Hi all,

Im coming over for our recce trip in May to Toronto. Im an electrical building services designer EG I design and run contracts for design of power, lighting, computers, fire alarms etc in buildings.

I want to look at the job market while im out there but the question is is there anywhere to go to find out what I can do whilst im waiting for my PR to improve my chances?

I also hold an apprenticeship as an electrical fitter (industrial electrician) will that be an easier field to find employment in? as I worked in power stations for 14 years.

If I go to any of the technical recruitment agencies will they basically show me the door and tell me to come back when im a residant? or would the PEO be able to help me.

I dont want to just spend the week up the CN tower looking at the view ha ha!!

As you can tell by all the threads I am posting the nerves are starting to kick in or is it merely the fact that im going to get off my butt and do something with my life!!!

Thanks for any info

If you go through the article on Careers in Canada in the BE Wiki section, follow the instructions, step by step, read the websites to which links have been provided, and follow their instructions, step by step, it will go a long way towards getting you a job in Canada.

But I suggest that you don't try to get ahead of yourself. During a recce trip it is EXTREMELY unlikely that you will receive a job offer. When I say unlikely, I mean I would expect a rocking horse to mess on my living room rug before I would expect you to receive a job offer during a recce trip (given that a prospective employer would know you were not available immediately and given that you are targetting an area of the country in which engineers and electricians are not in super short supply, as they are in Alberta, for instance).

At this point, I think you should be focusing on the fact finding aspects of the job hunting process. The Wiki article provides sources of information from which you can find out who the players in the area are. If I were you I would try to secure some informational interviews during your trip. And please understand that an informational interview is not a job interview. It is just a chance to pick someone's brain over a cup of coffee. Also Canadianize your resume (CV) if you have not already done so.

In addition to that, I'm sure you'll want to look at housing, schools, supermarkets, etc., in the area.

Good luck with your quest.

You will need to be certified to workin the electrical field in canada although being an industrial electrician is a voluntary certifed trade. Although i was told by the ministry of training most employers will want you to be certifed.

I would suggest on your recce trip you goto the ministry of training and find out what you will need, take your CV and you may even be able to take the exam whilst you are there.

I would recommend against going to the toronto offices of the ministry as i have read it is a cattle market. I went to the Barrie branch which is a lot more civilised (approx 1 1/4hrs from toronto).

If you want there details then let me know

Regards

Steve

steve..
can i have there details ..please
hubby is also going on the industrial elec jobs in ontario, done the reccie visit and wow was we impressed with ontario

also try http://www.settlement.org/index.asp
we received alot of help of them and answers alot of questions that we had.
we know that there is demand in other areas, but there is for your field as well in ontario.
good job sites are jobbank.ca and workpolis, both will bring up loads of jobs but getting them is the problem, they do like you to be a resident first!!!!!!!
if you need any help just pm us.....
also are you driving.......h401 is soooooooo different, i refused to drive on it and ley husband do all the driving around toronto!!!!!


gill_andy

oops forgot to add this for you

http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/eng...t/indelec.html

hope the info helps

gill

Hi Gill

Ministry of training
34 simcoe street
Barrie
Ontario
L4N 6T1
705-737-3340

They will assess your qualifications on a Mon, Wed, Fri They will then book an appointment for the Test. which will start at 9am they are open from 8.30am.

Your OH will need to take a letter from his current employer breaking down any experiance he has got ie installing and maintaining domestic lighting circuits etc.

minimise information on supervisory experiance they are more concerned that you are hands on

Hope this helps

Regards


Steve

Ps there is plenty of parking there and they are really helpful

thanks for that, he is a manager at moment, but knows he will have to step down, but as for hands on his still is and comes home black with the oil etc

will he be able to sit the exam before we move there or get a job offer???
i love ontario, anywhere will do, looked at barrie and area so willing to go anywhere apart from main toronto as we have small kids
sorry for all the questions!!!!!


gill

Yep no problem for taking the exam, just make sure you have enough time for the assessment/ exam.

We are move to the wasaga beach/collingwood area hopefully in december, just seems to be taking a long time to get here.

Regards


Steve

Hi all
Just a thought, Take out of it what you will.

I myself was an Electronics engineer in the UK with some Industrial training.
At the beginning of my quest for work in Ontario I was too focused on my earlier discipline, but after many disappointing setbacks I finally decided on a change of direction, accepted a job as a Buyer for a small Tech. company, thought it would do as a "Stop gap" position. But I have progressed with the company and am entirely content with the position. As it it a small company I found that I have found new opportunities and I have become quite happy working there.

The Morale....

Don't be too set on what you think you want.
Take a chance, I found out there are plenty fulfilling opportunities waiting to be filled.

After considering I was prepared to move myself and my family half way around the world for a new better life. The least I could do was give an alternative career some consideration.

Just my two cent worth

The very best of luck


JKM