
visit the Ministry of Labour Web site at www.gov.on.ca/lab and look for
fact sheets on minimum wage, hours of work, vacation, and more
WSIB
contact WSIB at 416-344-1013 or toll-free at 1-800-387-8638
visit the WSIB Web page at www.wsib.on.ca
getting help
contact community legal clinics. See the Yellow Pages
visit settlement agencies in your community
visit the Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers Inc. at
www.www.ohcow.ca
WHMIS
Request a copy of WHMIS from Occupational Health and Safety at
416-314-5421 or www.gov.on.ca/lab/ohs
48 Steps to Employment
5 CERTIFICATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Steps to Employment 49
Engineering Workbook
Activity 1: Pronunciation
Listen to the instructor say the following words and mark the syllable stress in these words,
then practise saying each one.
discipline mandatory assessed
Activity 2: Matching
Match each word to its definition by writing the corresponding letter in the blank space.
Activity 3: Comprehension
1. Do you have to get your credentials assessed?
2. Explain the process of having your credentials assessed.
3. Will you get your credentials assess? Why/Why not?
50 Steps to Employment
Certification, Training, and Experience
yourself by taking courses so that you can prove to the employer that you have the necessary
skills, education and experience. The more similarities you can find between your last job
and the job you want here, the fewer excuses employers will find for refusing you.
Finally, give employers Canadian references. For example, ESL teachers can say that you
have excellent attendance, complete your work on time and that your English is good
enough. Landlords can say that you are honest, polite, and pay your rent on time.
Supervisors of volunteer or unrelated survival jobs can say that you are punctual, a hard
worker, a good team player, have a good attitude and that you work well under minimal
supervision.
Activity 4: Comprehension
1. What does it mean when employers ask for Canadian experience?
2. Do you have all of the requirements for Canadian experience?
Entry-level qualifications
Interpersonal skills
Teamwork skills
Customer service
Computer programs
Technical skills
Steps to Employment 51
Engineering Workbook
Activity 7: Comprehension
How can you do to keep your skills up-to-date?
Activity 8: Writing
Employers are less interested in wether you have taken a course in a subject than if you can
apply what you’ve learned. They are more interested in what you can do, not just what you
know. If you have learned a skill but you haven’t yet used it, you can say you are familiar
with it. If you have experience using a skill, you can say that you are proficient in it.
Make sentences describing your skills. Use the expressions, I am familiar with… or I am
proficient in… to talk about the above computer and non-computer courses. Then practise
saying these sentences with your partner.
For example:
I am familiar with 3-D AutoCAD, but I am proficient in AutoCAD, version 13.
______________________________________________________________________
1. ______________________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________________________
4. ______________________________________________________________________
52 Steps to Employment
Certification, Training, and Experience
Activity 9: Comprehension
Circle the courses you have taken. Put a star beside the ones you plan to take in the future.
Steps to Employment 53
Engineering Workbook
courses
you can pick up course calendars from any college or private school, or you
can visit their
visit the Web sites for community colleges in Ontario and pick up course
calendars, or call them to see if they will mail a copy
see list of community colleges at the Ministry of Colleges, Training and
Universities Web site www.edu.gov.on.ca
credentials assessment
visit the World Education Services at www.wes.org
volunteer work
look in your phone book for the nearest volunteer centre
check your local newspaper for volunteer opportunities
54 Steps to Employment
Terminology
Personal Plan
Steps to Employment 55
6 EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES
Equipment
Activity 1: Matching
Write the letter from the picture in front of the correct word.
Steps to Employment 57
Engineering Workbook
Activity 2: Interview
Ask your partner if he or she has ever used the above equipment. If yes, ask him or her
what task they did with it.
Activity 3: Pronunciation
This is a list of software applications that you may be required to use. Listen to the instructor
say them, then mark the stressed syllables and pronounce them aloud.
Circle the software you have heard of. Put a star beside the ones that you are proficient in.
Put a check beside the ones you are familiar with.
58 Steps to Employment
Equipment And Procedures
Activity 5: Matching
Match each word to its definition by writing the correct letter in the blank space.
1.___conduct a) collect
2.___analyze b) get advice from
3.___monitor c) perform
4.___maintain d) watch
5.___calibrate e) measure by comparing to a standard
6.___compile f) clean and keep in working order
7.___consult with g) identify trends and make conclusions from data
Activity 6: Pronunciation
Listen to your instructor say the verbs and nouns on the chart below. Mark the stress on all
of the words and practise saying them aloud.
