Leonid, a mechanic from Poltava region, tells about life and work in Canada

"I'd like to recommend everyone who is going to immigrate to Canada to learn English. It is the main thing. Besides there are strict requirements to mechanics and their skills level. In Ukraine we have a lot of good specialists who can obtain a good job there. In my opinion it's worth going to Canada and starting a new life there if you are a professional in your field", - Leonid recommends.

Dreams come true

In Ukraine I lived in Komsomolsk town, Poltava region. Last few years I'd worked as a mechanic of Komatsu maintenance. I'd have the idea of going abroad for many years. I wanted to live in a new country, but I understood that I needed to have a high level of English proficiency for working as a mechanic abroad. That's why I'd wanted to learn it and to develop. If you are a good specialist and know English it is possible to find a job in any country not only Canada.

Working as a mechanic in Canada

Now I've been working as a heavy equipment mechanic in Weyburn. I received a hearty welcome there. The specific of the work is heavy equipment repair, and I perform set of operations on diagnostics, engine and transmission overhaul. We have 2 shops; one of them (industrial) manufactures diesel transmissions which are set on drilling rigs. Another shop (of lorries) is engaged in complete service of lorries, their maintenance and repair. I am agreeably surprised by people friendliness and simplicity. Nobody minds your status.  My supervisor works in the shop together with others, he says "Thank you" many times per day. They thank for everything - for opening the door, for giving instrument. The physical load is high. If you have 8-hours shift you must work it - without long smoke breaks and walks.

Life in Canada and ILC assistance

I couldn't believe that I was going to Canada. Only when ILC employees gave me my visa I understood that my dream came to life. Actually, I've discovered this country thanks to ILC. I even didn't enter Canadian embassy, they prepared all my documents and handed them. I am very glad that I contacted ILC, despite of the process took long time, that's worth the effort - I'm in Canada now!

Besides I had no problem with obtaining necessary documents upon arrival. The candidates who came earlier helped me in processing social insurance number necessary for starting work and medical insurance which is free in Saskatchewan. Having the employer and job offer allowed me to buy telephone, and to rent the accommodation independently some time later. At first the employer assisted us in renting the house. We three lived together, and then everybody has rented apartments independently. If I knew English very well there hadn't been any problems at all, but upon arrival I had some difficulties in shops or in the bank because of language. When I came to Weyburn two Ukrainians had already worked on the enterprise and they helped me in communication.

Now I have all necessary documents for work and life in Canada - driver's license, bank account, credit card, social and medical insurance. I came here with one case but now I've already paid off all my debts, furnished my apartment. As usual the apartments are rented out without furniture and I had to by everything. I have everything necessary for comfort life.

I'd like to recommend everyone who is going to immigrate to Canada to learn English. It is the main thing. Besides there are strict requirements to mechanics and their skills level. In Ukraine we have a lot of good specialist who can obtain a good job there. In my opinion it's worth going to Canada and starting a new life there if you are a professional in your field.