March 26, 2025 Leave a Comment

Encouraging Newcomer Women in Trades Pursue Their Goals

Michelle, an experienced Industrial Electrician from Cameroon, is on the path to becoming a licensed 442A Industrial Electrician in Ontario.

With over eight years of experience in power generation, Michelle worked at a heavy fuel thermal power plant in Douala, where she was the only woman on the team. Working in a male-dominated field came with challenges, but Michelle proved her skills and determination, earning respect through her hard work and technical expertise.

When she arrived in Ontario, Michelle faced a new challenge — understanding how to get licensed and continue her career. Unfamiliar with the process, she didn’t know where to begin until a friend referred her to JVS Toronto’s START program, funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). Through START, Michelle received personalized support, technical training, and financial assistance for her Trade Equivalency Assessment, licensing fees, and tools.

A highlight for Michelle was the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) training, which provided valuable upskilling opportunity relevant to industrial electrical work. Michelle shared that programs like START are critical for newcomers in skilled trades, who often face additional barriers in entering and advancing in the industry. She now feels confident and prepared, with the skills and tools needed to succeed.

Currently preparing for the Red Seal Electrician Exam, Michelle is close to becoming licensed in Ontario and encourages other women in trades to pursue their goals, saying:

If a woman decides and works hard, she can achieve anything.

Michelle highly recommends JVS Toronto’s START program to all newcomers in skilled trades:

Thanks to the START program at JVS Toronto, my dream of continuing my electrical career in Canada is becoming a reality.

November 18, 2019 1 Comment

Myth busters: Is Canadian work experience necessary to find meaningful employment?

Two colleagues discussing presentation on computer at office

The lack of Canadian experience is one of the most common obstacles for newcomers as they pursue meaningful work in their new country. Many report that they continue to face this challenge even after two or more years of living in Canada. But, what does “lack of Canadian work experience” actually mean?

In this webinar:

Our panel of industry experts advise participants on job search strategies and discuss keys questions such as:

Do Canadian employers hire job seekers who are the right fit for the role regardless of the fact that they are newcomers?
Can survival jobs count as Canadian work experience?
Where does the law stand when it comes to employers asking about Canadian work experience?
How can internationally trained professionals demonstrate to Canadian employers that they have what it takes to fit in Canadian workplaces?

[Read more…]

October 15, 2018 4 Comments

How do I deal with the lack of Canadian work experience during a job interview?

The lack of Canadian experience is the most commonly identified barrier identified by newcomers as they pursue meaningful work in their new country; many report that they continue to face this challenge even after two or more years of living in Canada. In response to complaints about these demands from job seekers, in 2013 the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) added requirements for Canadian experience to the Ontario Human Rights Code as a discriminatory practice. The Code covers a range of hiring practices, including asking about race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability.

The Commission require employers to make hiring decisions without violating the Ontario Human Rights Code. In their publication, Human Rights at Work , under Interviewing and Making Hiring Decisions the OHRC details what employers should avoid asking; this includes questions based on:

Presence or absence of Canadian experience
Landed immigrant status, permanent residency, naturalization or refugee status
Place of birth
Affiliation with a particular “community” or where the applicant “comes from”
Membership in organizations such as cultural or ethnic associations
Name and/or the applicant’s appearance
Name and location of schools attended

What should I do if asked a question that is discriminatory in nature?

Job seekers facing this question in an interview can consider these options:

Answer the question – Weigh the pros and cons of this approach and the risk of it affecting your chances of being hired. It is your right to disclose whatever information you want to the employer.
Refuse to answer – This option could create tension between you and the interviewer. Decide if this is an important principle to you. If so, would you want to work for an employer that asks such questions?
Inform the interviewer that the question they asked does not comply with the Ontario Human Rights Code – The interviewer may not be aware of this fact, have improperly phrased their question, or are concerned about your availability or ability to do the job.

Keep in mind that how you answer a question will make a big difference to the employer’s decision to keep the interview going. Using the right tone of voice and phrasing can also keep the interview moving in a positive direction.

