Program Evaluation Framework For The Internationally Educated Engineers Qualification Pilot Program, University Of Manitoba

This paper presents the assessment and evaluation framework and preliminary findings for the Internationally Educated Engineers Qualification Pilot Program (IEEQ) at the University of Manitoba, a foreign credentials recognition program for engineers recently immigrated to Canada. Assessment and evaluation follows general trends for educational program assessment using mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) and multiple methods (including academic performance, work term placements, employers’ evaluations, focus groups with participants, and follow-up questionnaires with participants). Findings inform the ongoing process of program development and the extent to which objectives have been achieved. Preliminary findings indicate the program to be a viable, time-effective means by which immigrant professionals can obtain formal recognition of foreign engineering credentials and demonstrate their technical competence and their cultural readiness to enter the engineering labor market.