Steps to Employment 59
Engineering Workbook
Activity 7: Comprehension
Match the words in the left columns with the words along the top. Put check marks in the
intersecting squares if it is a duty that you have done.
Specifications
Prototypes or
Estimates or
Machinery &
Instruments
Plant layout
equipment
Computer
programs
contracts
Surveys/
Moulds
models
tests
Data
analyze
assist in
calibrate
check
collect
compile
complete
conduct
consult
design
develop
inspect
maintain
monitor
operate
perform
prepare
repair
supervise
test
60 Steps to Employment
Equipment And Procedures
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Activity 9: Speaking
Now take turns practising your sentences with a partner.
“I worked as a construction estimator in China for two years. I prepared formal tender
submissions, construction progress schedules, monthly cost forecasts, progress claims and
written contracts for building sites.”
“In Cameroon, I worked as a site foreman for one year. I inspected and supervised drainage
construction at a college complex with construction value of CDN$4.5 million to ensure that safety
specifications were followed. Working with 15 others, I coordinated field surveys during various
phases of design and construction, and ensured quality control of concrete used on-site. I
reviewed drawings for residential, commercial and industrial buildings to ensure they conformed
to design concepts.”
Steps to Employment 61
Engineering Workbook
62 Steps to Employment
Equipment And Procedures
job descriptions
research the National Occupation Classification at www.on.hrdc-
drhc.gcca/english/lmi/eaid/occ.info/ojf/jobf_e.html
look for materials published by Human Resources Development Canada
(HRDC) such as Job Futures, Ontario Job Futures and Essential Skills
Profiles at local libraries or through the HRDC Web site www.hrdc-
drhc.gc.ca
see Guidance Centre Career Monograph Sheets, at your local library or order
from 1-800-565-9523 (there is a fee)
Steps to Employment 63
7 TERMINOLOGY FOR WORK TASKS
Real stories…
A day in the life of a mechanical engineering technologist
Iva is a 41-year-old mechanical engineering sometimes Iva is in the office as late as 10
technologist specializing in HVAC PM. That’s because deadlines are very real,
(Heating, Ventilating and Air and a delay that causes a plant to stay shut
Conditioning). She works in a Kitchener longer than planned can cost big bucks. “A
office of an engineering firm. one-day delay in delivering drawings to a
contractor could carry a cost of $50,000 or
Iva’s job is important. Without proper
$100,000, and that’s no exaggeration,” she
ventilation, people become uncomfortable
says.
and sick, and machines can fail.
Iva is out at job sites for about one-tenth of
A typical day for Iva begins at 7:30 AM, the year. But if she is working on a
answering email and voice messages. complex out-of-town project she could be
About half her time is spent at her desk, gone up to 40% of the time. The farthest
either dealing with contractors and vendors she has been is Argentina.
or working on ventilation system designs.
Over the years, technology has changed
Iva also spends a good part of each day
Iva’s job. Every crew Iva has in the field is
with other members of her team – like civil
equipped with a digital camera. If they run
and electrical engineering technologists –
into trouble, they snap photos and then
or meeting with clients.
email the images to Kitchener. A quick
The day usually ends at 4:30, but conference call can straighten things out.
Adapted from information at www.cthrb.ca
Activity 1: Discussion
1. What does Iva do?
2. What is she in charge of?
3. What is the first thing that she has to do?
Steps to Employment 65
Engineering Workbook
Activity 2: Writing
Think of the daily routine at your former job. Write five sentences in chronological order to
describe your main work tasks. Use the following adverbs of time to show sequence.
First,
Then,
After that,
Next,
Finally,
Activity 3: Speaking
With your partner, discuss the various tasks in Activity 4 and identify which tasks you have
done. Describe some of your work experience to your partner. Use the space below to make
notes.