Start by giving the employer the “benefit of the doubt” and they didn’t realize that their question could be perceived as discrimination. Try something like : “You might not know this, but that question violates the Ontario Human Rights Code. I am sure you’ will understand if I prefer not to answer it. I can assure you, though, that my (health/family situation/life circumstances) will not impact on my ability to do the job. You are welcome to speak to my references who can speak to my high work ethic and dedication.”

When the lack of Canadian work experience comes up in the interview, consider:

Preparing for the interview by researching this type of position in Canada and local industry terms, acronyms and related protocols that are typically used. Use these terms during the interview.
Reassuring employers that you have the skills and abilities described in the job posting. Offer examples of how you’ve used such skills in past positions.
Ask the employer about the kind of experience they are looking and describe job tasks that you have that address demonstrate this experience.
Show an openness and willingness to learn for any areas where you have limited experience.

As a job seeker, know your rights that are outlined in the Ontario Human Rights Code, understand the role of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, and what to do if you believe your rights have been violated.

Need more help?

JVS Toronto provides specific employment programs for immigrants and newcomers to Canada to help them navigate the challenges and be successful at securing a job. Find out more: Newcomer Services – Prior to Arriving in Canada

Newcomer Services – after arriving in Canada.

May 30, 2016 Leave a Comment

Guidelines for Employers to Facilitate a Successful, Effective and Meaningful Unpaid Coop Placement / Internship

As a job developer/job coach over the past five years with JVS Toronto’s newcomer employment program, I have placed over 200 internationally trained professionals in our 2 month unpaid coop placement program. Based on my observations and experience, I have identified the following seven criteria for employers to create a successful internship program that align with Nathan Parcelis’ (June 2014) insightful article on Seven Habits of Highly Effective Intern Programs:

[Read more…]

June 29, 2015 Leave a Comment

Ask the Employment Specialist: Education is not enough to get you a job

Dear Joanna,

I’m new to Canada. I’m an internationally educated professional, with over 10 years’ experience in business and have started to look for work. I am highly educated with a MBA from my home country as well as a bachelor of commerce. Will my degrees get me a job? Should I go back to school here and earn more degrees?

Signed: Beyond Education (BE)

Dear BE,

Based on the feedback from employers as well as employment counsellors and job developers with whom I work, just because you are educated, doesn’t mean you are qualified for the job. The more intense the competition, the more your actual hands-on experience in the working world is valued. Unless you are focused on finding work in academia, the typical employer wants to hire people who have relevant experience and who can “hit the ground running” with as little learning curve as possible. Also, employers will often prioritize a person they know and like over credentials.

Here is some advice to consider:

1. Be flexible with your career goal.

Don’t be too fixated on landing a job “in your field”, to start. The world is full of possibilities in the business field (marketing, sales, operations, accounting, customer service, finance, to name a few). Research different ways in which you can use all the transferable skills you learned at school.

2. Identify your strengths/aptitudes.

You chose to pursue academia, which implies you that you have an aptitude for researching, analyzing data, critical thinking, writing, interviewing and more. These are essential skills required in hundreds of rewarding (and lucrative) careers. Find out what you are good at and consider finding an opportunity to volunteer in an organization which needs someone with your current skill set. This will help you confirm your strengths, gain experience, keep your resume fresh and keep your skills current, in addition to possibly securing a reference.

3. Continue learning.

You have been a successful student. This is a big accomplishment. Your learning doesn’t stop. It is only the beginning. Continue your education. Think about part-time, online and other options, both at community college and university levels.

4. Manage your expectations.

Research and identify the occupations with the skills shortages (here’s an interesting article). Your university education was never intended to land you a job. It was intended to make you a more complete thinker. It was intended to teach you how to absorb complex information and make reasoned arguments. It was intended to teach you how to learn. Those are skills that you’ll use in any field of work.

5. Build your professional network.

Use social media, especially LinkedIn, to research and connect with people in your field. Learn your business here in Canada. Participate in professional development and training opportunities through your association, volunteering, social media sources, trade shows and alumni groups through your university. Some activities may be at no cost. Your challenge from here on is to find what you’re good at, and keep getting better and better at it. Find a mentoring program for newcomers to connect you with a mentor in your field (JVS Toronto’s TRIEC Mentoring Partnership is an example)

Hope this helps. Welcome to Canada and good luck with building your career in your new home.