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Technologists and Technicians in

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

AlphaPlus Katherine Babiuk


Web site Host Program Consultant
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
Kathleen Doe Ontario Administration of Settlement and Integration Services
Web site Designer and Webmaster (OASIS)
Kaoli Hanawa Brigid Kelso
Illustrator Principal Writer
Kevin Cheng Peggie Shek
Graphic Designer Project Manager
Supercat Illustrations LCRT Consulting
Intellisearch, Toronto Public Library Andrea Strachan
Media and Literature Research Curriculum Design/Senior Consultant
LCRT Consulting
Louise Thomas
Internet Research Bruce Russell
Curriculum Design/Senior Consultant
Trudy Kennell
LCRT Consulting
Editorial Board
Roland Rhooms
Kate George
Focus Group Facilitator
Editor
Antonella Valeo
Skills for Change
ESL Reviewer
Focus Group Location

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?

If you have just arrived in Ontario and want


to be an engineering technologist or
Steps to Employment

technician, these are some of the first steps


that you need to take:

know your sector – employers, working


conditions and entry-level qualifications

know your job-related traits – be able to


describe your skills, knowledge and
interests

know sector-specific terminology – be


able to discuss your occupation with others

know what credentials are required and


how to translate and evaluate your
documents

know where to get training, upgrading and


help finding a job.
In this workshop
you will learn about…
; labour market trends for engineering technologists and technicians

; employers, how they hire, and what they are looking for in their workers

; working conditions including wages, duties and responsibilities

; laws that protect workers in Ontario

; basic health and safety issues for engineering technologists and technicians

; vocabulary for describing the difference between engineering technologists and


technicians

; vocabulary for describing what engineering technologists and technicians do.

You will also practise…


; basic dialogues for conversations with your co-workers, supervisors and clients

; describing your skills and knowledge

; getting information from various sources

; 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.

1. What is your name?


2. Where are you from?
3. How long have you been in Canada?
4. What is your occupation?
5. How much do you know about working as an engineering technologist or technician in
Ontario?
6. How much work experience have you had in this sector?
7. Why are you taking this workshop?
8. What are your hopes for this workshop?
Orientation

Overview
Occupations

Workplace
Workplace Law in Ontario

Training and Experience

Steps to Employment 9
1 OVERVIEW

In this unit you will learn about


general duties of engineering technologists and technicians
educational requirements
provincial and federal associations
you will also practise
describing your past duties

General duties of engineering technologists and technicians


Engineering technicians and technologists support engineers in all disciplines of engineering
including civil, electrical, electronic, chemical, industrial, mechanical, metallurgical and
mineral resources. Although technicians and technologists deal with similar engineering
concepts, they do more practical work than engineers. Like engineers, they may work for a
variety of organizations including government, telecommunications companies, utilities,
architects, consulting engineers and manufacturers.

Engineering technologists: Engineering technicians:


• design equipment, processes or systems • assist in equipment or systems design
• interpret and prepare specifications, • assist in the interpretation and preparation or
technical drawings or instructions modification of specifications, technical
drawings or instructions
• prepare estimates
• prepare estimates
• manage projects
• supervise phases of major projects
• conduct non-routine tests
• conduct tests
• operate pilot plants
• build prototypes or models
• troubleshoot complex equipment
• troubleshoot equipment
• prepare reports
• compile data and reports
• supervise, train and coordinate the work of
others. • supervise, train and coordinate the activities
of others.

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

Activity 3: Vocabulary matching


Match each word to its definition by writing the correct letter in the blank space.

1. __ concept a) bring together


2. __ utility b) a company that distributes power or provides water
3. __ evaluate services

4. __ conduct c) solve problems

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.

1. ___ government a) Nortel


2. ___ telecommunications companies b) Agra Monenco
3. ___ utilities c) Ziegler & Associates
4. ___ architects d) General Motors of Canada
5. ___ consulting engineers e) The Ministry of Transportation
6. ___ manufacturers f) Ontario Power Generation

Educational requirements and professional associations

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.

Professional associations in Ontario


You can become a member of the professional association representing technicians and
technologists, but it is not mandatory to practise your occupation. The Ontario Association of
Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) is a regulatory body. Its job
is to make sure that technologists and technicians practise their occupations safely and follow
rules that protect the public. OACETT grants Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) and
Certified Technician (CTech) designations.

Professional associations in Canada


The Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) is the regulatory body at
the federal level.

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

Activity 8: Vocabulary matching


Match each word to its definition by writing the corresponding letter in the blank space.

1.__ regulatory body a) title


2.__ equivalent b) equal
3.__ designation c) required
4.__ mandatory d) an organization that sets professional standards

Activity 9: True or false


Read the following sentences and circle T for true statements and F for false statements.
T F 1. Membership in OACETT is mandatory.

T F 2. To become a technologist requires three years of college.


T F 3. Technicians pilot planes.
T F 4. Foreign-trained technologists and technicians must show their educational
documents to OACETT to see if they are equivalent to Canadian certification.
T F 5. The work of technicians is more complex than that of technologists.
T F 6. OACETT members must have two years’ Canadian experience.
T F 7. OACETT regulates engineering technologists and technicians across Canada.

Activity 10: Research


Using the OACETT Web site listed on the following For more information on… page:

1. Compare your qualifications to those required.

2. Make a chart showing the requirements you already meet and those you must complete.

3. Estimate how much it would cost you to become licensed.

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

Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and


Technologists Act (see above Web site)
Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT)
Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB)
285 McLeod Street
Ottawa, ON
Canada, K2P 1A1
www.cctt.ca

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

In this unit you will learn about


job descriptions and common titles
trends
future opportunities
describing past jobs

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.

1. ___ conduct a) removal of liquid


2. ___ municipal b) belonging to a city
3. ___ drainage c) facts used to draw conclusions
4. ___ data d) perform

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.

subdivisions environmental conduct drawings

Activity 3: Employers
Match each word on the left with the examples on the right.

1. ___ construction a) The Ontario Recycling Council


2. ___ municipal planning b) City of London water department
3. ___ transportation c) Ellis-don
4. ___ environmental d) City of Ottawa planning department
5. ___ water resources e) Go Transit

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 6: Fill in the blanks


Fill in the blanks with the correct word from the reading about mechanical engineering
technologists.
Mechanical EngineeringTechnologists 1.______________ tests on equipment, tools and
machinery. They prepare 2. _______________by figuring out the job to be done and how
much it will cost, and they help design 3.____________into which they pour plastic or steel.