66 Steps to Employment
Terminology For Work Tasks
____ 3. Do calculations.
____ 5. Figure out scheduling. Decide how many people will be needed for each job.
____ 13. Make suggestions as to the correct and safe way to get rid of toxic waste.
____ 14. Participate in policy making and public education and awareness programs.
____ 16. Meet with sales reps or discuss project with co-workers.
____ 20. Consult with team and discuss the technology best suited for a particular job.
Source: Look Ahead, Get Ahead from the Web site www.cthrb.ca
Steps to Employment 67
Engineering Workbook
68 Steps to Employment
Terminology For Work Tasks
___ 5. I can prepare detailed drawings, plans and charts using a computer.
Steps to Employment 69
Engineering Workbook
Activity 7: Interview
Interview your partner to find out about their past job and its responsibilities and duties. Use
the following questions as guides. Refer back to the previous activities in this unit for
vocabulary. You can also look at Unit 2 for a review of other useful job verbs.
Q: What did you do in your country?
A: I was a civil engineering technician.
Q: What exactly does a civil engineering technician do?
A: They carry out air, water, and soil tests to monitor natural resources.
Activity 8: Writing
Write a brief report based on what your partner did in his/her home country.
70 Steps to Employment
Terminology For Work Tasks
Activity 9: Writing
Now write a story (100-150 words) describing your former job. Using full sentences, describe
duties and responsibilities. Also, write about what you liked and didn’t like about this job.
Terminology
J.I.T.
T.Q.M.
P.L.C.
ISO 9002
Steps to Employment 71
Engineering Workbook
WHMIS
The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires that labels be placed on all hazardous
chemicals that are used in the workplace. This labelling system is called Workplace
Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). Under WHMIS all potentially
hazardous materials are labelled, and have Materials Safety Data Sheets (MDHS), which
describe how to handle the materials safely. This prevents the incidence of occupational
illness and injuries resulting from the use of hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
a) Reactive Material
1. __ 2. __ b) Biohazardous Infectious Material
c) Compressed Gas
3. __ d) Oxidizing Material
4. __
e) Other Toxic Effects
f) Corrosive Material
5. __ 6. __ g) Poisonous and Infectious Material
h) Flammable and Combustible Material
7. __ 8. __
72 Steps to Employment
Terminology For Work Tasks
3. Class C: If mixed with oxygen, these materials can contribute to the combustion
of other materials.
4. Class D: Three types of poisonous and infectious materials:
a) Acute health effects b) Chronic health effects c) Biohazardous materials.
5. Class E: Materials which can attack metal and skin.
6. Class F: Under certain conditions, these materials may react violently. This
sudden release of energy can produce gases or an explosion. Some chemicals
when mixed can produce the same effect.
Source: WHMIS Education Program
1. _______________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________________
4. _______________________________________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________________________________
6. _______________________________________________________________________
7. _______________________________________________________________________
8. _______________________________________________________________________
Steps to Employment 73
Engineering Workbook
terminology
do an Internet search on your sector to find more sector-specific
terminology
visit your local library and find books on your occupation
interview someone in your field
WHMIS
request a copy of Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
(WHMIS) from the Occupational Health and Safety at 416-314-5421 or
visit www.gov.on.ca/lab/ohs
74 Steps to Employment
8 COMMUNICATION IN THE WORKPLACE
Accepting criticism
In addition to making polite requests, it is just as important to know how to give and accept
criticism. We all like to hear when people tell us we’re doing a good job. It is harder to hear
that we need to improve, especially if we think we are doing a good job. For example, when
your supervisor says that you have not completed your job properly, he or she is giving you
criticism. You should:
• agree with them
• thank your supervisor for pointing out your mistake
• promise you’ll try to improve
Giving criticism
It’s also important to know how to give criticism, especially to a co-worker who is not co-
operating. Avoid saying “You didn’t finish your part of the job. Now we’re going to miss the
deadline. Instead, say “We’re going to miss the deadline because this part of the project isn’t
finished.” People feel better when they are not told they are doing something wrong.
Steps to Employment 75
Engineering Workbook
Activity 1: Pronunciation
Listen to the instructor. Mark the syllable stress in these words, then practise saying each
one.
polite direct accept co-operating
politely directly reject criticism
Activity 2: Comprehension
1. What should you do to receive criticism?
2. What should you not do?
3. What should you do to give criticism?
4. What should you not do?
5. Whom would criticize at work?
6. Whom would you never criticize at work?
Activity 3: Role-play
In pairs, take turns with a classmate practising the following role-play situations. Then
perform one of the above role-plays for the class.
1. Ask your supervisor if you can take your two-week holiday in March so that you can visit
your relatives in Iran for New Year’s.
