Join the Scotiabank StartRight® Program designed for Newcomers‡ and get up to $2,200* in value in the first year.
Building Canadian work experience before you arrive in Canada can give you a competitive advantage. It can also help you to achieve your career goals faster. And employers place a high value on Canadian work experience. But how can you gain experience before you land in Canada?
Linda Ryan is the National Program Manager with BCCA-Integrating Newcomers, a government funded, Canada-wide, pre-arrival career coaching service for high skilled construction professionals immigrating to Canada (*BCCA-IN).
A career and certified performance coach, she and the BCCA-IN team specialize in helping newcomers plan for, and achieve, employment success, no matter what city or province they are moving to.
When it comes to building Canadian work experience in construction, Ryan provides specific advice. Prepare for Canada spoke to Ryan and here’s what she had to say about the importance of Canadian work experience and how to gain it before you land in Canada.
Linda Ryan: In Canada, construction employers appreciate a foundation of technical education plus hands-on experience in the local sector. As well, they like to see that you:
This is critical, especially if the role is considered a regulated profession in Canada e.g. Engineer, Architect, a trade, etc. It’s all of these elements that are called “Canadian experience”.
Linda Ryan: While employers can’t blatantly specify Canadian experience as criteria when advertising roles, you can understand why they look for it. Canadian work experience allows employers to find the best candidate for the job. For example, someone who:
Linda Ryan: For newcomers, one way to gain Canadian work experience is to upskill. This allows you to gain highly coveted experience and work towards credential recognition in your profession. But how do you do it when you haven’t even landed in Canada yet? Here are four helpful ways:
Start with the basics. Identify a Canadian professional association (member-based organization) in the sector, profession and ideally city/province where you’ll land in Canada. Any online search engine will help you do this! When you find one:
If you can afford to pay for membership-do it! Over time, your membership will help you to build your connections, knowledge, and reputation. The associations will also give you ideas on further education, certification or professional development programs. Don’t forget to list your membership on your LinkedIn profile and resume, as soon as possible.
Crafting Your Job Search Action Plan to Work in Canada
Education Evaluation and Credential Recognition | What Newcomers Must Know
LinkedIn Profile | Essential Tips & Advice for Newcomers
How to Career Change to Canada’s Construction Industry
3 Ways to Get Canadian Work Experience
Working in Canada | A Guide to Land Your Dream Job!
Search for free or low-cost online webinars in your field of expertise provided by a Canadian professional association, regulatory body or credential authority. When you complete the courses or events, list them on your LinkedIn profile and resume. Once you have a Canadian professional credential you can replace the courses on your profile. You can start to look for courses here:
Don’t forget to use this list to research, prepare for and begin the credential recognition process for your trade or profession before you arrive in Canada. Having the right Canadian credentials will give you a competitive advantage when building your career.
BuildForce Canada is a national organization that focuses on developing a high-skilled construction workforce. One way they do this is through online elearning courses that they offer.
The Construction Institute of Canada (TCIC) offers professional development for the construction industry. Browse the e-learning course list.
TCIC also offers Gold Seal certified courses, programs and workshops for industry professionals who want to climb the management ranks. This national accreditation for construction management professionals can also lead to the professional designation P.GSC. You have to meet the criteria (Canadian industry experience and education) to receive the designation. Learn more about Gold Seal.
When you arrive in Canada, the best way to enhance your Canadian work experience is to look for roles relevant to your career. Actively searching for more junior roles can be an effective way of “earning and learning” the industry and profession.
*The BCCA-Integrating Newcomers program is a free, pre-arrival, Canada-wide service, focused on helping high-skilled newcomers explore and build successful construction careers. Services include one-on-one career guidance, tailored resume, cover letter, LinkedIn advice, and an in-depth skills and education assessment to help newcomers focus on the best career, credentials and connections activities. The Integrating Newcomers team not only has multi-industry experience but are also immigrants who have built successful careers in Canada.
There are many exciting careers in the construction industry right across Canada. And available jobs will continue to increase with many current workers retiring in the years to come. So if you’re looking to make a career change, there are great possibilities, even if don’t have a construction background.
Linda Ryan is the Provincial Manager (Apprenticeship Services) with BCCA. When it comes to looking for a career, Ryan provides tips on how to successfully make your career change to the Canadian construction industry. BCCA-Integrating Newcomers, is a government funded, Canada-wide, pre-arrival career coaching service for high skilled construction professionals immigrating to Canada (*BCCA-IN). The BCCA-IN team helps newcomers plan for, and achieve, employment success, no matter what city or province they are moving to.
Prepare for Canada: Can you tell us more about the shortage of workers in the construction industry? What types of professions are needed?
Linda Ryan:
With an 80,000 shortfall predicted in workforce numbers over the next decade due to retirements and modest industry growth, it’s fair to say Canada’s construction industry is actively hiring. Like any industry, construction needs tradespeople and specialist professionals such as engineers, architects, estimators, etc. As well, the industry requires strategic professionals for functions such as:
Prepare for Canada: The employee shortfall is great news for job seekers with a construction background. But, what advice do you have for newcomers who want to make a career change? In other words, how can newcomers actually transition their non-construction skills and experience?
