Can i just ask.. for those with degrees or qualifications which are pretty much worthless when you reach Canadian Shores, given the choice, which career have you decided to re-train in?

Are there professions, or jobs which are in demand, and which at least have a realistic salary?

The reason I ask, is that I can safely assume that whilst my construction qualifications are in demand in the UK, I will have to requalify in a related field in order to stand a resonable chance of making a living.

May I also ask, if anyone decided to start their own business in the retail sector, and if so, what difficulties they faced, or what factors dissuaded them from establishing their own business?

Many thanks for those who share your wisdom.

i dont think you should have too much trouble with a trade such as construction.. depends on the area you want to emigrate to. i know calgary has a high demand for builders, but im not sure about other cities/provinces

if i had a choice, id retrain as an electrician or builder

We are having an incredible building boom in BC, especially on Vancouver Island. The construction industry is 'begging" for qualified people to keep up with the demand for homes.

I for one am desperate to find a handyperson at this point in time!

Thanks Guys, my qualification is in Building Surveying, but unfortunately there is no corresponding professional in Canada. Ray1968 has given me some excellent advice previously, regarding the option of setting up my own construction and home maintenance company.

One of my thoughts was to link with other British Tradespersons who were also starting out on their own, and taking things from there. Another option was to open up a hardware business, and even at one time, retrain as a HGV driver!

Difficult, but I don't expect to be able to follow a career in Canada , but It will be worth the sacrifice in order for my children to qualify and be able to follow their chosen careers. (My sons aged 10, 12, and 15 want to train as Mountaineer, Law, and Medicine, respectively (well he still 10 Lol! )

I have to admit that I greatly admire your chosen profession Wilmore, ultimately, money whilst important takes second place to long term job enjoyment and satisfaction.

Thanks again.

Lol! Funnily enough, one of the places I selected to live in was Guelph! Tell me a little about the place please. I'll pop round and carry out some works for a cup of chah!

don't think all qualifications are worthless... i'm only here in montreal due to my qualifications! although admittedly, its a bit higher than a degree.

Building Suevyor.....won't that be like a building inspector over here? To be honest with you, most of those little construction and maintenance guys have not really got a good reputation at the moment, Mike Holmes ( on HGTV ), puts most of those guys to shame on his show with the dodgy work they are doing.

Hardware business? Most people prefer to just go to HOME DEPOT, RONA, HOME HADWARE, to get their stuff, so there is already big competition there.