2. Ask your supervisor if you can change your work hours from 9-5 to 8:30-4:30 for the
month of Ramadan so that you can be home for sunset.
3. Tell your co-worker and fellow team member that he must work harder to meet a
deadline for this coming Friday.
4. Your boss tells you that there are a lot of mistakes in your report and she wants to
discuss it with you.
76 Steps to Employment
Communication In The Workplace
Activity 4: Pronunciation
Listen to the instructor say the following words. Mark the stressed syllables in these words,
then practise saying each one. Does adding the suffix “ed” always change the number of
syllables in a verb? What’s the rule?
shift switched mould
blame checked inspected
2. I __________ (verb) shifts with my co-worker – now I’m working 7AM-3PM and he’s
working 3PM-11PM.
3. The production supervisor found a faulty ____________ (noun) and will __________
(verb) the technician on duty.
Steps to Employment 77
Engineering Workbook
Activity 7: Comprehension
What is wrong with the way that Talvinder is handling the problem?
Activity 9: Role-play
Present your new dialogue with your partner in front of the class.
78 Steps to Employment
Communication In The Workplace
Steps to Employment 79
Engineering Workbook
Hi Terry:
Yesterday afternoon I got a call from Lee Jones, the production manager, and he was
really angry because the guy who had your job before you didn’t answer 2 or 3 messages
from him about a problem with the steel brake system. Now there are 1,000 cars outside
of the production line. The customer is Burgess Automotive and this dealer has been our
most valuable customer for the last 15 years.
Terry, please talk to Lee and try to identify the problem, and be careful because this guy is
good at blaming other departments for problems on parts.
Louis Gordon,
Quality Assurance Manager
80 Steps to Employment
Communication In The Workplace
1.
2.
3.
Hi Terry. Sorry I couldn’t talk to you before you left last Friday so I have to leave another
memo for you.
We have a new team member named Chris Irwin. She was the most valuable person in
our Sarnia plant with Quality Assurance for 9 years. She improved the output of the
production line by 35% during these nine years.
Now the problem with Chris is that she doesn’t like to communicate with the rest of the
team because she says that in the past her ideas were never put into place. I need to get
Chris involved as soon as possible in order to identify problems in the production line.
Try to talk to Chris and persuade her to participate with the team.
Louis Gordon,
Quality Assurance Manager
1.
2.
3.
Steps to Employment 81
Engineering Workbook
From: To:
Subject:
82 Steps to Employment
Communication In The Workplace
these and many other books can be found at your local library
Steps to Employment 83
9 COMMUNICATION IN THE COMMUNITY
Steps to Employment 85
Engineering Workbook
1. 2.
3. 4.
5. 6.
7. 8.
9. 10.
86 Steps to Employment
Communication In The Community
Networking
Moving to a new country is a big change. You’ll find that you will learn English much more
quickly and Canadian life will become much easier if you meet people who were born in
Canada or have been here a few years.
You can meet new people by forming a network – something that you had back home with
your extended family members and others in your profession or community.
Your network includes everyone in your life. And it’s probably much bigger than you think!
People in your network can help you and you can help them.
But making a network takes some effort. Learn what you can about people in your network.
Find out their skills, knowledge, experience, talents and needs.
Maybe the elderly man who lives next door in your building is lonely and likes to talk to you
in the hallway. Talking to him makes him less lonely and you get to practise your English.
Also, maybe your daughter’s school needs volunteers for class trips. By volunteering to
supervise the children, you get to meet other parents and find out about babysitters and
activities for your children. You can also learn valuable lessons from immigrants who have
been in Canada longer than you have.
Activity 4: Comprehension
1. Why should you form a network?
2. How should you form one?
Steps to Employment 87
Engineering Workbook
Activity 5: Matching
Match the descriptions with the people in your network.
88 Steps to Employment
Communication In The Community
barber). Compare your list with another person in the class. See who has the longest list in
the class.
People you see People you see People you see
every day: every week: less than every week:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Steps to Employment 89
Engineering Workbook
Small talk
Sometimes the people closest to us have the information we need. It’s easy to approach
family and friends, but how do you ask for things from strangers? By finding things that you
have in common. In Canada, it is considered impolite to DIRECTLY ask people:
• where they live
• what they do for a living
• whether or not they are married
• what their religion is
While it is not necessary to know if someone is married, knowing if they have children,
especially children around the same age as your own children, can be important. Answers to
the other three questions can be important, but you just have to ask for them INDIRECTLY.
