Work in Canada

Canada has a diverse economy and a high standard of living so it's no surprise that
graduates are attracted to the country when starting their careers
While seasonal jobs are plentiful in the tourism and hospitality sectors, to find a
permanent, full-time job you may have more success if you stick to the metropolitan
cities such as Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
In your free time you'll be able to take advantage of the country's beautiful scenery, from
the mountains of British Columbia to the lakes of Ontario and not forgetting Niagara
Falls on the boarder of Ontario and New York.

Job market in Canada

Canada is one of the richest nations in the world due in part to the country's on-going
trade agreements with the USA and Mexico.
Major industries in Canada include:

manufacturing including aerospace technology, cars, clothing, food and paper

and wood products;

service industries such as banking, construction, education, healthcare, retail,

transport and tourism;

natural resources like agriculture, forestry, energy and mining.

Unsurprisingly Canada is the world's largest producer of maple syrup, with the majority
of the world's supply being produced in Quebec.
While foreign workers are actively sought to grow the national workforce, the graduate
labour market remains competitive so to ensure success in your job search you'll need
to make sure that you have the right combination of skills and experience.
According to the Labour Force Survey July 2015, by Statistics Canada, the overall
unemployment rate stands at 6.8%. Employment in Quebec and Nova Scotia has risen
compared with the previous 12 months, while in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Prince
Edward Island employment has declined. Employment in Ontario remains largely
unchanged.

Thriving metropolitan areas in the country include:

Calgary;

Edmonton;

Montreal;

Ottawa;

Toronto.

The survey showed an increase of workers in the professional, scientific and technical
services and public administration while it reported a decrease in insurance and finance.

Job vacancies
Jobs are advertised online and in newspapers. Networking is also a useful way to find
out about vacancies in Canada.
Start your Canadian job search at:

Canadajobs.com

Eluta.ca

Jobs - Canada

Monster - Canada

Workopolis

Working in Canada - Job Search

Teaching in Canada
If you're proficient in English, have a degree and some practical teaching experience
you could teach English as a second language.

As English is one of Canada's official languages demand for English teachers is

relatively low, however, there are jobs available but expect competition for positions to
be fierce.
A useful network for this kind of work is the TESL Canada Federation. There are also
opportunities with i-to-i teach English in Canada.

Internships and work experience in Canada

Completing an internship or work placement can be an excellent way to find a
permanent role and prove your skills to potential employers. To qualify for work
experience you will need to secure the relevant work permit and visa (see Canadian
visas and immigration).
When searching for an internship helpful websites include:

AIESEC UK - an organisation present in 110 countries, including Canada. Take

part in its GoGlobal programme for placements between six to 18 months in
sectors such as finance, IT, marketing and teaching;

BUNAC's Work Canada - aimed at British passport holders aged 18 to 30. You
can work in Canada for up to two years.

International companies may also offer internships, check the websites of organisations
that you'd like to work for.

Volunteering in Canada
Opportunities are available in Canada but if you're heading over to the country to give
your time to a cause you'll need to make sure you have the appropriate visa.
The national body for volunteering is Volunteer Canada, where you can search for
projects and learn about the importance of volunteering.

Language requirements
Canada is a bilingual country with two official languages (English and French) and while
knowledge of both languages isn't essential, it will certainly give you an edge in your job
search.
While French is more widely spoken in the Quebec province, you can still expect to hear
both languages on a regular basis no matter where you live or work.

Certain employers may require you to prove your proficiency in either English or French
depending on the job you've applied for.

Canadian visas and immigration

British citizens do not need a visa to enter Canada but must obtain Electronic Travel
Authorisation (eTA) to travel to Canada by air.
If you wish to work in the country you will need the correct work permit. Although in
some cases it is possible to apply for a work permit after you arrive in Canada, it is
strongly advised that you do so before you leave your home country.
If you plan to work in Canada for a maximum of four years you can apply for a
temporary work permit. You'll usually need a written job offer or contract from your
employer, as well as evidence that you meet the requirements of the job.
If you intend to work in Canada for more than four years you'll need to get permanent
residency. If this is the case there are different immigration programmes you can apply
to. To qualify for permanent residency you must meet certain criteria based on:

age;

nationality;

education;

language ability;

arranged employment;

income/net worth;

work experience.

Rules can change without warning so check with your local Canadian embassy to find
out more.
For more information on visas and work permits see the Government of Canada - Work
in Canada.

How to explain your UK qualifications to employers

Your qualifications will usually be well recognised by employers as the structure of

higher education in Canada closely resembles that in the UK. However, check your
qualifications with potential employers before applying.
If your chosen job is regulated you will need to get your qualifications assessed by the
provincial or territorial regulatory authority, if your job isn't regulated recognition of
qualifications is usually at the discretion of the employer.
For more information see the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.

Working conditions
Standard hours of work are eight a day or 40 a week, Monday to Friday. The maximum
amount of hours you can work in a week is usually 48.
After completing one year of employment you are entitled to a minimum of two weeks
annual leave and nine paid 'general holidays' including:

New Years day;

Good Friday;

Victoria day;

Canada day;

Labour day;

Thanksgiving;

Remembrance day;

Christmas day;

Boxing day.

Minimum wages are set by each province or territory. For more information on working
conditions see the Government of Canada - Federal Labour Standards.