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

Electrical and electronic engineering


Electrical and electronic engineering technologists measure, analyse, design, and supervise
field installations and quality control in research laboratories or industrial plants in the power
generation and distribution industries. They also work in industrial control and building
systems where they set up and operate test equipment to diagnose and analyse the
performance of electrical systems.
These technologists install, calibrate, operate and maintain electrical equipment and systems.
They also collect and compile data. In addition, they design, develop and test electrical
equipment, carry out applied research experiments and prepare detailed technical reports.
Electrical and electronics engineering technicians design, develop and test power equipment
and systems, industrial process control systems, telecommunication, broadcast, recording and
audio-visual systems, microelectronic systems and circuits, computers, computer systems and
networks, and computer software.
They set up and operate specialized and standard test equipment to diagnose, test and analyse
the performance of electrical and electronic components, assemblies and systems. They
usually work fixed hours in a laboratory, but those technicians who service communications
equipment may be “on call” day or night, or work shifts.
Common job titles include: power technicians, instrumentation and control technologists,
avionics technicians and product support technologists.

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

Activity 9: Vocabulary matching


Match each word to its definition by writing the corresponding letter in the blank space.

1. ___ shifts a) find a problem


2. ___ diagnose b) collect
3. ___ calibrate c) factory
4. ___ compile d) 8-hour work periods
5. ___ plant e) measure against a standard

Activity 10: Interview


Ask your partner if he or she has ever done any of the duties in the job description for the
electrical engineering technician or technologist. Report your findings to the class.

Activity 11: Comprehension


Now re-group with participants in different occupations. Working together, match the job
duty to the job title it goes with. There may be more than one answer for each.

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

Activity 12: Research


Look up the National Occupational Classification list at www.on.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca and list
below all of the job titles that you qualify for:

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

Activity 13: Pronunciation


Listen to the instructor and mark the stressed syllables in these words, then practise saying
each one.
automation trend CAD robotics

Activity 14: Fill in the blanks


Fill in the blanks with the word from the above reading that fits the meaning.
A recent survey of engineering technicians and technologists found an important pattern or
1._____________. The trends indicate that there will be more opportunities for technicians
and technologists, manual jobs will be turned into computerized jobs or 2.____________
,and machines, known as 3.______________________ will do the work of humans.

For example, in the past, designers drew manually or by hand, but now they use 4._______
which stands for 5. __________ __________ ___________.

Activity 15: Discussion


1. Were you affected by the trends stated in the above reading in the last country you
worked in?
2. How did your work change as a result of these trends?

Steps to Employment 23
Engineering Workbook

Future job opportunities


Although the job prospects are promising for both engineering technologists and technicians,
those who work in the design and manufacturing of auto parts will probably do even better in
the next decade.
Overall employment of engineering technicians is expected to increase about as fast as the
average for all occupations through 2008. Competitive pressures will force, companies to
improve and update manufacturing facilities and product designs more quickly than in the
past.
Jobs will be created to replace technicians who retire or leave the labour force and work that
used to be done manually by technicians is quickly being replaced by advanced technologies,
such as CAD.

Activity 16: Pronunciation


Listen to the instructor say the following words and mark the stressed syllables in these
words, then practise saying each one. What do you notice about the sound of the letter “t” in
these words?
manufacturing update advanced technologies
prospects facilities product designs
productivity CAD competitive pressures

Activity 17: Vocabulary matching


Match each word to its definition by writing the corresponding letter in the blank space.

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

Activity 18: Comprehension


1. Where are future job opportunities for technologists and technicians?
2. Why will this happen?

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

In this unit you will learn about


a success story
employers in this sector
working conditions and wages
you will also practise
searching for employers, working conditions and wages

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.

Activity 5: Fill in the chart


For your occupation, please fill in the necessary information for of work in Ontario:
Job titles Duties Working conditions Employers

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

B Manpower Technical – leaders in filling Canada’s


human resources needs
Instrumentation Technologist with Previous system design using
3+ years in an automotive test AutoCAD is also required. Travel
lab environment, to perform tests required.
on electronic shock absorbers. Please forward your resume,
Mechanical background and stating the job title to
hydraulics experience preferred mary.black@manpower.com or fax
Mechanical Design Engineer or (416) 123-4567. To find out more
Technologist to design, lay out, about permanent, contract and
code and stamp process equipment, project opportunities, please
including pumps, pressure visit our Web site:
vessels, structural steel frames www.manpower.com
and foundations. We thank all applicants for their
Electrical Engineer or interest, but we will contact
Technologist with switchgear and only those we wish to interview.
power supply experience to
commission and troubleshoot the
controls and power supplies of
airport runway lighting.

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.

1.___ PLCs a) Injection moulding


2.___ INJ-MOLD b) Programmable Logic Controls
3.___ I & C c) Industrial and commercial
d) Process Linked Computers
e) Instrumentation and control
f) Injuries and Medical Operations Local Department

Steps to Employment 33
Engineering Workbook

Activity 10: Comprehension


1. Which ads have been placed by the company hiring?

2. Which ads have been placed by a recruiter?

3. What does a recruiter do?

Activity 11: Research


List all of the jobs you have the skills and qualifications for:

Job Title Skills Needed

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

employer Web site directories


The Chemical Institute of Canada www.chem-inst-can.org
Aerospace Industries Association www.aiac.ca
The Canadian Advanced Technology Association cata.ca
Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute www.casi.ca
Canadian Nuclear Association cna.ca
Plastics-related Web Sites www.4spe.org/LINKS
Canadian Microelectronics Corporation www.cmc.ca
Geomatics Industry Association of Canada giac.ca
Ontario Water Works Association www.oww.org
The Society of the Plastics Industry of Canada plastics.ca
Canadian Environmental Solutions, Industry Canada strategis.ic.gc.ca/CES

labour market trends


read The Ontario Technologist, published by OACETT and visit this
association at www.oacett.org/career/outlook.asp
also visit:
www.on.hrdc.gc.ca
www.ibew.com
www.ontario-canada.com
www.careermosaic.com
www.contactpoint.ca
www.cthrb.ca

Steps to Employment 35
4 WORKPLACE LAW IN ONTARIO

In this unit you will learn about


the laws that protect workers in Ontario
employment standards
human rights
health and safety
workers’ compensation

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

Laws that protect workers in Ontario


The Ontario Ministry of Labour is responsible for labour laws in Ontario. These laws
describe the rights and responsibilities of employers and workers in this province.
Ontario's Employment Standards Act does not apply to industries regulated by the
government of Canada, such as the railways, airlines, post offices, and shipping companies
that cross provincial and state borders. These employees are covered under the Canada
Labour Code.
As a new worker, you need to learn about these laws so that you know your rights and
responsibilities in the workplace.

