| Immigrants are choosing to enter the trades because there are more and more opportunities, and because there is support available to help them train and find work. B.C.’s need for skilled tradespeople is increasing rapidly, and the province is willing to invest in immigrants who can learn the skills needed by today’s workplace.
The work is challenging, fulfilling and well-paid. In fact, tradespeople report high levels of satisfaction in their work, and on average, they earn double the wage of someone who works in retail.
Meet Alfred, Francisco and Jatinder, three immigrants who trained for a trades career through the ITA Immigrants in Trades Training initiative. Each one has a different background and faced different challenges in pursuing a new career in the trades. But each one has found success and satisfaction as a tradesperson in British Columbia.
 Meet Alfred, 50. After working in the printing trade for more than 15 years, Alfred needed to train for a new career. With help from the initiative, he is now working for one of Vancouver’s top roofing companies.
 Meet Francisco, 26. Although he had 10 years of carpentry experience in Nicaragua, Francisco couldn’t find work as a carpenter in B.C. The initiative helped him improve his English skills and establish the credentials he needed to find an apprenticeship position.
 Meet Jatinder, 28. With poor English skills and no connections, Jatinder couldn’t find work that paid well in B.C., even with a university degree. The nitiative helped him to train for a new career as an electrician.
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