Insights How is Canada engineering a more diverse workplace?

The benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace are countless. By establishing a culture of inclusion, engagement is higher as colleagues are happier, more relaxed, and able to be their true selves.

At AtkinsRéalis , our diverse innovation and collaboration ensure sustainable practices are built into a project from the earliest design phase and we connect people, technology, and data throughout the project lifecycle to drive better outcomes across safety, sustainability, and efficiency.

So how is Canada ensuring the workplace is as diverse as can be?

Diversity in Canada

As a country, Canada is considered progressive and multicultural, and a place where diversity is a reality. Emphasis is placed on the importance of maintaining momentum on diversity and inclusion initiatives, and regulators are working on improving equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the profession.

Canada recently launched a new package of measures designed to establish a ‘culture of inclusiveness that will combat racism and address systemic barriers in the public sector, including recruitment and mentoring schemes. By employing these techniques, it is anticipated that it will help close gaps and eliminate barriers. But will this filter through to engineering?

How can we encourage more diversity in engineering?

Often, when we think of a lack of diversity in engineering, our minds immediately go to a lack of women. While we know that significant efforts need to be made to balance gender representation, it’s important that we encourage people from all backgrounds to contribute to engineering. The world is in a transformational stage, with climate change and population growth requiring new demands, and to build a greener future, we need a diverse range of minds ready to implement bold ideas. This means people of any age and from all underrepresented groups such as people from ethnic minority backgrounds, varying sexual orientations and people with disabilities.

To enable more diversity in engineering, we need to ensure that people feel their ‘true self’ so that anyone passionate about a career in engineering can harness the abundance of opportunities. As an industry, we need to create an environment that encourages people to become vocal allies rather than bystanders.

Liam, an Assistant Engineer within our Transportation business, was recognized for his efforts to promote diversity within the construction industry, particularly on behalf of the LGBTQIA community. He says, ‘For people to perform to their best ability, they must feel like they can bring their whole selves to work.’ We wholly support this, and at AtkinsRéalis , we are engineering change because we genuinely value the variety of perspectives that our people bring, and we recognize everyone’s contribution equally. We will never stop striving to build a diverse workforce because we genuinely believe we need a mix of cultures and ideas to drive success.

Really simply put, inclusion for me is to ensure that everybody in our organization and our teams has a voice.
Ian L. Edwards - President and CEO, AtkinsRéalis

Why be a civil engineer in Canada?

Civil engineering careers are rewarding, fulfilling and open doors to a multitude of opportunities. As an engineer in Canada, you will truly be contributing to society like our engineers did on The Canada Line - a fully automated commuter rail line that is part of Vancouver’s SkyTrain network. You could start in a graduate role, where your career path might lead you to be a Senior Engineer, or you may consider focusing on a particular discipline, such as Design, Operations or Project Management.

Engineer your career at AtkinsRéalis

In North America, AtkinsRéalis supports clients across the United States and Canada. Our engineers apply innovative thinking, pioneering technologies and strategic management to create the best outcomes for our clients and future generations.

We believe our strength lies in the diversity of our teams. Are you looking to join a truly inclusive employer where you can be your ‘true self’ while developing exciting career opportunities? We may have an opportunity for you. Explore our wide range of options and apply for engineering jobs in Canada today.