Engineering barriers: an empirical investigation into the mechanics of downward mobility

Slade, B. (2008) Engineering barriers: an empirical investigation into the mechanics of downward mobility. Socialist Studies, 4(2), pp. 21-40. (doi: 10.18740/S49C73)

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Abstract

This paper explores the regulation of professional engineering and how the licensing process itself impacts the labour market position of immigrant engineers. Guided by the social ontology and method of inquiry of institutional ethnography, this paper provides a map of the licensing process for engineering in Ontario and shows how immigrant engineers are constructed as exceptions to the process, despite the fact that immigrant engineers outnumber Ontario engineering graduates. Having to first go though individualized academic and work experience assessments, they also require one year Canadian work experience. Research has shown that it is difficult for immigrant engineers to successfully complete the licensing process. This paper details the administrative work processes that cause delays and difficulties for immigrant engineers, and discusses the labour market implications of not having a professional licence.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Slade, Professor Bonnie
Authors: Slade, B.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Education
College of Social Sciences > School of Education > People, Place & Social Change
Journal Name:Socialist Studies
Publisher:Society for Socialist Studies
ISSN:0830-9086
ISSN (Online):1918-2821
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2008 The Authors
First Published:First published in Socialist Studies 4(2):21-40
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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