International Automotive Technicians
Trained and Ready to Work?
Nova Scotia automotive service and repair employers are experiencing a critical shortage of experienced mechanical and collision technicians. If you hold equivalent workplace and education automotive skills from your home country, we can help you acquire Canadian employment.
The Automotive Immigration Pathway is a 10-step process to help you establish a career in the service and repair industry.
Step 1 –Meet with the Automotive Human Resource Sector Council.
Call the Automotive Human Resource Sector Council today—and increase your chances of getting the job that’s right for you. We know where opportunities are in the automotive industry. We also know how hard it can be for a newcomer to find a job. Pick up the phone and call—we’re here to help you. Refer to the Resource Section for contact information.
Step 2 – Contact Immigrant Settlement & Integration Services (ISIS)
ISIS recognizes the essential role of immigrants in Canadian society
and works with newcomers to help them build a future in Canada. Using
a client-centred approach, ISIS provides a wide range of services to
immigrants, from refugee resettlement to professional bridging
programs, from family counseling to English in the Workplace. Refer to the Resource Section for contact information.
Step 3 – Foreign Credential Assessment
You will be required to have an assessment of your workplace and post-secondary automotive education completed. The NS Apprenticeship Training Division review your international experience with the Canadian Apprenticeship training and certification standards. Refer to the Resource Section for contact information.
Step 4 – Automotive Occupational Profile
Would you like help matching your skills with a job? Call the Automotive Human Resource Sector Council. We provide a service that can increase your chances of getting the job that’s right for you. For a minimal cost, you’ll receive a personal automotive profile that will help you determine the best career match.
Step 5 – Safety Training
Job safety is essential in the automotive industry. You are required to have certification in Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS), Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and St. John Ambulance First Aid/CPR. For information, or to register for safety training, please click on the safety tab, in the upper right menu.
Step 6 – Learn Automotive English Terminology
Want to know the English words and terms of the automotive trade? Translation websites can help you understand automotive terminology. The following are a number of free online translators. Remember, it’s a good idea to know the words and terms of your business before looking for work.
Step 7 – Industry Workplace Skills Assessment
How are your technical skills? You may need to have them checked by an employer before entering the workforce. A review of your skills is very important in the hiring process. It will help employers and the Apprenticeship Training and Skill Development Division fit you into the system at the right level. This is a non-paid assessment that could range between one to six weeks depending on your background. The Workplace Skills Assessment is run by the Automotive Human Resource Sector Council, and may also be available through MISA.
Step 8 – Canadian Workplace Cultural Training
If you are not sure what to expect in the workplace, we recommend you attend MISA’s Canadian Workplace Cultural Workshop. It’s a good way to prepare for employment in Nova Scotia.
Step 9 – Employment
Contact the NS Automotive Human Resource Sector Council for a listing of supporting employers. Our goal is to match you with the right employer for your automotive skills and career goals.
Step 10 – Registration with NS Apprenticeship Training Division
The automotive service & repair and collision repair trades are governed by the Department of Education, Apprenticeship Training and Skill Development Division. You are required to hold a either a Temporary Work Permit, be registered as an apprentice or hold a certificate of qualification. Upon accepting a job offer, you must contact the regional Industry Training and Certification Officer. Refer to the Resource Section. |
