Engineering Technician, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technician
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
This occupation has not yet received an official NOC code. However, it is considered similar to the following historical NOC codes. CAUTION—As this occupation is only similar to these NOC codes, related details and labour market information may not be accurate:
Interest in compiling records for analytical studies; and in preparing solutions of gas and liquid, reagents and sample formulations
Interest in precision working to operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus, and to assist with environmental air and water quality monitoring and protection
Interest in assisting to develop and conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards; and in carrying out a limited range of other technical functions in support of chemical research, tests and analyses
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Fuel cells are used to convert chemical energy into electrical and thermal energy in order to power vehicles or power and heat buildings. Hydrogen is the most commonly used fuel, but natural gas and methanol are also sometimes used. Fuel cell technicians work with fuel cell systems and equipment.
Fuel cell technicians:
Fuel cell technicians often work in laboratories or workshops, and typically work daytime hours during weekdays. They may be required to travel to various locations where fuel cell equipment has been installed in order to service and maintain that equipment. Some servicing work may take place outdoors and at remote sites.
Safety equipment may be required when working with hazardous chemicals or when servicing vehicles or equipment. Fuel cell technicians may be required to lift or move objects weighing up to 20 kilograms.
Fuel cell technicians need the following characteristics:
Most emerging occupations develop from more than one technical field, so fuel cell technicians may come from a variety of education and training backgrounds. Prior to enrolling in an education program, prospective students should contact associations and employers in this field to investigate education options and employment possibilities.
Employers typically require that fuel cell technicians have completed studies beyond high school in a relevant college or technical school program.
Fuel cell technicians need to be knowledgeable about:
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Emerging occupations typically are the result of:
Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, it can be difficult to define advancement opportunities or employment outlook. Some Albertans already are working in this emerging occupation but future demand for fuel cell technicians is unknown.
Fuel cell technicians may be employed by:
Fuel cell technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2211: Chemical Technologists and Technicians. In Alberta, 83% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, no current salary data is available for this occupation.
Fuel cell technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2211: Chemical technologists and technicians.
According to the 2017 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Chemical technologists and technicians occupational group earned on average from $21.65 to $44.24 an hour. The overall average was $30.64 an hour. For more information, see the Chemical technologists and technicians wage profile.
Canadian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA) website: www.chfca.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Mar 18, 2015. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.