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

Activity 3: Vocabulary matching


Test your understanding of employment standards terminology by matching the terms on
the left with their definitions on the right.

1. ___ minimum wage a) payments that employers deduct from an


2. ___ hours of work employee’s paycheque

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.

Question In Ontario In _________

1. What is the minimum wage?

2. How many weeks’ vacation do most workers get


each year?

3. How many public holidays are there?

4. What are the normal working hours each week?

5. What are the normal working hours each day?

6. Are employers required to pay overtime?

7. What are some deductions from paycheques?

8. Is there maternity and parental leave? How long


is it?

Activity 5: Reading and completing a pay stub


Here is a pay stub for two weeks. Fill in the pay stub with this information:
This person worked for 75 hours.
The regularly scheduled hours were 72.5.
The total pay before deductions was $915.
Canada Pension Plan contributions were $27.45.
Employment Insurance (EI) deductions were $18.30.
Union dues were $12.
Income Tax deducted was $228.75.
O Detach Cheque Here O

EARNINGS DEDUCTIONS
Time Overtime Gross Income EI CPP Union NET PAY
pay Tax dues

What was the net pay?

40 Steps to Employment
Workplace Law in Ontario

Human rights in the workplace

Ontario Human Rights Code


The Ontario Human Rights Code is the law that says all citizens in Ontario must receive
equal and just treatment. The Code protects workers in Ontario from discrimination and
harassment by their employers or co-workers. It also reminds all workers to treat each other
with respect.
The Ontario Human Rights Code forbids discrimination against a person because of race,
colour, religion or sex. Employers and workers must act according to the principles described
in this law. For example, it is illegal to make sexual advances and to make jokes about people
of different races.

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.

Ontario Human Rights Commission


The Ontario Human Rights Commission is the office that enforces the Ontario Human Rights
Code. Anyone who has been discriminated against or harassed in the workplace should try to
solve the problem with his or her colleagues and employer, but if this fails, the commission
can help.

Steps to Employment 41
Engineering Workbook

Activity 6: Vocabulary matching


Match the terms on the left with their definitions on the right.

1. ___ ancestry a) being in a parent and child relationship


2. ___ creed b) derogatory comments and unwelcome advances
3. ___ family status c) physical or mental disability
4. ___ handicap d) the person to whom you are married or with whom you
5. ___ harassment live as a couple

6. ___ marital status e) single, married, divorced, common law

7. ___ place of origin f) relatives from many generations back

8. ___ sexual orientation g) where you were born

9. ___ spouse h) heterosexual (straight), homosexual (gay)

10. ___ discrimination i) being treated differently from others


j) your beliefs, especially religious

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

Health and safety

Occupational Health and Safety Act


The Occupational Health and Safety Act helps to protect the health and safety of workers in
the workplace. This Act is based on the idea that employers and employees must work
together to create a safe and healthy workplace.
Employers must do everything possible to protect workers’ health and safety, and workers
must work with employers to identify and solve safety problems in the workplace. The Act
gives workers four basic rights:
• the right to participate in keeping their workplace safe and healthy
• the right to know about health and safety hazards through the Workplace Hazardous
Materials Information System (WHMIS)
• the right to refuse work that they think is unsafe
• the right to stop work.
Occupational health and safety applies to all workplaces, however some workplaces will
have more health and safety hazards than others. Inform yourself by contacting the Health
and Safety Association for your occupation or sector.

Activity 10: Pronunciation


Listen to the instructor. Mark the syllable stress in these words, then practise saying each
one.
hazard protect safe W HMIS
hazardous protection unsafe occupational

Activity 11: Whose responsibility is it?


Circle E for employer or W for worker, according to whose responsibility it is. Remember that
some responsibilities are shared.

E W 1. give information, training and supervision


E W 2. not work or operate equipment in a way that could be dangerous
E W 3. make sure safe work procedures are followed and equipment is used properly
E W 4. report any broken equipment or safety devices
E W 5. keep safety equipment in good condition
E W 6. use the safety equipment available in the workplace
E W 7. report any health or safety violations

44 Steps to Employment
Workplace Law in Ontario

Workers’ compensation

Workers’ Compensation Act


The Workplace Safety and Insurance Act says that workers who are injured at work or get
sick from their work can receive compensation and assistance in getting back to work.
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is the office responsible for
administering workers’ compensation. The WSIB also enforces the provincial occupational
health and safety system.

No injury is too small to report!


All employees must be registered with the WSIB. Employers must register any new
employees with the WSIB within ten days of hiring, or they can be fined. Employers must
also report any injuries that occur at the workplace to the WSIB within three days of the
injury.
Workers must report any injury to their employer immediately. If a worker misses work
because of an injury or illness, the employer must report it to the WSIB within three days of
the accident. Workers must also make a claim with the WSIB within six months of their
injury.
Although both the employer and the employee report any injury related to the job, employees
must apply for workers’ compensation and the WSIB decides if the law covers a worker or
not.

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

Activity 12: Discussion


1. What law is this company breaking?
2. What were the responsibilities of the employer in this case?
3. What could the workers have done to prevent this?
4. What will happen next?
5. What do you think the judge will decide?

Activity 13: Vocabulary review


Fill in the blanks using words from this unit.

1. The _________________ _________________ __________________ is the law that


talks about minimum wage, hours of work, etc.

2. If an employer discriminates against me, I can complain to the ______________


_________________ _______________ _________________.

3. Money I pay each month to a union is called ______________ ______________.

4. An example of ___________________________ is when an employer doesn’t hire


someone because of their skin colour.

5. An example of __________________________ is when someone threatens or insults


me at work.

6. If I get injured at work I can get _________________ ______________________.

7. _________________ ___________________ is my pay before all the deductions.

8. The ___________________ _________________ ________ ________________ _____


says that I have the right to know if I am working with hazardous materials.

