Ontario Tech Draws: An In-Depth Look At Every Targeted Occupation

Last Updated on February 6, 2020

Aug 10, 2019 – Ontario targets a list of six in-demand IT occupations through Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program Tech Draws.

The province began conducting Tech Draws in July 2019, falling under the province’s Express Entry-linked Human Capital Priorities stream.

In two Tech Draws so far, the province has issued Notifications of Interest to 3,396 Express Entry candidates.

The six occupations are:

Software engineers and designers (NOC 2173)
Computer programmers and interactive media developers (NOC 2174)
Computer engineers (NOC 2147)
Web designers and developers (NOC 2175)
Database analysts and data administrators (NOC 2172)
Computer and information systems managers (NOC 0213)

Candidates must meet existing HCP requirements (see below) as well as have work experience in one of the stated occupations.

They are selected from the Express Entry pool and have 45 days to submit a full application after receiving an NOI.

Ontario Human Capital Priorities General Requirements

Ongoing profile under the Federal Express Entry system and be qualified for either the FSWP or the CEC.
Hold minimum of 1-year of full time, or full-time equivalent work experience under NOC occupation level 0, A or B, in the past five years if applying under the FSWP or in the past three years if applying under CEC.
Hold the equivalent of a Canadian Bachelors degree or higher.
Show language proficiency of minimum CLB/NCLC level 7 in English or in French.
Intention to reside in the province of Ontario.
Residing with legal status in Canada, if applicable.
Proof of required settlement funds.
Minimum Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System score as determined by director under periodic draws.

Here we take an in-depth look at each of the six occupations, highlighting average salaries, labour market conditions, specific job titles, duties and requirements.

Related Job Titles

Architect, application / software
Architect, systems / technical
Designer, AI (artificial intelligence)
Engineer, system integration
Engineer, telecommunications
Engineer, verification / testing

Salary information

The average salary for a software engineer in Ontario is $71,500. Experienced software engineers at major companies can make up to $150,000.

Duties

Collect and document user requirements and develop logical and physical specifications.
Research, evaluate and synthesize technical information to design, develop and test computer-based systems.
Develop data, process and network models to optimize architecture and to evaluate the performance and reliability of designs.
Plan, design and coordinate the development, installation, integration and operation of computer-based systems.
Assess, test, troubleshoot, document, upgrade and develop maintenance procedures for operating systems, communications environments and applications software.
Lead and coordinate teams of information systems professionals in the development of software and integrated information systems, process control software and other embedded software control systems.

Employment Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer engineering, computer science or an appropriate related discipline.
Participation in an undergraduate co-op program is highly recommended.
Information Systems Professional (ISP) designation is available to those who have graduated from an accredited computer science or information systems program or have passed the examination offered by the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals.
Other beneficial qualifications for a person in this occupational group include:
- membership in a professional association, which may be required by some employers, particularly for software engineering jobs that involve public safety or supervisory work.
- a master’s or doctoral degree in a related discipline.

Related Job Titles

Developer, graphical user interface (GUI)
Developer, multimedia
Developer, multimedia / video games
Programmer, multimedia
Programmer, operating systems
Programmer, satellite telecommunications

Salary information

The average salary for a Computer Programmer in Ontario is $77,500. Experienced Computer Programmers at major companies can make up to $160,000.

Duties

Computer programmers:

Write, modify, integrate and test software code.
Maintain existing computer programs by making modifications as required.
Identify and communicate technical problems, processes and solutions.
Prepare reports, manuals and other documentation on the status, operation and maintenance of software.
Help collect and document user requirements.
Help develop logical and physical specifications.
May lead and coordinate teams of computer programmers.
May research and evaluate a variety of software products.

Interactive media developers:

Program animation software to predefined specifications for interactive CDs, DVDs, video game cartridges and internet-based applications.
Program special effects software for film and video applications.
Write, modify, integrate and test software code for e-commerce and other internet applications.
Help collect and document user requirements.
Help develop logical and physical specifications.
May lead and coordinate teams of interactive media developers.
May research and evaluate a variety of interactive media software products.

Employment Requirements

Diploma or bachelor’s degree in computer science or in another area with a significant programming component.
Other requirements may include:
- Post-secondary study or experience for specialization in programming for engineering and scientific applications.
- Language-specific certification for computer programmers with specialized knowledge of a particular programming languages.
- Continual upgrading of technical skills, which may be paid for by employers.
Experienced computer programmers and interactive media developers can apply for the Information Systems Professional (ISP) designation through the Canadian Information Processing Society.

Related Job Titles

Analyst, capacity planning
Architect, computer systems / hardware
Designer, hardware systems
Engineer, radio systems
Engineer, satellite data transmission
Engineer, spacecraft electronics

Salary information

The average salary for a Computer Engineer in Ontario is $73,250. Experienced Computer Engineers at major companies can make up to $140,000.

