A recent survey conducted by the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) has revealed some interesting insights into the preferences of tech professionals when it comes to settling in different provinces in Canada. According to the survey, Alberta seems to be the top choice for engineering technology professionals, with almost 93 percent of respondents expressing their satisfaction with living and working in the province.
Mila Wagner, a member of ASET, shared her experience of moving to Alberta from a different country. She mentioned that while it was initially scary to leave her home behind and start anew, the welcoming community in Alberta made the transition much easier. Wagner emphasized the warmth and friendliness of the people in the province, which contributed to her positive experience of settling in Alberta.
One of the main reasons cited by tech professionals for choosing Alberta as their preferred location is the abundance of work opportunities available in the province. The survey highlighted that professionals in the engineering technology field appreciate the diverse range of projects in Alberta, both big and small, that allow them to apply their knowledge and skills. This aspect of professional growth and development is a significant factor in their satisfaction with living and working in Alberta.
Interestingly, the survey also revealed that a majority of international professionals in the engineering technology sector tend to relocate to Alberta, even if they initially landed in a different province in Canada. Barry Cavanaugh, the CEO of ASET, attributed this trend to the equal opportunity approach adopted by Alberta in assessing credentials. He emphasized that regardless of the origin of the professionals, Alberta provides a level playing field for evaluating their qualifications, which is a key factor in attracting talent to the province.
Cavanaugh also highlighted the ample opportunities for engineering technology professionals in cities like Lethbridge, despite it being less industrial compared to other cities. He mentioned that there is significant activity in municipalities across southern Alberta, providing a variety of projects for professionals to work on. Additionally, Cavanaugh noted that international professionals can obtain certification to work in Alberta in a relatively short period, as little as four months.
However, there is a concern raised about the potential shortage of industry professionals in the coming years due to mass retirements. Cavanaugh emphasized the essential role that these professionals play and the need to ensure a steady supply of high-quality workers in the future. He expressed confidence in the education system in Alberta, stating that it will continue to produce skilled professionals to meet the industry’s demands.
In conclusion, the survey conducted by ASET sheds light on the reasons why engineering technology professionals are choosing Alberta as their preferred location to settle and work. The province’s welcoming community, diverse range of projects, equal opportunity approach, and ample job opportunities are some of the factors contributing to their satisfaction. With a focus on professional growth and development, Alberta seems to be a promising destination for tech professionals looking to build their careers in Canada.