46 Steps to Employment
Workplace Law in Ontario

Activity 14: Quiz


How much do you already know about workplace law in Ontario? Work individually or in
groups to select the right answers to the following questions about Ontario’s employment
standards.
1. What is the minimum wage in Ontario?
a) $5.60 b) $7.52 c) $6.85
2. How many weeks of vacation do most workers in Ontario have every year?
a) four b) three c) two
3. How many public holidays are there in Ontario?
a) eight b) twelve c) nine
4. What are the normal working hours for a worker in Ontario each day?
a) nine b) eight c) seven
5. What is considered overtime?
a) always after an employee has worked 44 hours in a workweek
b) usually after an employee has worked 60 hours in a workweek
c) usually after an employee has worked 44 hours in a workweek
6. What deductions can employers make from an employee’s paycheque?
a) Income tax, CPP, EI
b) Income tax, CPP, EI, uniforms, food
c) none
7. Can employers legally fire you if you complain about a safety problem at work?
a) no b) yes
8. Liquor servers make…
a) more than the minimum wage
b) the minimum wage
c) less than the minimum wage

Activity 15: Research


If you need more details on Ontario’s employment standards, use brochures or the Internet
to find information about employment standards in Ontario. Use the For more information
on… page as a guide.

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

health and safety regulations


contact the Ministry of Labour at 416-326-7000 or toll-free at
1-800-531-5551
contact the Industrial Accident Prevention Association at www.iapa.on.ca.
They have information in 12 different languages.

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

In this unit you will learn about


Assessing your credentials
regulatory bodies and professional associations
what’s so special about Canadian experience
training and upgrading
You will also
discuss skills proficiencies
read a course description

Assessing foreign credentials


In Ontario, technicians must complete a two-year program and technologists must complete a
three-year program at a college in a related program. Foreign-trained technicians and
technologists must have the equivalent educational background. If you need to prove your
educational background to an employer, you must have your transcripts assessed by a
credentials assessment service. In Ontario, it is called World Education Services, (WES). If
your documents are not in English, you must first have them translated. Then send a copy to
WES and a letter from the translator stating that he or she has seen the original documents.
To become a member of OACETT, you must follow the same process. You must also prove
that you have two years’ related work experience, one year of which must be completed in
Canada. You must submit a resume, job description and professional references and complete
a Professional Practice Examination. Although it is not mandatory, some job postings for
technologists and technicians require a CET or CTech designation.

How does OACETT evaluate your experience?


Almost every individual brings a different mix of experience – different jobs, different
countries, different work experience. An OACETT examiner from your discipline assesses
your work experience to determine if it is acceptable. The examiner uses a standard profile
of a technician or technologist. They evaluate the resume, you responses to the reference
questionnaire, and your knowledge of your field.
Adapted from InfoOACETT special campus edition 2000

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.

1.___ discipline a) description


2.___ mandatory b) evaluated
3.___ assessed c) diplomas and marks
4.___ credentials d) sector or area of knowledge
5.___ profile e) necessary; required

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?

What is so special about Canadian experience?


Most Canadian employers probably don’t even know what Canadian experience means, but
some may have concerns about hiring foreign-trained people. If they have never hired a
foreign-trained person before, they may worry that that person won’t have the skills
necessary for their workplace.
Employers may also be concerned that your English skills aren’t good enough. Maybe they
had a negative experience in the past, in which a newcomer didn’t understand instructions, or
didn’t perform their job well enough, then had to be let go. Maybe the newcomer was
offended when the employer tried to correct their English. You can tell employers that
although your English isn’t perfect, you feel it’s good enough to get the job. Tell the
employer how much your English has improved and how you plan to improve it even more
by taking evening conversation classes and trying as much as possible to talk with native
English speakers. Also, tell employers that you will ask questions if you don’t understand
something, and that you don’t mind it when others correct you.
Also research the differences and similarities between working in your last country and
working here. Are the same tools, machines, equipment and software used? If not, update

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?

Activity 5: Making a phone call


Look in the phone book for your local volunteer centre. Any job they provide you with will
give you a reference and allow you to practise your English – two important ways of gaining
Canadian experience.

Activity 6: Fill in the chart


Fill in the chart with information on the qualifications required for employment as an
engineering technician or technologist back home and in Ontario. Discuss the differences.

In Ontario… Back home…

Entry-level qualifications

Education and training

Knowledge of the industry

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork skills

Customer service

Computer programs

Technical skills

Steps to Employment 51
Engineering Workbook

Training and upgrading


In Canada, it is not unusual for people to change careers several times during their life, each
time going back to school full- or part-time. They may take courses at night or on weekends
while working full-time to upgrade their skills and knowledge in their field, especially if it
involves computers.
Look at job ads to determine what is involved working in a similar job to the ones you had
before coming to Ontario. Identify any skills you do not have. Then find out where you can
take courses that will allow you to gain the skills and knowledge you need.
For example, if you do not know Ontario building codes, go to a library and look up the
codes. Find out the differences between these codes and those you used where you last
worked. Attend college courses if necessary to upgrade your knowledge of computers. For
example, if you have done only manual drafting, take a course in 3-D AutoCAD.
If you still need help with your English, register for an English course. Join organizations or
ask your local volunteer centre for jobs that will help you practise your English with native
English speakers. Non-profit organizations are always looking for volunteers. Try to get
volunteer work with them to practise the new computer skills you learn in your courses.

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.

Quality Assurance ISO 9000 Building Codes and Regulations

Cost Estimating and Control Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Stress Analysis Modelling

Allan Bradley PLCs

Activity 10: Reading a course description


Mechanical and Electrical Systems – Commercial and Institutional Buildings
An intermediate course to materials and methods of Canadian construction. The focus of this
course will be on commercial and institutional building construction. Part 3 of the Ontario/National
Building Codes will be examined in relation to permissible materials and methods.
Prerequisites: AutoCAD and Materials and Methods – Residential and Small Buildings, or
equivalent education/experience
Schedule:14 sessions, Wed. 6:30-9:30, Jan. – Apr.
Cost: $439
Adapted from Ryerson Polytechnical University 2000-2001 Calendar

Answer the following questions based on the reading.


1. Is there a pre-requisite for this course?
2. When will it be held?
3. Will codes for small building construction be included?
4. How much does it cost?

Activity 11: Research


Look at course calendars and/or Web sites of colleges near you under engineering
technology to find these and any other courses you need to take. Make a list of them.