Duties

Computer hardware and telecommunications engineers:

Analyze user requirements for computer hardware
Design and develop system architecture and specifications, including current hardware, software and networking capabilities, along with long-range plans and priorities for upgrading or replacing dated equipment and software
Research, design, develop and integrate computer and telecommunications hardware, such as microprocessors, integrated circuit boards and semiconductor lasers
Develop and conduct tests to make sure their new designs and components function as expected
Supervise, inspect and provide design support during the manufacturing, installation and implementation of computer and telecommunications hardware
Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and clients, and may lead and co-ordinate teams of engineers, technologists, technicians and drafters in the design and development of computer and telecommunications hardware

Network system and data communication engineers:

Research, design and develop information and communication system network architecture
Research, evaluate and integrate network system and data communication hardware and software
Assess, document and optimize the capacity and performance of information and communication system networks
May also be required to lead and co-ordinate teams of design professionals in the development and integration of information and communication system architecture, hardware and software

Employment Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or an appropriate related discipline.
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

Related Job Titles

Designer / developer – intranet / website
Developer, web – e-business / e-commerce
Manager, website
Web integrator
Webmaster
Webmaster, corporate

Salary information

The average salary for a Web Designer in Ontario is $20.60 per hour. Experienced Web Designers at major companies can make up to $47.00 per hour.

Duties

Consult with clients to develop and document website requirements.
Prepare mock-ups and storyboards.
Develop website architecture and determine hardware and software requirements.
Source, select and organize information for inclusion and design the appearance, layout and flow of the website.
Create and optimize content for the website using a variety of graphics, database, animation and other software.
Plan, design, write, modify, integrate and test website related code.
Conduct tests and perform security and quality controls.
May lead and co-ordinate multidisciplinary teams to develop website graphics, content, capacity and interactivity.
May research and evaluate a variety of interactive media software products.

Employment Requirements

May be required to have a bachelor’s degree, usually in computer science, communications or business.
Other training may include:
- Successful completion of a college program, or a diploma program from a private institution in computer science, graphic arts, web design or business.
Other beneficial qualifications for a person in this career include:
- Experience as a computer programmer or graphic designer.
- Web portfolio.
- Ongoing study of the latest advancements in computer technology.
- Ongoing skill upgrades to keep current with changing IT trends.
- Project management skills.
- Credentials in both web design and communications or marketing.

Related Job Titles

Analyst, data – informatics and systems
Analyst, data warehouse / database (DBA)
Analyst, information resource
Data miner / mining analyst
DBA (database admin / analyst / architect)
Specialist, EDP (electronic data processing)

Salary information

The average salary for a Database Analyst in Ontario is $36.36 per hour. Experienced Database Analysts at major companies can make up to $81.55 per hour.

Duties

Database analysts:

Collect and record user’s requirements.
Design and develop database architecture for information systems projects.
Design, construct, modify, integrate, implement and test data models and database management systems.
Carry out research and provide advice to other information systems professionals regarding the selection and use of database management tools.
Operate database management systems to analyze data and perform data mining analysis.
Lead, coordinate or supervise other workers in this group.

Data administrators:

Develop and put into use data administration policy, standards and models.
Research and record data requirements, data collection and administration policy, data access rules and security.
Develop policies and procedures for network and/or internet database access and usage, and for the backup and recovery of data.
Carry out research and provide advice to other information systems professionals regarding the collection, availability, security and suitability of data.
Write scripts related to stored procedures and triggers.
Lead and coordinate teams of data administrators in the development and implementation of data policies, standards and models.

Employment Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, usually in computer science or in mathematics OR completion of a college program in computer science is usually required.
Computer programming experience.

Related Job Titles

Administrator, internet systems
Computer legacy systems manager
Co-ordinator, computer department
Manager, computer networks
Manager, IT (information technology)
Manager, MIS (management info system)

Salary information

The average salary for an Information Systems Manager in Ontario is $88,953. Experienced Information Systems Managers at major companies can make up to $155,000.

Duties

Plan, organize and direct the operations of information systems and electronic data processing (EDP) departments and companies.
Develop and carry out policies and procedures for electronic data processing and computer systems operations and development.
Meet with clients to discuss system requirements, specifications, costs and timelines.
Assemble and manage teams of information systems employees to design, develop and manage computer and telecommunications software, networks and information systems.
Control the budget of the department, company or project.
Recruit employees and oversee their professional development and training.

Employment Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, business administration, commerce or engineering.
Several years of experience in systems analysis, data administration, software engineering, network design or computer programming, including in a supervisory capacity.

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