21 January, 2013

English proficiency provides greater opportunities for employment abroad

Nowadays English competence turns out to be one of the key requirements for international employment. Employers are more willing to provide job for candidates who might have less experience but can speak better English. Moreover, the requirements for English competence are constantly increasing for the participants of Canadian immigration and employment programs.

Ben Blackly, HR Manager of transportation park at one of the leading transport companies in SK, Canada, said: "When we first decided to look at recruiting long haul truck drivers from Ukraine, our largest concern was being able to provide the English language training we knew was required to be successful in their new jobs in North America. However, with the excellent work and training provided by ILC and the quality of the Ukrainian candidates, we have been able to overcome those concerns."  

We are constantly emphasizing the relevance of English proficiency for our candidates. It became of paramount importance in spring 2012 when there was introduced a range of changes into immigration and employment programs. In particular, in July there was implemented an obligatory requirement of English competence (IELTS results shall be not less than 4.0 points) for participants of Family category of Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program.

Vita Shubert,ILC Head of Processing Department, said, "During my business trip to Canada I met some employers who confirmed good qualification of Ukrainian employees. But they also pointed out that progress in their career and professional development would be possible on condition of their strong knowledge of English".

Ukrainians who are currently working in Canada have also shared their impressions concerning the relevance of English for  working abroad.

Iryna from Kyiv, who works at the fast food restaurant in Canada, told about her experience, "I spoke English as I had no choice. At first I found it easier to speak than to understand English. In several weeks I experienced so-called language bar: I could not understand and speak English. Fortunately,  it changed and language was not a problem for me anymore."

Truck-driver from Mariupol, Andriy, has also recommended, "Many people are afraid of international English test and refuse to continue their studies if they fail to pass it for the first time. Actually there is nothing to be afraid of. You just need more time to study it well. It took me one and a half years of studies but I passed the exam on my first try and came to Canada later. The absence of language skills practice turns into language bar: you can understand but it takes you much to speak. Therefore it may be quiet troublesome to solve some issues there at first. Study English and come here, you will not regret."

Andriy has been living and working in Canada since 2010. In 2012 his wife Zinayida also moved to Canada. She also highlights the necessity to study English, "I  did not have opportunity to study English in Ukraine because I was working full-time. Moreover, I thought that language factor was not such a serious issue. Nowadays I am studying English and I have already achieved some progress."

We strongly advise not to set aside English studies to all candidates intended to work and live abroad. Such knowledge and your occupational experience will open new employment opportunities for you in Canada as well as in other countries. You may check our pieces of advice on how to study English at the section of Language Courses.

Study English, open new horizons in your life!