Education/training | Making Connections | Personal Advancement | Self-employment | Career Options

Education/training

Immigrants gain valuable work experience

Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Adult Learning Centre provides recent immigrants to Canada the courses and work experience necessary for career success.

ARLENE GERBASI

[ 2002-05-01 ]

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"Most of our students are over 21 years of age and have worked in their chosen profession in their homeland," says John Shouldice, co-op teacher at Burnhamthorpe Collegiate. "We offer courses, such as ESL (English as a second language) that run two and a half hours daily, over 36 days."

Each course completed equates to one high school credit. Students have the option of either attending a morning or afternoon class, affording the flexibility required for work or study commitments.

In order to participate in the co-op program, students must be firmly focused on their career goals and take at least one course related to their field.

"The co-op program provides the student the opportunity to gain the work experience employers are looking for," Shouldice says. "Students are able to update their resumes to reflect their current work experience in Canada.

We've placed individuals in a variety of areas: the accounting field, civil, mechanical, and geotechnical engineers."

As a co-op teacher, Shouldice is required to locate suitable placements for his students. The program relies heavily on the participation of local business owners. Upon completion of the program, students have the option of taking additional courses to gain further credits.

David Moonilal, a student involved in the co-op program, arrived in Canada from Trinidad three years ago. Currently working toward his millwright license, Moonilal took several courses in Trinidad as well as an 18-month industrial maintenance mechanics course at Humber College when he first arrived in Canada.

"My certificate from Humber was enough to get me an interview, but it wasn't enough to get me the job. Employers are looking for experience," Moonilal says.

The Burnhamthorpe co-op program provided Moonilal the opportunity to gain the hands-on experience required to land a full-time job.

As a millwright apprentice at Schukra, a manufacturer of metal lumbar supports for the automotive industry, Moonilal worked alongside licensed industrial maintenance mechanics, maintaining and repairing power transmissions, and pneumatic and hydraulic factory equipment.

Knowledge is required in electrical systems, welding and keeping abreast of the ever changing demands of the industry.

"All the mechanics I've worked with have been wonderful. They never hesitated to answer any questions I had or to show me the necessary steps to repairing machinery," Moonilal says.

"David was a pleasure to work with. He was very eager to learn and showed great interest and initiative during his placement with us," says Connie Augello, head of human resources at Schukra. "We've supported apprenticeship placements in the past and will continue to do so in the future."

As part of the program, Moonilal was responsible for submitting a monthly report detailing his weekly activities at the job site. In order to hone his job search skills, he participated in a variety of courses, learning how to create an effective covering letter and resume, and how to dress and conduct himself appropriately in an interview.

He also took part in a staged interview, addressing those questions a potential employer in the field would be asking.

"I'm in the process of accumulating the 8,000 hours required to write the exam for my millwright license. I currently have 3,000 hours logged. I really enjoy this line of work," Moonilal says.

"My brother was a millwright in Trinidad and I've always enjoyed working with my hands. The co-op placement has exposed me to the specific job itself and I've been able to gain valuable work experience."

Moonilal's two-month placement with Schukra ended April 25. He was successful in achieving his goal, gaining the work experience required, and now holds a full-time position as a millwright apprentice.

Education requirements

Students must complete a minimum of three in-school credits per year.

Schools are required to monitor the program offered in the workplace to ensure it meets secondary school credit requirements.

To receive their high school diploma, students must still complete all compulsory credits.

Apprenticeship requirements

Students must be placed with a qualified employer.

Students must follow an on-the-job training program based on the specific standards for the trade. They may also receive related theoretical instruction.