[cjtoolbox name=’BCCA Webinar LP’]
Ryan offered these tips to make a career change to the construction industry.
Transitioning your career to a new industry is possible as long as you have a clear plan and are prepared to take lots of small, progressive steps to get there. Accepting that your career transition is a journey, not a destination, is key. It will prepare you for the action and accountability you must assume to make a successful career change.
Answer this question: What’s my goal in moving into the construction industry?
In other words, what will it give you that you don’t currently have? The more honest you are about what and why the more focused you can be about the kind of roles and companies that will suit you. Answering this question will help you confirm what you’re prepared to do to get started because you will have to take a step back in the short term to build your reputation in a new industry.
This is where people make a big mistake. Recruiters will ‘pigeonhole’ you when they read your resume and only consider you for roles that match your experience and industries. So, your old resume won’t cut it. You can overcome this barrier by investing time to look back on your life, hobbies, family influences, volunteer endeavours, and professional experience. Then rewrite a resume and cover letter that shows:
i. An exposure to and interest in construction
II. Key skills and past role achievements that will transfer well into your new target industry.
Crafting Your Job Search Action Plan to Work in Canada
LinkedIn Profile | Essential Tips & Advice for Newcomers
Canadian Style Resume | Is it Necessary?
Welder Jobs and Salary in Cities in Canada
3 Ways to Get Canadian Work Experience
Achieve Your Goals in Life by Creating Your Reality
Construction Jobs in Canada | What Newcomers Must Know
Working in Canada | A Guide to Land Your Dream Job!
Start job hunting for roles you’re a realistic fit for in the construction industry. This may mean considering more junior roles. Although you may have transferable skills, employers know that you will have to learn the industry to add 100% of your value, and that takes time. So, know your value but be humble about where you will start your career.
Spend less time applying for jobs and more time tailoring your resume for specific ‘obvious fit’ roles.
Business in Canada relies on a strong network, and even more so in the construction industry. If you’re not prepared to invest time to network and connect with peers online and offline, then you’re not really committed to a career transition.
LinkedIn is a helpful tool to build a professional network and connect with peers. However, don’t connect to ask for a job. Instead, connect because you share a common:
Sometimes it’s as simple as sending a blank connection request on LinkedIn, other times, it’s about asking to connect because you’d value some ‘local industry insights’. Try different approaches. You’ve nothing to lose.
There are many construction associations across Canada. Most are formed as corporate, member-based, not-for-profit organizations. Their mission is to advocate for local construction stakeholders. The associations offer networking events, short in-person and online (inexpensive) courses and are great sources of local industry insights. To find your local Canadian Construction Association, start here: CCA Membership.
These are great tips for anyone looking to make a career change and enter the Canadian construction industry. And BCCA-IN can provide the support and guidance you need.
*The BCCA-Integrating Newcomers program is a free, pre-arrival, Canada-wide service, focused on helping high-skilled newcomers explore and build successful construction careers. Services include one-on-one career guidance, tailored resume, cover letter, LinkedIn advice, and an in-depth skills and education assessment to help newcomers focus on the best career, credentials and connections activities. The Integrating Newcomers team not only has multi-industry experience but are also immigrants who have built successful careers in Canada.
Building your professional network is essential when you’re seeking a new job. And, if you’re moving to Canada you can start building your network even before you arrive. A strong network can help you to access the Canadian job market by building and developing relationships. Effective networking is a critical job search activity that you can begin while still in your home country. Discover six helpful tips to develop your networking skills!
Until you arrive in Canada, your online network will be key. But, when you arrive in Canada, make an effort to network face-to-face to build relationships. It may seem difficult but most people are eager to help, even those who may not be closely connected to you.
Networking can open many doors to jobs that are not yet advertised, but first, you must have the right connections. So, how can you build your professional network in Canada when you live abroad?
Building an effective network takes time and effort. Take time to create a plan of action to build your professional online network. Set some goals and know what you want to accomplish. When you’re clear about what you want to achieve you can have the right conversation.
Possible goals might be to:
“You are not ever a genius all by yourself. Your ideas are a function of the people you are connected with…”
Carol Dweck, Author, Mindset
The people you know can likely introduce you to others in their network. Start connecting with your contacts in a meaningful way. Reach out to the people you already know to build your professional network. Chances are that they know someone who has moved to Canada before you and can connect you to them. Whether or not they are in the same profession as you, they may be able to offer professional insights and introduce you to others.
Research shows that close to 80% of available jobs are not advertised. This represents what is known as the hidden job market. You can access the hidden job market through your professional and personal contacts and network.
Start by listing your current contacts:
A thoughtful approach to using social media can help you make connections quickly, and build relationships over time.