Steps to Employment 53
Engineering Workbook

colleges, universities and private institutions


for a list of colleges and universities in Ontario visit www.edu.gov.on.ca
For more information on…
for a list of private institutions visit www.schoolfinder.com
visit CTHR.ca/english/career_info/English/main/resources.htm for Ontario
colleges

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

Equipment and Procedures


Work Tasks

Communication in the Workplace


Communication in the Community

Personal Plan

Steps to Employment 55
6 EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES

In this unit you will learn


terminology to describe equipment and procedures
to make experience statement
and you will practise
using terminology to describe equipment and procedures
saying your experience statement

Equipment

Activity 1: Matching
Write the letter from the picture in front of the correct word.

___ oscilloscope ___ hand-held infrared thermometer ___ multimeter


___ probe ___ frequency counter ___ winch

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.

AutoCAD CATIA Adobe Illustrator

Pagemaker Adobe Photoshop CorelDraw

Eudora FileMakerPro Microsoft Project

CAD/CAM Netscape MS Access

MS Excel LINUX MS Windows

MS Word QuattroPro WordPerfect

LAN UNIX Visual Basic

TCP/IP Java 3-D CAD

C++ COBOL Oracle

58 Steps to Employment
Equipment And Procedures

Activity 4: Fill in the chart


Put the applications listed in Activity 3 into the correct categories.

Word Graphics Platforms Programming Networks Drafting


Processor Languages Software

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.

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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

Activity 8: Describe your experience


Write sentences to describe the work you have done using the vocabulary you matched in
the table above.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Activity 9: Speaking
Now take turns practising your sentences with a partner.

What employers are looking for…


Employers are looking for proof that you have excellent teamwork skills, technical skills, a
college or university degree, and computer skills. In your resume and interview make sure to
describe any work experience and courses that you have taken that have helped you to get the
skills they want.
When you apply for a job in Canada, employers want to know about your work experience.
You have to talk about:
• where you worked
• how long you worked there
• your position (job title, occupation)
• your duties and responsibilities.
Here are two examples:

“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.”

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Engineering Workbook

Activity 10: Writing an experience statement


Based on the information in the reading, write your own experience statement (100-150
words), saying where you worked and what you did.

Activity 11: Describe your experience


Now practise with your partner taking turns saying your experience statement. Then take
turns with everyone in your sector. They will give you ideas to improve it.

62 Steps to Employment
Equipment And Procedures

tools and equipment


For more information on… see The Ontario Technologist, OACETT, March/April 2000
see copy of Circuit-Test 2000 catalogue
see Efston Science Jensen, 2000-2001, Catalogue No. 2
visit www.tools.ca

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

In this unit you will learn about


daily operations and work tasks
terminology to describe duties and responsibilities
health and safety
You will also practise
describing your job and daily routine

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?

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4. How often does she have to go out of town?


5. How does she solve problems that her crew has when they are working out of town?

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

Activity 4: Classify the work tasks


This is a list of work tasks described in The Canadian Technology Human Resources
Board’s resource guide, Look Ahead, Get Ahead. Assign codes to the list of tasks according
to the skills needed to perform them. There may be more than one skill involved for each.

N – Numerical skills A – Analytical skills S – Supervisory ability

C – Communication skills W – Writing skills T – Team playing ability

PS – Problem solving skills M – Mechanical CS – Computer skills

F – Ability to understand/read data or instruments

____ 1. Test an instrument.


____ 2. Think of solutions to problems.

____ 3. Do calculations.

____ 4. Use a spreadsheet program to plan and monitor projects.

____ 5. Figure out scheduling. Decide how many people will be needed for each job.

____ 6. Write job descriptions.

____ 7. Fill out and submit paperwork for workers’ compensation.

____ 8. Set machine or equipment controls.

____ 9. Do environmental assessments.

____ 10. Do subsurface soil investigations.

____ 11. Graph data using drafting software.

____ 12. Take notes of measurements.

____ 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.

____ 15. Check voice mail.

____ 16. Meet with sales reps or discuss project with co-workers.

____ 17. Develop conclusions for tests.

____ 18. Think of solutions to problems.

____ 19. Keep detailed notes of work-related activities.

____ 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

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Engineering Workbook

Duties and responsibilities

Activity 5: Vocabulary practice


Below is a list of common responsibilities and duties that technicians and technologists
have. Match the vocabulary in the left column to the related work on the right.

Civil engineering technicians and technologists

1. ___ prepare a) construction materials


2. ___ inspect b) field surveys
3. ___ test c) soil and water quality
4. ___ conduct d) field operations and quality control
5. ___ measure and analyze e) for engineering projects

Mechanical engineering technicians and technologists

1. ___ assist in preparing a) moulds, tools, dies and fixtures


2. ___ help design b) cost and material estimates
3. ___ conduct tests and analyses c) engineering designs, drawings and
4. ___ prepare specifications

5. ___ assist in inspecting d) of machines, components and materials


e) mechanical installations and construction
projects

Electrical and electronic engineering technicians and technologists

1. ___ design, develop and test a) data


2. ___ set up and operate b) specialized and standard test
3. ___ measure, analyze, design and supervise equipment

4. ___ install, calibrate, operate and maintain c) process control systems

5. ___ collect and compile d) electrical equipment and systems


e) field installations and quality
control

68 Steps to Employment
Terminology For Work Tasks

Activity 6: Describe your abilities


Put a check mark beside all the tasks you can perform. Then, add five tasks of your own.

___ 1. I can solve problems/troubleshoot.

___ 2. I can conduct experiments in a lab.

___ 3. I can analyze data and prepare reports.

___ 4. I can install specialized equipment.

___ 5. I can prepare detailed drawings, plans and charts using a computer.

___ 6. I can record detailed information about a piece of land.

___ 7. I can operate and maintain equipment or machinery.

___ 8. I can plan and design a factory.

___ 9. I can keep systematic records of measurements and other data.

___ 10.I can supervise people.

___ 11.I can _______________________________________________________________

___ 12.I can _______________________________________________________________

___ 13.I can _______________________________________________________________

___ 14.I can _______________________________________________________________

___ 15.I can _______________________________________________________________

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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.

Q: What were your main responsibilities?


A: I was responsible for gathering, preparing and analyzing air, water, and soil samples. I
also had to meet with regulatory bodies and to respond to complaints from individuals
or the community.
Q: What was the most difficult part of your job?
A: Getting complaints from the public. I had to get an unlisted home number so that
people would not disturb my family at home.

