Your ability to communicate in English is very important. You will need to speak, understand, read and write in English for every job that uses your engineering and geoscience skills. Depending on your job, you may need English to write field notes, e-mails to co-workers and others, letters to clients, proposals, technical and other reports, and articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals. You may also need English to discuss projects with co-workers, contractors, clients and representatives from governments and community groups by phone and in person, lead team meetings, and make presentations at public consultations or professional conferences.

There are many organizations that can test your level of English. Some of the more common tests include TOEFL, TWE, and TSE. Be aware that these tests are academically oriented. A high score usually indicates that you have good written grammar and spelling; a good score does not necessarily mean that you can function at a high level in conversational or workplace English. Be aware that employers will not usually be interested in your results on these tests. Rather, they will judge your English skills by talking with you and reading your resume and cover letter.

Being able to understand, read, write and speak English is one thing. Communicating is another thing altogether. While English focuses on the mechanics of words and grammar, communicating involves understanding the social and cultural context in which English, or any language, is used. Learning and understanding Canadian culture is a very important part of developing good communication skills. Canadian culture greatly impacts interpersonal communication, which is critical to getting along with people and fitting in.  

Beginner English courses are free to new immigrants through the government-sponsored English Language Services for Adults Program (ELSA). However, most ITEGs have a higher level of English than is taught in these courses. Most ITEGs will need to register and pay for intermediate and advanced courses. Organizations such as private schools, public school boards, post-secondary institutions and immigrant service organizations offer a wide variety of ESL courses. While most focus on the basics of reading, writing, speaking and listening, others specialize in specific skills such as pronunciation, technical language or business writing. Some courses, particularly those offered by post-secondary institutions, focus on communication and include learning about culture, team dynamics and more.

The following excerpt of the Final Report of the Pilot Project provides a sample of English and communication classes. The document will give you an idea of the variety of classes that exist and help you to decide which type of class might benefit you. You can then use your research skills to find the class that's right for you.

Your English may not be perfect when you immigrate to Canada. Try focussing on giving and receiving clear messages and not on finding the perfect word and the perfect grammar. Your vocabulary and grammar will improve with practice. The most important thing is to use your English to get your message across every chance you get.

Here are some ways to practice your English and communication skills:

• Listen to people being interviewed on CBC radio
• Watch TV and pay attention not only to the words but also to the gestures, facial expressions, and distances between actors
• Read past APEGBC exams and technical books to learn technical terms
• Take a technical course - even if you know the material, you will learn the English words
• Join Toastmasters to practice speaking in front of people; Because Toastmasters is popular among professionals whose first language is English, this is also a good place to practice your listening skills and meet people. Toastmasters costs approximately $30 for a six-month membership.
• Read the newspaper
• Attend any public meetings or free lectures that interest you
• Talk to people in English everywhere you go
• Make a rule that your family members must speak in English with each other between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm everyday

First-Hand Advice

From the Pilot Project Management Team:

• Academic vs Conversational English: One Pilot participant stated that he thought his English was very good before coming to Canada because he had passed the TOEFL test and had taken English lessons in China. It was a shock for him to move here and discover that he could barely understand anyone.
• English vs Communication: One woman didn't realize for a long time that there was a problem with direct translations. Her title "Power Systems Engineer" in her native language had been translated into English as "Energetic Engineer" on her resume.

From Employers, Professional Engineers and Technologists:

• It is very important to have good English skills, even as a draftsperson.  
• Develop good business communication skills so you can work with clients, directors and project teams; give presentations and write letters and reports.   

From Internationally Trained Engineers:

• Take a technical course (e.g. at BCIT) even if you already know the subject.   You will learn the language that is used on the job and you will meet engineers.  
• Develop your English and communication skills, especially conversation and spoken language.   At least 50% of an engineering job involves communicating.
• Taking [or reviewing a past APEGBC] exam can teach an ITE a lot about Canadian technical laws and rules, as well as technical English skills.

Career Development and Job-Search Plan

Open your Career Development and Job-Search Document and go to the LMI Worksheet. Using the information and links provided here and elsewhere, answer the questions in the LMI-SKILL AREA "English and Communication Skills" section.

Next, go to the Skills Self-Assessment Worksheet and rate your ability in the "English and Communication Skills " section. It is essential that you are honest with yourself when completing this self-assessment. If you are not honest in answering these questions, your Career Development and Job-Search Plan will not be a useful tool for you.

Finally, go to the Skills Summary Worksheet and follow the instructions there. Complete the "English and Communication Skills" section.