Ok so I've been here a month in Vancouver and still haven't found any work as a sparks which is not really surprising considering the time of year.
Does anyone know of any short term work, or places to get it? Any inside pointers in the right direction nudge nudge wink wink say no more?
Any ideas?

Bozo

I don't know of anything in the way of availible work, but a friend who came over about a year ago is a qualified and experienced electrician, and it took him about 7 months to find something in his field.

There should be work around downtown, especially in the service industry at the moment though.

Well thanks for being frank Mattie, but now I'm really scared!!

Sorry! If its any consolation, he came over around Christmas time last year, and had the same sort of job after getting here (working in a coffee bar/resturant), and did some olympics work, so I don't think he was busting his gut to find sparky work for a while (I think the end of his years visa pushed him into finding something that could keep him here a bit quicker!).

Good luck

I'm sure you have already checked, but just in case you haven't take a look at JobBank - there were 16 electrician jobs available in the Vancouver area.

Also, simply hired has a few.

Do you have your Red Seal?

I know what you mean though... I have been applying for jobs for 9 months now (in Admin/Clerical) and not even had so much as a call back... sigh.

I hope you find something soon.

Thanks Siouxsie,

No red seal no. looking for my first Canadian job.
Qualified up the wazoo in the UK but here I'm an unknown quantity!
I'll check those leads.
Hope you find something good soon!

Feel slightly reassured now Matt!

Bozo

I wonder if that could be why you are having problems getting a job as an electrician. Electricians are one of the trades that are regulated (I believe) in BC - see: http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca/rep...play=regulated (lots of good info on this website).

Other useful ones.. http://www.credentials.gc.ca/immigra...nstruction.asp

Foreign credentials: http://www.bcit.ca/ices/

Hopefully that will give you the answer!

Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Hi Bozo, Cant help on the job front, but wanted to let you know, we were in the same postion as you, we arrived in Vancouver on 25th Nov 09 with savings and the plan was to get jobs straight away. We had applied for sooo many jobs from UK and then spent weeks doing the same when we got here. We didn't really hear any responses to our applications until after xmas. In the end we both had interviews and accepted job offers and started work in mid Jan.
When speaking with people after, they did say that November/December is probably not the best time to apply for jobs as most companies did xmas hiring in September/October.
So don't be disheartned you will probably get a ton of call backs in Janurary like we did. Try looking to see if there is an agency for the type of work you do, might be able to get some contracts depending on your visa/experience?. I'd just keep looking and applying, something will come up soon!
Good luck!

I agree with souxie aout the regulatory thing - maybe it may be easier to find work as an apprentice? That way you don't need your Canadian certification

Yes, I've been applying for apprentice jobs mostly!
Thanks for the advice peoples. Reassuring indeed.

Bozo

Why not go around to the new housing developments that are going up and see if the contractor will put you in touch with his sparky subbies. They are always running behind on one thing or another (not neccesarily their fault) so may well welcome an extra hand even if it's just casual (and no i'm not suggesting you work cash in hand!)

have you looked into joining the union they seem to be strong here in Cape Breton.

Just found these - don't know if you have already applied but thought I would post them!

http://vancouver.ca/engsvcs/jobs/tra...pr_electrician


http://www.workopolis.com/EN/job/118...ampaign=Indeed

http://www.jobisjob.ca/vancouver/app...ectrician/jobs

Thanks siouxsie, and moo.
Tried the union, you need your red seal according to one I spoke to ITW.

Bozo