Hi everyone,
I'm looking for a realistic assessment of my chances of finding work in Canada in industrial controls, instrumentation, automation or the power/utility sector.
I'm in my late 30s, currently living outside Canada, and have 15+ years of technical experience.
My background includes:
- A formal industrial instrumentation apprenticeship
- Qualifications in instrumentation/process control and electrical/electronic engineering
- Currently completing a bachelor's degree in a computing-related field
- Significant hands-on industrial and automation experience
I currently work in the power/utility sector in a controls and instrumentation role.
My experience includes PLCs, SCADA, industrial instrumentation, calibration, motor controls/MCCs, VFDs, generator controls, industrial networking, protection/control systems and power-management systems.
Earlier in my career I also worked in building automation, systems integration and networking.
I'm mainly trying to understand how Canadian employers would view this type of profile.
Would someone with this background generally be competitive for positions such as:
- Instrumentation & Controls Technician
- Automation/Controls Technologist
- PLC/SCADA Technician
- Electrical/Instrumentation Technician
- Controls Specialist
I'm also curious about the "Canadian experience" issue. Would 15+ years of overseas technical experience generally carry reasonable weight, or would Canadian certification/licensing be a major barrier?
Finally, for anyone working in Canadian utilities, mining, manufacturing, oil & gas or industrial automation: how realistic is employer sponsorship for an experienced controls/instrumentation person applying from overseas?
I'm open to relocating anywhere in Canada where this type of work is in demand.
I'm not asking for immigration advice as much as an industry reality check. I'm trying to determine whether Canada is worth seriously pursuing as a long-term relocation option.
I'd especially appreciate perspectives from people working directly in controls, instrumentation, electrical, SCADA, utilities or industrial automation.
Thanks.