Industrial Design has become an increasingly popular career for creative people who are comfortable with technology. Industrial Designers give the form to, and enhance the function of tomorrow's products. It's an excellent career choice. Practicing Industrial Designers develop new and innovative solutions because they understand aesthetics, market-trends, materials and manufacturing technology. In this program, students will learn to communicate their ideas attractively through design presentations. Form study will help them learn the skills needed to make pleasing surfaces on any product. Students will also develop professional skills in computer graphics and computer aided design.

Graduates work as designers of consumer or commercial products, support staff for the research/design process, in product support (showroom design, model making), product promotion (co-ordination of brochures and photography), product research (market/consumer reactions) and do technical work (production planning, quality control, drafting and computer-aided design) and special effects modelling. Others may be employed in three-dimensional computer design. Most graduates work as product designers for manufacturers or consulting design offices. Experienced graduates may form their own consultancies and gain professional status.

Common Job Titles:

- Industrial Designer,
- Product Designer,
- Furniture Designer,
- Industrial Design Consultant,
- Package Designer

Employment for this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. The quality of design plays an important role in the success of many Canadian products. However, increasing use of computerized design and engineering technology is transforming this occupation. Workers will need to develop appropriate skills and will need intermittent retraining and professional development to keep up with new technologies. Employers now look for skills in drafting software as well as Internet, spreadsheet and database applications.

Characteristics of Occupation

Main Industries of Employment:

- Business Service,
- Transportation Equipment,
- Furniture and Fixture,
- Electrical and Electronics Products,
- Fabricated Metals Product

Income:

Average Annual Employment Income $55,000

Wages:

Wages up to $18 to $24 per hour

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma at or above the general level, or equivalent
• Grade 12 English
• Grade 12 Mathematics for technology
• Present a portfolio of 25 samples, selected from sketches, photographs, hobbies, craft work, art work, school projects
  
  

Immigration Prospects for Canada/USA

Latest information is available upon request.