Abinder wanted to use his training to pursue a rewarding career in Canada.

Abinder, 48, had more than 25 years of experience in India as an Electrician and Electrical Engineer. In 2010, he came to British Columbia looking for a better opportunity for himself and his family, but discovered his quali� cations were not recognized in Canada. Fortunately, the Immigrants in Trades Training (IITT) initiative, overseen by the Industry Training Authority (ITA), gave Abinder the tools he needed to become certified and employed with one of the largest companies in B.C.

Abinder found a path to success

Abinder Sharma, from India, Construction Manager, BC Hydro Bill Hanson, Engineering Team Lead, BC Hydro

ITA IMMIGRANTS IN TRADES TRAINING INITIATIVE

At age 48, Abinder is working on projects he never thought possible.Abinder had spent the majority of his life working as an Electrician and Electrical Engineer in India. In 2010, he moved to British Columbia with his wife and two daughters to pursue better opportunities for his family.

However, Abinder was concerned that di� erences in his certi� cation, his culture and his age would stop him from doing the type of skilled work in Canada he had done as an Electrical Engineer in India.

Determined to succeed in his � eld, Abinder connected with DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society and learned about the Immigrants in Trades Training program. After enrolling in the program, Abinder’s DIVERSEcity career counsellor encouraged him to challenge the Red Seal Electrician’s exam and become certi� ed in Canada.

With the help of the ITA Immigrants in Trades Training initiative, Abinder received personalized support, mentorship and � nancial assistance to pay for the courses he needed in order to learn about the Canadian Electrical Code and challenge the Red Seal.

In early 2011, Abinder challenged the Red Seal exam and passed. As a Red Seal certi� ed Electrician, he was able to secure a full-time position as a Construction Manager with BC Hydro at their Mica Generating Station.

Bill Hanson, Engineering Team Lead with BC Hydro, is happy Abinder challenged the Red Seal. “When we met Abinder, it was obvious he was the most quali� ed person for the job,” says Bill. “He had an excellent background and with his certi� cation, brought all the technical skills we needed.”

For Bill, it’s a looming shortage of skilled employees that both worries him and reinforces the value of hiring a skilled immigrant.

“We are already seeing the e� ects of a skilled labour shortage in B.C.,” he says. “So it makes sense to hire a skilled immigrant who already has work experience, and just needs Canadian certi� cation. The Immigrants in Trades Training initiative ensures we have the work-ready tradespeople we need.”

Abinder believes that within � ve years, his career in Canada will be comparable to where it had been in India.

His advice for anyone thinking of entering the skilled trades is to always continue honing your skills. “Once an employer recognizes your skills, they recognize your value. Be focused, make goals and work towards them. That’s the only way to succeed.”

Find out moreThe ITA Immigrants in Trades Training initiative is connecting skilled immigrants of all levels and backgrounds to funded trades training opportunities.

Learn how apprenticeship can work for you or your business. Visit www.IITTapprentices.ca or call 1-866-660-6011.

You can also email immigrantsintrades@itabc.ca for additional information on opportunities for immigrants.

The ITA Immigrants in Trades Training initiative

“It was a tough decision to come to Canada and start over again. The Immigrants in Trades Training initiative helped me get my previous work experience recognized. Now I’m working at a level similar to where I was in India.”

About the Industry Training Authority The Industry Training Authority (ITA) helps people in B.C. reach their full potential by supporting training in the trades. ITA is a provincial crown agency that manages B.C.’s trades training system, working collaboratively with industry, training providers, career counselors, labour unions, government and others.

ITA has made a special commitment through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement funding to support Aboriginal people, women and immigrants in � nding career opportunities in the trades.

The ITA Immigrants in Trades Training initiative currently involves three projects operated by partner organizations, and is part of a long-term strategy to match immigrants’ skills to the needs of B.C.’s workplace.