Working

Some employers may require that you have Canadian work experience.  Other employers will not require you to have Canadian work experience, but it may give you an advantage over other applicants if you have it.  When an employer asks you for Canadian work experience, they want to know that you are familiar with the way things are done in Canada.  They may also want to know that you can operate the equipment that is commonly used in Canada, follow the right procedures, or interact with customers appropriately.  Also, employers can assess Canadian experience more confidently than experience gained elsewhere.

Although it can be difficult to get Canadian work experience, you can do this in a number of ways including volunteer work, transitional jobs, part-time and temporary work, and work placement programs.

Volunteering is part of life in Saskatchewan.  People of all ages and from all backgrounds volunteer their time and skills to help others.  You do not get paid to volunteer;  however, volunteering can help you gain valuable Canadian work experience, learn new skills, practice your English language skills, meet people, and make connections that may help you get paid work.  

You can find volunteer opportunities through community and cultural organizations, places of worship, schools and hospitals.

Your first job in Saskatchewan may be a transitional job.  A transitional job is one that is different from your former work, but allows you to earn money while you are looking for other opportunities or waiting for certification in your occupation.  For example, someone educated as a lawyer may find work in a law office or with the government doing research and policy development.  Transitional jobs can help you get Canadian work experience, make yourself known to employers who may have a job opening later on, and improve your professional and conversational English skills.

Part-time work refers to positions where you work less than full time hours in a week.  Canada's national Job Bank provides links to opportunities and resources for part-time work.  Many of these jobs are in the service industry, such as hotels and restaurants, where you are dealing with other employees and the public.  Working with people in this type of situation can help you to improve your English language skills.

Temporary work refers to a job that is available for a specific period of time with a start and end date.  

The work placement component of some language or employment programs provides newcomers with the opportunity to work for a short period of time in a workplace, sometimes without pay.  This is an excellent way to get Canadian work experience and to make contacts.