Henry arrived in Oshawa from Nigeria in 2024 with his wife, bringing over six years of experience as a Construction Electrician. He has a vast experience from initial installations to complex troubleshooting and repairs.

Throughout his career, he developed deep technical knowledge and a strong work ethic. His responsibilities included blueprint and schematic interpretation, installation and maintenance, electrical inspections and testing, and collaboration and supervision. A key part of his role was ensuring that all projects met both client specifications and local building regulations. He consistently followed strict safety guidelines to minimize risks and avoid accidents on job sites.

Unfamiliar with Ontario’s complex licensing process, he initially struggled to navigate the system. He quickly realized that the certification process in Ontario was far more intricate than in Nigeria and found it daunting at first. After visiting several employment agencies, he was referred by the YMCA to JVS Toronto for specialized support in training and licensure for Skilled trades.

At JVS Toronto, Henry enrolled in JVS Toronto’s START program, funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). START gave him access to crucial information about the Trade Equivalency Assessment (TEA). With consistent guidance and support from JVS Toronto’s START program staff, he was able to gather the necessary documentation and confidently submit his TEA application.

The START program staff encouraged Henry to participate in essential training, including Working at Heights, WHMIS, and forklift operation. They also provided personalized support with his job search—helping him refine his resume, develop networking strategies, and strengthen his interview skills.

Following the completion of his forklift certification, Henry successfully secured employment as a forklift technician. He remains extremely grateful to JVS Toronto’s START program for their unwavering support throughout his journey—from navigating the TEA and securing approval to challenge the Certificate of Qualification exam, to ultimately gaining employment in his field. He is now well-prepared to take his licensing exam and continue building his career in Ontario.

JVS Toronto’s START program made the daunting task of the Trade Equivalency Assessment and the Certificate of Qualification seamless and manageable. I thank the government for supporting programs like this, which enable newcomers in skilled trades to get licensed faster.

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.

Henry’s Journey to Certification and Employment in Ontario

Encouraging Newcomer Women in Trades Pursue Their Goals