Plan ahead for career success

In 2021, Carlos Pinheiro moved from Brazil to Canada, armed with a degree in production engineering and experience in manufacturing kitchen utensils. Six months prior to his move, he had already started researching the Canadian manufacturing landscape. “Don’t waste your time doing your research once you arrive,” says Pinheiro. “Living in Canada is expensive. I realized that whatever job I’d need to take up, I’d need a certification or license,” he says. “I began my certification when I landed, because it takes time, about three or four months, minimum.” Many newcomers like Pinheiro recognize that a number of sectors in Canada including manufacturing have been growing steadily, offering career opportunities across the country.

For example, in August 2024 alone, