Canadian Welcome

A reader emailed me to ask about positions as a crane tower operator. In case anyone else is interested, here is a link to the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration “Guide For Internationally Trained Hoisting Engineers”

It seems that to become certified to work in Canada in the above field, it can take from 6 months to 4 years, depending on your level of experience. You also need to provide documentation of your training, pass a load chart test, a crane hand signal test, and a demonstration of skills test. Then you become part of the Operating Engineers union and they hopefully find you a job.

It seems like a long process, I know, but anything in life is worth working for. Right?

Technorati Tags: internatianally trained hoisting engineers, immigration policies

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Here in Ontario, the Literacy Group offers free help with reading and math skills. They are also beginning to focus more on computer skills. It seems that the majority of people who sign up to improve their computer skills are Canadian, since many other countries already realize the value of computer literacy for their citizens.

I started this week helping with a small group in our area. We have 5 participants, the trainer and I. It’s a small, friendly group and we’re starting from scratch. This week all we did was paperwork, learn the parts of the computer, and learn to turn them on and off. But everyone was quite interested and can’t wait for next week. Child care and transportation costs are also provided by the program. Do you have anything similar where you live?

Technorati Tags: computer literacy, Literacy Group, computer skills

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I don’t know if this service is available in other countries or not, but here in North America we have something called meetups. You sign up at a site called meetup.com and tell them your interests. Then whenever anyone organizes a meetup in your area that you might like, they email you.

In the Toronto area, there are dozens of different meetups. Even in small town Ontario, you can usually find a meetup to attend. And if there isn’t one, you can organize your own for a small fee. You decide where the participants will meet (usually a coffee shop or something like that), how often, and whether you will charge any fees to the attendants. Then the meetup staff sends out the information to people in the area who might like to attend.

Meetups are a great way to get to know new people who share the same interests. You can also practice your English in a normal social situation. Try attending one if they’re available where you live and let me know how you like it.

Technorati Tags: meetups, meeting people, organizing a meetup

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Il Divo video

This post isn’t about Ontario or Canada, it’s about my favourite music. I found a video of an amazing song that I wanted to share with you. In fact, it’s called Amazing Grace. Performed by a group called Il Divo, some of you in Europe may already be familiar with them. I wasn’t, but am now a fan. Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Amazing Grace, Il Divo, music

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