Actions:
“The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity”
Keith Ferazzi
One way to build relationships with your network is to create value. Be someone who provides, information, and support to others. Your network partners will remember your effort and be willing to return the favour.
Consider:
An elevator pitch is all about you: who you are, what you do, and what you want to do. It’s a great way to introduce yourself to hiring managers and other connections. Your social media presence is your elevator pitch and it represents your professional brand. So, carefully craft what you want to communicate.
Actions:
Building an effective network is all about the quality of the relationship. So, it’s important to keep in touch with your network. In that sense, think quality of contacts over quantity. Keeping an active network takes time, planning, and effort to maintain the relationship.
With friendly rapport, when your contacts hear of job opportunities, they’ll think of you and be excited to help you.
While networking may seem like a lot of effort, it’s essential to build your professional network before you leave for Canada. With the right connections, you’ll be on your way to landing the right job in Canada and meeting exciting new people.
If you’re moving to Canada, you’re likely thinking about how you can start your job search before you arrive. And that’s smart!
When you start your job search before you arrive, you’ll improve your chances of landing a job in your chosen field.
So here are four activities to help you get focused!
Are you moving to Canada soon or already here? Do you need to find a job? Would you like to find good resources for finding employment in Canada? If so, join us for a free webinar where you can ask an expert your questions. We’ll discuss what you can do to make yourself more marketable to potential employers.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR
You can get ready to work in Canada well before you even arrive. Researching the job market, and understanding what Canadian employers are searching for is vital. At Prepare for Canada, we provide tools, resources, and information to help you get ready for your job search! Here are four activities that will help you to get ready to work in Canada.
It takes effort to find a great job, so be sure to devote time to important job search activities. You may have to spend time revising your resume to include information that Canadian employers look for.
When you know what employers look for, you can tailor your resume so that employers notice your skills and experience. Preparing a well-written resume takes time, but it’s worth the effort because it may reduce the time it takes you to find a job.
You will also have to apply for many jobs. One application will likely not be enough to get the job that you want in Canada. But, by applying for jobs on a frequent and regular basis, you’ll start to get responses from employers. It takes patience and focus to land a job that you are best suited for.
Join our free webinar to learn helpful strategies to accelerate your job search:
[cjtoolbox name=’Working Webinar’]
This is easier said than done, but there are many great programs that are available to newcomers to help with job search activities to help you stand out. One way to stand out is to get your credentials assessed. This is helpful because it shows Canadian employers that you have the skills and knowledge to perform a similar job in Canada. The Government of Canada can provide valuable information that explains how to get your credentials assessed.
By taking this step, you can help to ensure that you can work in Canada. You may discover that you require more training to get ready to work in Canada. But when you know what’s required, you’ll be in a better position to get the training you need.
Once you do start to hear back from potential employers, make sure to respond to them as quickly as you can. This shows your interest and professionalism. Make sure that you put your best foot forward with each point of contact that you have with an employer. Use formal language and provide any additional information that they may request.
You may have heard this tip often, but it’s always a good idea to stay positive and not get easily discouraged. If you don’t hear back from your first few Canadian job applications, then just keep applying until you succeed.
When you’re positive, you’ll make a great first impression. A positive attitude combined with a strong skill set shows Canadian employers that you’re motivated, talented, and eager to start your first job in Canada.
When you follow these tips, you’ll be off to a great start to get ready to work in Canada even before you arrive.
For more information, tools, free webinars, and more visit our finding a job in Canada resource page. Get the help you need to achieve your career goals in Canada!
Moving to Canada is a rewarding and exciting experience. But, it can come with challenges. One challenge is adapting to the Canadian workplace. Continuing your career in Canada can be difficult, but bridging programs can help you prepare and succeed. The programs help you transfer your international work experience and education to the Canadian workplace. In Ontario, there are more than 30 bridging programs for newcomers in Ontario. Many of the programs come with bursaries of up to $5,000 to help you cover direct education costs, such as tuition and books.
Discover how you can benefit from enrolling in a bridging program!
If you work in a regulated profession in Canada, you may need support to complete the credentials assessment and recognition process. A bridging program can help you build on and develop the skills you need to meet Canadian standards for a particular occupation. Find out if your occupation is regulated in Canada here.
Employers look for Canadian work experience. Ideally, employers want you to understand how Canadian workplaces operate and display the soft skills you require to succeed. The right program can fill this gap and help you ease your way into the Canadian workforce.
Some occupations can use technical language that you might not be familiar with. Bridging programs can help you build your language skills specific to your occupation.
You can get the help you need to prepare for exams and certification for your specific occupation.
Bridging programs provide training to help you acquire the skills that stand between you and your dream job. After you complete an assessment of your skills, credentials, and experience, you can participate in a program specific to your goals. That alone makes it attractive for the new Canadians.
Are you moving to Canada soon or already here? Do you need to find a job? Would you like to find good resources for finding employment in Canada? If so, join us for a free webinar where you can ask an expert your questions. We’ll discuss what you can do to make yourself more marketable to potential employers.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR