Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers)

Computer Engineers are required to complete a bachelor's degree in computer engineering or an appropriate related discipline, and must be registered by a professional association which registers computer engineers. Other training may include:

• Participation in an undergraduate co-op program
• Network certification
• Master's or doctoral degree in a related discipline

Once academic qualifications are met, a computer engineering graduate can apply for an Engineer-In-Training membership through the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (APEGBC) while acquiring the four years of experience that is required to register as a professional engineer. Continuing professional development is always encouraged and may be required for membership in APEGBC, which offers courses, self-directed studies, seminars and other educational opportunities for its members.

Academic requirements to become an information systems professional (I.S.P.) can be satisfied by graduating from an accredited computer science or information systems program or by passing the examination offered by the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals. In order to maintain I.S.P. certification, applicants must demonstrate that they are continuing to upgrade their IT knowledge through activity such as classes, conferences or technical reading, and that their work continues to be IT-related.

Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.

Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.

The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.

Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.

The growing use of information technologies will drive the need for more workers in this profession, and demand for workers in this occupation is expected to steadily increase in the longer term. Job openings will also come from the need to replace those who retire.

Industry sources report there is currently an insufficient supply of new graduates in this occupation.

The demand for new information and communications technologies continues locally, nationally, and globally. Companies in the Lower Mainland of B.C. are involved in engineering motherboards, sound cards, and other computer peripherals. Many of these companies are also expanding their trading and manufacturing relationships with computer companies in Asia.

Companies in B.C. have been facing increased competition in hardware engineering from Asia and Europe, which has resulted in closures of B.C. facilities. As such, B.C.'s computer engineers will likely find themselves working in positions that do not have a complete focus on hardware, but also work with processes, electrical engineering, and software implementation.

Employment trends in this occupational group depend on the industries that purchase hardware products. Fluctuation in industries such as telecommunications will affect the demand for these products, which may in turn affect the demand for the professionals who develop them.

Computer engineering is a constantly changing field. As such, individuals in this occupation group should pursue continuing education to update their skills throughout their careers. Individuals tend to practice computer engineering in the context of a particular field such as hydroelectric power, finance, or health. Therefore, they may wish to learn about their own particular fields in order to have a framework for making decisions on the job. New programming languages, technologies and industry needs will require them to constantly update their skills.

Sources also indicate that computer engineers often change jobs to work for employers who offer higher wages. This movement creates more job openings, allowing new qualified graduates to enter the job market.