Hi

About to write up resume for OH to send off to potential employers in NS. The thing is what do we put down as an equivalent to NVQ Level 3? I have looked in Wiki but it just says there is no Canadian equivalent. However we need to let companies know he is qualified and time served so what do we put??
Also is it possible to take the Red Seal exam before going to Canada or do you have to be resident there? Have any other carpenters/formworkers found the Red Seal essential to find work?

Any advice gratefully received!

Hi.

I am a carpenter and will be starting a job in Calgary as soon as my TWP arrives.

For qualifications I put on my resume Scotvec NVQ Carpentry & Joinery, the college attended and dates, the dates and company with whom I served my apprenticeship with, the trade body who issued my apprenticeship papers and also the various health and safety certificates I have obtained. The company never mentioned needing the Red Seal qualification. They were more intrested in the practical experience I had, and never really asked any details on certificates I had. Maybe they will ask for them when I arrive, but they offered me the job anyway!

Good luck.

Thanks for your help and good luck with your new job!

http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/ShowJob_en....rce=JobPosting

http://www.careerbeacon.com/search/e...3/MB0804034848

Unless you're wishing to do Union work, qualifications really don't matter. I have been in the residentual building trade in Canada for 15 years and I've never seen someone apply for a job with a CV. The amount of times I have and witnessed people walking onto job sites and just asking for work usually pays off. It goes something like this:

You go onto a job site and see 4 guys framing a house:

You: "Hey mates, you looking for an extra framer?"

Workers: "We're not, but call Bob at 614-$%$-6754"

You call Bob

Hey Bob, I just got your number from some lads framing a house, you need an extra man?

Bob: "Yeah, go over to such and such a street and seen John".

John gives you a house to help frame. Pay is on Friday.

Hi CHM8318

Thanks for that. Sounds much the same like the UK!

Need to get some resumes sent out though before we go on a recce to see what feedback we get. OH has every intention of turning up on sites when we get there.
Thanks again

Hi,

Just like to add while the process for obtaining work as CH8318 describes is the same as the UK, until you get permanent residence it won't be as simple as that to start work,(unless its for black money) you will still require an LMO to apply for a temporary work permit.
I have to send my resume, police checks, letter of job offer and LMO ( when I get it) off with my TWP application. As far as I am aware, when I land I will also have to produce these documents at Immigration.

Hi Undutchable

Yes I agree with you. Perhaps I was a little unclear on my last post. When I said "he will turn up" I meant to get a job the proper way. I was just implying about companies preferring to see a potential employee face to face.

We will be going down the TWP route. Don't want to jeopardise anything by doing things underhand!

Regards