Human Resources in Canada's Built Heritage Sector: Mapping the ...

MAPPING THE WORK FORCE AND SETTING STRATEGIC PRIORITIESEngineersOverview of Occupation:• Engineers assess and design structural, electrical and mechanical aspects of a building, according totheir professional training and specialization. In the built heritage structure, the relevant engineeringspecializations are: civil, structural, electrical and mechanical.• Some civil or structural engineers may specialize in engineering of building envelopes. In some jurisdictionsa building envelope appraisal is required by regulation.• Engineers also specify materials and other tests relevant to the safety and integrity of a physical structure.• Engineers undertake cost/benefit analysis of alternative design or construction strategies.• In some circumstances, engineers may also undertake project management functions.Training and Education:• Professional engineers have an undergraduate in engineering.Occupational or Professional Regulation:• In all provinces, the design and assessment of structural, electrical and mechanical systems are restrictedby statute to licensed engineers. Some jurisdictions also require assessment of building envelope by alicensed engineer qualified in this field. Licensing is administered by provincial associations/ordre.• Licensure is dependent on holding a recognized undergraduate engineering degree, meeting experiencerequirements, passing professional examinations, and accepting a code of practice.• In some provinces, licensure also applies to consultancies.Key Skills unique to the Built Heritage Sector::• Familiarity with suppliers and trade contractors in their area of specialization.• Understanding of period-specific construction technologies and materials.• Ability to integrate building code objectives and retro-fitting or repair with the cultural and historicalintegrity of a built heritage structure.• Understanding of conservation standards.Associations or Administrative Bodies concerned with Professional orOccupational Standards, Licensing or Certification:• Professional associations/ordre exist in all provinces and territories for the purpose of administeringthe system of professional licensure.• In most provinces, licensure and professional development or advocacy are undertaken by the sameorganization. In other provinces, these functions are separated.NOC:• 2131 Civil Engineers• 2132 Mechanical Engineers• 2133 Electrical and Electronics EngineersPotential Issues:• Engineers acquire skills that are uniquely relevant to the built heritage sector through experience.There is no specialized certification or specialized professional training available to engineers.©CULTURAL HUMAN RESOURCES COUNCIL85