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

Activity 10: Acronyms


Use the Internet to find the meaning of these acronyms used by various technicians and
technologists.

J.I.T.

T.Q.M.

P.L.C.

ISO 9002

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Engineering Workbook

Terminology for health and safety

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.

Activity 11: Matching


Match the picture to the symbols that correspond.

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. __

Activity 12: Pronunciation


Listen to the instructor. Mark the syllable stress in these words, then practise saying each
one.

flammable toxic compressed combustible


oxidizing poisonous infectious biohazardous

72 Steps to Employment
Terminology For Work Tasks

Activity 13: Reading


The eight symbols are identified according to six classes, ranging from Class A (the least
dangerous substance or situation) to Class F (the most dangerous substance or situation)
With your partner, decide which symbols represent which class. Use the pictures from
activity 11 and write the corresponding numbers in the boxes.

1. Class A: Chemicals such as oxygen or acetylene used under pressure in a


container.
2. Class B: Chemicals that are easily ignited.

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

Activity 14: Safety


Find someone who works in the same sector as you do and write a safety guide using the
following language. You may want to use the materials from activity 11.
For example:
You should wear reinforced boots when working with a spade.
You shouldn’t handle biohazardous materials.

1. _______________________________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________________________

3. _______________________________________________________________________

4. _______________________________________________________________________

5. _______________________________________________________________________

6. _______________________________________________________________________

7. _______________________________________________________________________

8. _______________________________________________________________________

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Engineering Workbook

technical work tasks


visit your local library and search for occupational profiles for technicians
and technologists. You can look for the National Occupational
For more information on…
Classification (NOC) published by HRDC.
look for the Career Monographs published by University of Toronto Press
at your local library or HRDC Employment Resource Centre
read Ontario Job Futures: www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/jobfutures
look at the occupational profiles listed in Look Ahead, Get Ahead on the
CTHRB Web site: www.cthrb.ca

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

advice on health and safety


visit the Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers Inc. at
www.www.ohcow.ca

74 Steps to Employment
8 COMMUNICATION IN THE WORKPLACE

In this unit you will learn about


communicating with co-workers and supervisors
language for memo writing
You will also practise
dialogues
reading and writing memos

Communicating on the job


Communication is very important in the Canadian workplace because so much of the work
you do is in teams. Knowing how to make a request and give information politely will help
you fit in and progress in your organization.
In Canada, it is more polite to make an indirect request. This means that we add words at the
beginning to prepare the listener for the request. So instead of making a direct request “give
me the calculator”, we say, “are you using your calculator?” If the person answers “no”, we
ask, “can I please borrow it?”

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.

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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

Making suggestions and apologizing


Talvinder and Boris are technicians in a steel manufacturing company. They perform stress
analysis and test moulds to produce tools and dies. A faulty tool has been shipped to the
client. It happened during Boris’s shift. Only Talvinder was criticized by their supervisor for
letting the problem go unnoticed. Talvinder is angry because she feels it isn’t her fault. She
interrupts Boris on his lunch break.
Talvinder: Boris, you made a big mistake. The boss just criticized me for a tool and die
that went to our best client. It was inspected during your shift.
Boris: How dare you interrupt my lunch. How are you so sure that it was on my shift?
Talvinder: Because the client returned the whole order to the boss and the number on
the box matched the order that you inspected during the night shift last
Saturday.
Boris: I don’t appreciate having my lunch interrupted or being accused of something
I didn’t even do. You just couldn’t wait to blame me. Well, if you had checked
the schedule, you would have seen that I switched shifts with Liu last
Saturday so I could go to my sister’s wedding. Be more careful before you
blame someone.

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

Activity 5: Fill in the blanks


Finish the sentences with four of the above words:
1. When I work the night ____________ (noun), I sleep during the day.

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.

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Engineering Workbook

Activity 6: True or false


Circle T beside the staments that are true, and circle F for the statements that are false.
T F 1. Boris is blaming Talvinder for the error.
T F 2. Boris is angry at Talvinder for interrupting his lunch.
T F 3. Talvinder is Boris’s boss.
T F 4. Talvinder is criticizing Boris.

Activity 7: Comprehension
What is wrong with the way that Talvinder is handling the problem?

Activity 8: Write a dialogue


With a partner, write a new dialogue.

Activity 9: Role-play
Present your new dialogue with your partner in front of the class.

Activity 10: Comprehension


Read the following revised dialogue and discuss what has been changed, and if this is an
improvement.
Talvinder: Hi Boris, sorry to bother you. Can we talk after your lunch?
Boris: Sure, I’ll be finished in ten minutes.
Talvinder: Thanks, see you then.
Boris: What is it?
Talvinder: I’m afraid we have a problem. Our best client has complained about the dies
that were shipped this week. I’ve checked the order number and it matches
the order that was inspected last Saturday night.
Boris: I usually work that shift, but that night I asked Liu because I had to go to my
sister’s wedding. Anyway, it doesn’t matter who did it, we’ve got to solve this
problem.
Talvinder: Any ideas?
Boris: Let me talk with Liu and see if he can solve this problem.
Talvinder: Thanks. The sooner we solve this, the happier the boss will be.

78 Steps to Employment
Communication In The Workplace

Workplace language functions

Activity 11: Pronunciation


Listen to your instructor say these words and mark the syllable stress, then practise each
word.
repeating checking confirming encouraging
polite disagreeing agreeing following questioning

Activity 12: Matching


With a partner, figure out the correct language function for each example and then write it on
the lines. Compare your answers with your partner’s.
repeating checking confirming encouraging
polite disagreeing agreeing following questioning

_____________________ 1. Could you speak a little more slowly please?


_____________________ 2. I don’t quite understand. Do you mean…?
_____________________ 3. I don’t think so.
_____________________ 4. I see.
_____________________ 5. I think there could be a misunderstanding.
_____________________ 6. I understand.
_____________________ 7. I’m sorry, but…
_____________________ 8. I’m sorry. I didn’t quite catch that. Could you repeat it?
_____________________ 9. Oh?
_____________________ 10. Okay.
_____________________ 11. Really?
_____________________ 12. That’s…
_____________________ 13. Was that C like Charles or G like George?
_____________________ 14. Yes.
_____________________ 15. You’re not serious.

