hockeymonkey85

Hi,

I am currently working as a firefighter and have been thinking about training as an electrician or as a plumber for my days off.

I have planning to go to my local college open day on the 10th Aug and get futher advice regarding courses and my suitability.

I'll be completely honest, I want to learn one of these trades in particular because as I understand it with 1 years FTE experience i will have an occupation on the fsw list and not require an employer to sponsor me.

This is just about getting PR, I do have a genuine interest in the construction industry and see it as great way to spend my 4 days off and earn a bit of cash on the side.

I understand an apprentice wage is peanuts but that really doesn't bother me as it will keep me busy while friends are at work and some extra cash for beer!

I am have looked into the TV adverts/scams and paying £6000+ just doesn't do it for me, I am hoping a I can squeeze in a part time course around my shifts.



So my question's are:

Do you have to be fully qualified before applying for PR under either of these occupations?

If I apply under FSW do i have to prove I can complete the RED SEAL Program?

What qualifications are essential before I can start work as an electrician or plumber apprentice/helper, and would that time count towards my 1 Full Time Equivelent year?


Which occupation is most likely to take on a young lad for 4 days out of 8, and does anyone have any contacts or suggestions for me to gain employment.


Thankyou,

Phil

linz3112

Hi Phil,

Sorry it has taken so long for you to get a reply.....

To gain PR - You must be fully qualified as a Plumber and have the equivalent of 1 years work experience. This is on top of the time it took you to gain your apprenticeship. It took my OH just under 2 years to complete the Level 2 training on a day release program from his employer.

Once you have PR and are in Canada, things become quite complicated and to sit the Red Seal Exam you must prove 9,000 hours of work experience, again this is on top of the 2 years spent on your apprenticeship. Therefore, it can effectively take around 8 years for you to become qualified and able to work over there.

You cannot apply for PR whilst still training. They will ask for copies of your certificates to etc to prove you are qualified to do the job. You also have to prove the amount of time you have worked in this job by providing Contracts, reference letters from your employer etc.

Please also bear in mind that the list has recently changed after only a year and is likely to change again before you are qualified. This means that the occupation of Plumber may be removed! Is this does happen, you will need to have a government approved job offer.

Sorry, it isn't better news!

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask!

HTH

PS: I would also recommend that you read through the WIKI at the top of the page so you can get a better idea of the requirements you must meet to apply for FSW visa, alternatively go here www.cic.gc.ca

linz3112

I have just read some of your other posts and it seems i was too late with a reply! lol

Hope you have found out the all the info you needed.

hockeymonkey85

thankyou for your replies,

i think the best thing i can do is stop looking for loopholes and shortcuts and just plan a goan exciting 1 year bunac, after all 1 year is better than nothing!

Thanks again!