I am thinking of moving my family over to Canada, and i have a few questions regarding my profession, i am a groundworker here in the uk, i drive plant machinery, e.g. diggers, dumpers, rollers etc and do things such as, roads, patio's driveways etc etc. i need to find out what the Canadian equivelant of this trade are? and whether my CITB qualifacations are valid over there, i have tried on numerous occasions to contact people about this, but apparently there is a huge amount of enquiries from Brits looking to flee old blighty, hopefully someone here is involved in the construction industry and could ask around, i would be more than gratefull.

Steve, you could do worse than call/email these knowledgable guys, although they are BC-specific:

http://www.tradesbc.org/press.html

There are a heap of myths about need for skilled workers, supply'n'demand, what can be earned in Canada, whether certification is possible via transfer or writing exams etc etc. Good luck in navigating the minefield out there you need tenacity, triple checking of information to validate it, a few "insiders" over here who have been through same process, and to seek out an employer who will hire foreign trained workers required luck as well as tenacity.....employers and associations make lots of noise and chain-rattling as do the media, but mostly hot air and hype.... action is minimal.

Rich.

I have heard that there are lots of opportunities for heavy machine operators but you do have to go direct to employer to see if they will sponsor you on work permit and you may have to do some transfer of qualification type tests.

I only know this cos my friend works in the oil field and has told me on many an occasion how much they need people - prob best bet from what I can understand may be diggers...

Good luck