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Engineering Workbook

When the boss is away…


You have been working in the Quality Assurance department at a major automotive
manufacturer for only one week. Your name is Terry Weaver.
At the end of your first week, you received an email memo from your boss – Quality
Assurance manager, Louis Gordon. He had to go for one week to another city and of course
he will go to many meetings, so it will probably be very difficult to get in touch with him.

From: Louis Gordon To: Terry Weaver


Subject: cars with affected units out of production line

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

Activity 13: True or false


The following statements are about writing memos. Circle F for False or T for True. Check
your answers with your partner, when you are finished.
T F 1. You must sign a memo.
T F 2. Memos are only used within companies or organizations.
T F 3. You must include the subject on a memo.
T F 4. Memos can be posted on a wall or sent electronically by email.
T F 5. Memos can be sent to other companies or organizations.
T F 6. Memos should only contain one subject.

80 Steps to Employment
Communication In The Workplace

Activity 14: Comprehension


In your small group of participants with different occupations, agree on, then list the most
important points of this memo:

1.

2.

3.

Activity 15: Memo writing


In your small group, plan your response to Louis Gordon and write it using proper memo
style on a poster-sized piece of paper. Pin it to a bulletin board when you are finished. Visit
other groups’ posters to see how they replied.

From: Louis Gordon To: Terry Weaver


Subject: follow-up to cars outside production

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

Activity 16: Comprehension


In your new small group agree on, then list, the main points of the second memo.

1.

2.

3.

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Engineering Workbook

Activity 17: Memo writing


Re-group and write a response to the second memo as you did with the first, using memo
format.

From: To:
Subject:

82 Steps to Employment
Communication In The Workplace

communicating in the workplace


Consult the following books:
For more information on… Idioms, Vera McLay, Language Training Canada
Communicating in the Real World, Terence G. Wiley and Heide S.
Wrigley, Prentice-Hall Regents, 1987
Discovering Life Skills, YWCA, 1985

these and many other books can be found at your local library

Steps to Employment 83
9 COMMUNICATION IN THE COMMUNITY

In this unit you will learn about


the hidden job market
networking
small talk
using the telephone to get and give information
you will also practise
how to build a network
using small talk to expand your network
using the telephone to get and give information

The hidden job market


Only about 15% of the jobs for engineering technicians and technologists are advertised in
newspapers and on the Internet.
The other 85% of jobs can only be found through networking (making as many contacts as
you can) and through employment agencies. This may be a familiar way of getting a job back
home where you knew many people. It is also possible when you move to a new community
too.
Don’t forget to tell everyone in your family so that they can tell others what kind of work you
are looking for. It helps to make business cards with your name and phone number on the
front and your qualifications on the back.
Give your card to people you see regularly in your community, church, synagogue, mosque
or temple. Give one to your barber or hairdresser and your doctor or dentist. Give your card
to other parents you regularly see when you take your children to the park or playground.
These people are now in your network. It is a very common way of finding work in Canada.
Another way that employers find qualified workers is through employment agencies or
recruiters. These agencies provide employers with workers specializing a particular
occupation or field. For example, there are agencies that specialize in finding work for hi-
tech occupations, engineers and technicians and technologists.
You can apply to these agencies and they will send your resume to employers. In return for
finding you work, the agencies get 10% to 15% of your salary when you are hired by an
employer. There are several agencies that will help you find work for free. You should never
have to pay an agency to help you because they will get paid from the employer when you
are hired.

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Engineering Workbook

Activity 1: True or false


Circle T for statements that you think are true and F for those you believe are false.
T F 1. 70% of the jobs available at any time are advertised on the Internet.
T F 2. Networking isn’t a common way for Canadians to find work.
T F 3. Barbers, hairdressers and other parents can help you find work in your field.
T F 4. All agencies charge money for you to register with them.
T F 5. You can also mention to others at your place of worship that you’re looking for
work.
T F 6. Jobs found through agencies pay a bit more than those you find on your own.
T F 7. Give everyone in your network your business card so that they know your phone
number and qualifications.
T F 8. It is shameful to ask others to help you find work.
T F 9. About30 % of the jobs available at any time are found through networking.

Activity 2: Work environments


Put a check beside the following sectors you would be able to work in.
__ Manufacturing
__ Government
__ Consulting engineers
__ Construction
__ Government
__ Medical, educational and correctional institutions
__ Public utilities including gas and water

Activity 3: Searching for employers


Where would you find lists of employers in the above sectors?
Use the Internet, a directory or the Yellow Pages to make a list of ten employers in any
sector who might hire you.

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?

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Activity 5: Matching
Match the descriptions with the people in your network.

1. ___ acquaintances a) Members of your family have different skills and


2. ___ clients backgrounds. You can tap into their knowledge and
their networks.
3. ___ co-workers
b) Your friends have skills you may not be aware of
4. ___ clubs or associations and they have their own networks. Ask to be
5. ___ family introduced.
6. ___ friends c) Because you live close by, you have chances to
develop close relationships. You know you already
7. ___ neighbours have one thing in common—your choice of
8. ___ religious community residence.
9. ___ suppliers d) People who share the same faith at your temple,
10. ___ volunteer groups mosque, church or synagogue can advise and
support each other on common issues.
e) Because you do business with them anyway it is
easier to find out more about them and find out if
they might need your services.
f) You serve them and you have built up a relationship
of trust. Ask them to serve you in various ways, as
suppliers, supporters and referrals.
g) Find out about the skills and knowledge of the
people you work with. You may be able to help each
other.
h) If you are involved with any community or
professional associations or activities, you have a
ready-made network. Most people join these groups
to meet others. The door is already open.
i) One of the reasons people volunteer is to meet
others. Get to know your fellow volunteers better.
j) These are people whom you meet in work and
social settings. Don't waste the opportunity to begin
friendships and networks this way. Ask each person
you meet to tell you more about him or herself.

Activity 6: Building a network


In the first column, make a list of all of the people you see every day (e.g. all of the other
learners in your class, your family, people you see at the bus stop). Write their names or
describe them if you don’t know their names.
Do the same for in the second column of all of the people you see every week (e.g. your
extended family, those where you worship, the owner of your corner store, and classmates).
In the third column, list all of the people you see less than every week, (e.g. your doctor,

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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.

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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

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Communication In The Community

Activity 8: True or false


Read the following sentences and circle T for true statements and F for false statements.