Some newcomers say that Canadians are cold because they don’t like to share this
information. In many countries, the above information is asked for upon meeting someone,
so that you know how to address someone. In Canada, however, we address everyone the
same way, regardless of how they answer the above questions.
For many Canadians, this information is personal. If someone asks them where they live,
what they do for a living and what their husband or wife does, they might be afraid that that
person wants to find out their socio-economic status, or how much money they earn.
Asking if someone is married can be personal because in many other countries one treats
someone who is married with more respect. Many Canadians are not married, are divorced or
separated, live with a male or female “partner” without being married and many of these
people may have children. But hey are all treated equally.
In addition, many Canadians do not publicly practise any religion. But they may be afraid to
admit this for fear that they may be discriminated against by others who are religious.
However, since it is important to get this information from the people in your network, so
that you may help each other, the best way to find out the answers to these questions is
INDIRECTLY, or by sharing information first. This way, others are more likely to share with
you. For example, if you say, “It took me an hour to get to class today. My bus was late!,”
the other person will probably ask something like, “where were you coming from?” After
you tell them from which part of the city you came, you can ask them where they came from.
Activity 7: Pronunciation
Listen to your instructor say the following words and mark their stressed syllables. Then say
each word out loud.
socio-economic address (verb) status
90 Steps to Employment
Communication In The Community
T F 5. It is okay to ask someone where they live if you first ask them how long it takes
for them to get to class.
Activity 9: Conversation
In groups of two, make the following DIRECT questions into more INDIRECT questions.
Steps to Employment 91
Engineering Workbook
92 Steps to Employment
Communication In The Community
Your message:
Steps to Employment 93
Engineering Workbook
volunteer work
look for volunteer work at a volunteer centre, community centre, sports and
other clubs
look in the first pages of your local phone book. There are usually numbers
there that you can call and get a tape-recorded message which you can practise
listening to.
94 Steps to Employment
10 PERSONAL PLAN
Self-assessment
This self-assessment will help you think about your previous education, training, and
experience, your skills and knowledge, your interests, and help you make a plan of action.
Steps to Employment 95
Engineering Workbook
96 Steps to Employment
Personal Plan
Steps to Employment 97
Engineering Workbook
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
98 Steps to Employment
Personal Plan
Activity 4: Research
To help you achieve your personal plan, use training and upgrading pamphlets, flyers and
calendars to find information for training and upgrading opportunities in your field.
English as a
second language
(ESL)
ESL / computers
English
upgrading
Job search
programs
Co-op programs
Building and
electrical codes
Volunteering
opportunities
Other
Steps to Employment 99
Engineering Workbook
volunteering
visit Charity Village’s Web site at www.charityvillage.com for a listing of
volunteer jobs in the non-profit sector
For more information on…
visit www.voe-reb.org/welcome.html for a matching service for volunteers
and agencies across Canada
look in the Yellow Pages for volunteer centres in your city
community programs
look for pamphlets advertising community workshops
look for any ESL classes or ESL classes with a focus on engineering in your
community (STIC programs in Toronto or Hamilton)
check your local Community College
language training/ESL
check ESL and word processing courses listed in local board of education
calendars and bulletin boards at your local library
analyze
identify trends and patterns and draw conclusions
CAD
computer assisted design
calibrate
to match readings of a scale of measurement to a standard
codes
standards to ensure safety in construction and utility management
compile
collect
components
parts
compressor
a machine for squeezing together air and other gases into a smaller space
conduct
perform
designation
title
diagnosis
identification of a problem
estimates
detailed outline of job to be done and price asked
gauging
measuring
graded
assigned a value
I&C
instrumentation and control
INJ-MOLD
injection molding (usually plastics)
mandatory
necessary; obligatory
mould/mold
a hollow container into which liquid metal or plastic is poured, then hardened to create an
object
plant
factory
PLCs
programmable logic controls
prototype
original from which copies are made
regulatory body
organization that sets professional standards for its members in order to protect the public
register
sign up; become a member
schematics
information presented in the form of charts or diagrams
tinkering
attempting to fix in a non-professional manner
transcript
original statement of grades from an educational institution
troubleshoot
solve problems
utility
company that distributes power or water
WHMIS
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System