iammikec

Hi

I am looking for some honest advice and opinions about my chances of finding work in Canada.

I am 34 and live in the UK with my wife and 3 children.

We have family in the Fraser Valley area and that is where we would love to live - this gives me an employment range from Abbotsford through to Vancouver.

I have spent 5 years working as an Operations Manager for an online retailer, specialising in E-Commerce Management (SEO, PPC, eBay, Amazon etc). Prior to this I worked for a number of years in customer services and sales management positions.

I didn't go to university but do have qualifications from further education in mechanical engineering and welding & fabrication - this is from 15 years ago and not an area that I am looking to move back in to!

So my first real question is this, does anyone have any experience of my current line of work in or around the Vancouver area and, if so, is this a skill set that would be in demand and, more importantly, in short supply?

I have responded to a number of adverts on WorkBC but have yet to receive a single reply. I have read enough forums to recognise that this is fairly common place, so I would be interested to hear if there is anyone on here that was able to find a job when applying from abroad?

Thanks

Mike

J-A-UK

I think this subject has been covered many times - I will always respond the same.

There is plenty of work in Canada - Why are you looking at the career path you are leaving behind? I bet you are hoping to move into the same earnings bracket..... That's the downfall in my opinion!

Arrive - Apply for anything and everything - Go to work and earn minimum wage and now look to improve things.

I would have had no inkling of ending up where I have - Minimum wage entry level in June 2008 to Regional Manager of a totally foreign (to me) business in Jan 2012

good Luck

R I C H

I've spent 15+ years working in digital marketing delivery environments, client and agency side. Here, I've employed services such as yours directly and via agencies.

I think the likelihood of securing a job from the UK in that area of work is unlikely - you've not enough experience or seniority to differentiate yourself from candidates already in-situ.

Vancouver has a healthy number of digital media agencies and businesses that employ your skills. There's also a healthy competition for those jobs. You'll need to be here networking, making your name and face known to stand any sort of chance.

Rockyhill

Welcome to the site.

You may wish to consider your welding skills as Canada is about to have a significant shortage in this area. I think both coasts will be desperate for welders in the near future with the new ship building program for the Navy and there is lots of discussions on the oil pipelines.
It is not my expertise but you only have to read the news and apply a bit of thinking around what is happening in Canada.
Good Luck

iammikec

J-AUK, thanks for your reply. I realise that is a bit of a cliché, but we have fallen in love with Canada after many family visits. The UK is not a great place to be at the moment and we see a better future for our family in Canada.

I have looked at this area of work because I have been doing it for so long - I am not setting my expectations too high in terms of salary / benefits and I am thinking purely from the experience standpoint.

I have worked my way up in every job that I have ever had, so would have no problem doing it again - I really appreciate you commenting so thank you for that.

R I C H, thank you also for your comments. The one thing that I do appreciate on this forum is the honesty of its users and that is why I have asked the question.

I have realised quite quickly that applying from here in the UK is going to be problematic and completely agree that being in Canada first would make it a lot easier to make the connections that often lead to employment opportunities.

However, saying that, the healthy competition that you mention would obviously be a very real barrier to any positive lmo being received.

iammikec

Hi Rockyhill, to be completely honest , I never really enjoyed welding and only followed that career path because my father had been involved in that particular industry and I didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life at 16! Thanks.

mandymoochops

Don't think for one minute that Canada is like the UK.

Aviator

However, if that is a way in (maybe only), is it better than staying where you are?

What one is prepared to do is often an indicator of how motivated they are to immigrate.

ookie123

There is a demand for welders in Alberta. I think you would stand a better chance in perusing this line of work and IMO consider you are more likely to get an LMO and TWP if you do. Not your preferred location or job but how much do you want the move? I have family in BC but my job offer was in Alberta so here I am!

andybwfc

Hi I'm new to the forum, but just thought I'd add I'm going out to Edmonton in 3 days on an LMO permit employed as a structural steel fitter/welder and to be honest it was an easy process that's took about 3/4 months to complete.
I know this isn't your preferred option but might be a easier way to get to Canada for a couple of years before trying something as the jobs seem plentiful.
Only thing would be lack of recent experience could possibly go against you.

iammikec

Hi mandymoochops, I am not quite sure how to read your comment?

Are you saying that it is harder to progress within a Canadian company than it is in a UK company?

With regards to that part of my previous reply, I was only saying that coming to Canada is my goal and that starting again with an entry level position would not be an issue.

iammikec

I completely get what you are saying and I am definitely prepared to work outside of my comfort zone, but welding is something that I did a lifetime ago and I do believe that my lack of recent experience would be a stumbling block.

The time taken to refresh my knowledge and obtain up to date work experience would probably be better served obtaining professional qualifications linked to my work experience of that last 15 years.

midnight007

It is easier to find work if you have a really solid network of people around you (such as family etc) that can help you find something...
I am a teacher, and unfortunately for us, have not been successful in finding any type of job over here (Ontario) so after a year and a bit, we have sold our house, and are moving back to the UK. We fell into the trap of listening to people say "ooh you'll be snapped up" etc. by family and friends of my wife, and it was not the case at all. I have had no interviews since being over here, have gone to extensive lengths to find work outside of teaching (data analysis, business admin etc) and have been completely unsuccessful.
Not to put you off, as it may be different out west, but I would absolutely think about this ahead of time.

JamesM

I will re-iterate what Rich has said which I think is good frank advice.

Networking is everything. Focus on a foot in the door and then network like hell if you do come over.

The digital space is a highly fluffy industry in my opinion with lots of people claiming expertise. Canada actually lags the UK in terms of demonstrated digital expertise but people will hire others over you based on items such as they have canadian contacts, canadian experience and old boy networks.

JamesM

Sorry to hear.

There is no shortage of teachers in Ontario and I know several qualified teachers who grew up in Canada who have abandoned their profession because they couldn't find work.

Good luck with the move back.