T F 1. You can never find out if Canadians are married.

T F 2. Most Canadians are not religious.

T F 3. It is more polite to ask people indirect questions.

T F 4. Most Canadians do not like children.

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.

T F 6. It is important to have information about others in your network.

T F 7. Canadians do not like to talk to strangers.

Activity 9: Conversation
In groups of two, make the following DIRECT questions into more INDIRECT questions.

1. Do you have children?

2. Where do you live?

3. What is your profession?

4. What is your religion?


When you are finished, share your information with the other pairs in the class.

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Activity 10: Interviewing


This activity allows you to practise networking with the participants in your workshop. Find
participants who have the following things in common with you. You must change the
following phrases into questions. If your classmates answer Yes, write their name to the
right of the phrase. Get as many names as you can.

1. speaks the same language as you do


2. is from the same country as you are
3. is the same religion as you are
4. lives in the same neighbourhood as you do
5. gets off at the same subway stop or takes the same bus
6. has children the same age as yours
7 has children in the same school as yours
8. worked in the same engineering discipline as you did
9. knows the same computer languages you do
10. has worked in English

Activity 11: Maintaining your network


Now plan how to “grow” your network. Make a datebook or calendar of when you will
contact the people in your network. Find out when their birthdays are and send a card. Meet
someone for coffee after a religious service or volunteer to take a neighbour’s child to the
park. Keep in touch with your contacts regularly so they won’t forget that you are looking for
work.

Activity 12: Phoning for information


Call another participant in the class who does not speak your first language and ask for
directions by public transit to his/her neighbourhood or another place in the your city (e.g. a
library). Use the language functions from Unit 8 and write the message below. You will have
to call for directions if you have a job interview in the future. Check with your phone partner
after the call or the next day in class to see if you wrote the message down correctly.

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Leaving a voice mail message


When you leave a voice mail message, make certain you relay all the following information:
• your name
• the time you called
• why you called
• what you want the listener to do
• how and when you can best be reached
• your phone number
Take time to record your message so that it sounds natural, relaxed and friendly. Record
yourself then play back the recording to make sure your message is clear and to the point.
The message should be less than a minute. You do not want the caller to hang up.

Activity 13: Writing a phone message


Write a message using one of the following reasons explaining why you can’t be in class:
a) you are sick and must see a doctor
b) you just got a call from overseas last night and you have to fly home immediately to visit
a sick relative
c) you will be absent because your child is sick and you have to take care of her

Who you are:

When you phoned:

Your message:

How and when you can best be reached:

Your phone number:

Activity 14: Leaving a phone message


Now phone your facilitator and leave a message on his or her voice mail explaining why you
cannot come to class today.

Activity 15: Listening to phone messages


Listen to the messages you and your classmates recorded. Check that they have all of the
necessary points listed in Activity 13. Did they include all the information they were
supposed to? Was it clear? Was it too long/not long enough?

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volunteer work
look for volunteer work at a volunteer centre, community centre, sports and
other clubs

telephone message taking practice


For more information on…

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

In this unit you will


assess your skills and knowledge
discover community resources to help newcomers
you will also
make a personal plan for the next steps to take

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.

The steps for this self-assessment are to:

1. consider your personal characteristics


2. list your training, experience, and industry skills
3. make a list of the first steps.

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Activity 1: Your personal characteristics


These personal characteristics are seen as essential for successful engineering technicians
and technologists. Answer the questions with a yes or no. If you feel that you don’t have
these characteristics, think about strategies that you can use instead.

Questions Yes No Strategies…

Personal characteristics and work


ethics
Do you like to make your own decisions?
Do you enjoy competition?
Do you have self-discipline?
Do you plan ahead?
Do you get things done on time?
Can you take advice from others?
Do you adapt easily to changing conditions?

Communication and social skills


Can you communicate clearly and effectively
in English both orally and in writing?
Are you confident in your customer service
skills?
Do you enjoy working with the public?
Are you able to motivate employees?
Are you knowledgeable about labour laws?
Have you worked successfully with
supervisors and co-workers (and clients if
applicable) at your previous workplaces?

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Personal Plan

Activity 2: Your skills and training


These questions focus on your skills and training. First, go through all the questions and
answer yes or no. Then, go back and look at all the questions for which you answered no.
Try to think about what you can do to gain this knowledge or these skills. Are there courses
that you can take to help? Are there people who can help you? Are there ideas that you
need to reconsider?

Questions Yes No What can I do next?


Technology
Can you use AutoCAD?
Are you able to use the Internet to research?

Education and training


Are you familiar with the Ontario codes
(electrical and building) needed to work in your
field?
Do you have to be certified by OACETT to
practise your occupation?
Do you have Grade 12, the equivalent of a
two-year (Technician) or three-year
(technologist) diploma to work in your
occupation?

Training and upgrading


Do you think you need training and upgrading
before you can begin working in your field?
Do you know where you can get training in
your field?
If you were trained overseas, do you need to
upgrade your certification?
If so, have you collected information about
certification in Canada?
If not, do you know where to get this
information?
Do you know what skills you need to work on?
Do you need to find a special ESL class?
Are you prepared to spend time and money
upgrading your skills?

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Activity 3: A personal plan


Review your answers from the charts. Choose five steps that you feel you can accomplish
this year and list them here:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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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.

Type of training Training providers Cost

English as a
second language
(ESL)

ESL / computers

English
upgrading

Job search
programs

Co-op programs

Building and
electrical codes

Volunteering
opportunities

Other

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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

training and upgrading


for private colleges and vocational schools, look in the Yellow Pages under
computer training
for a list of Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology, visit the
Ministry of Education and Training Web site: www.edu.gov.on.ca
visit the HRDC Interactive Training Inventory Service for Ontario at
www.trainingiti.com
connect to the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training’s Training
Hotline at 1-800-387-5656

language training/ESL
check ESL and word processing courses listed in local board of education
calendars and bulletin boards at your local library

100 Steps to Employment


11 GLOSSARY

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

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Engineering Workbook

hand-held infrared thermometer


device for measuring temperature in a dark place

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

transient voltage suppressor


device that prevents sudden power bursts

troubleshoot
solve problems

102 Steps to Employment


Glossary

utility
company that distributes power or water

voltage surge suppressor


an instrument that prevents voltage levels from increasing suddenly

WHMIS
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

Steps to Employment 103

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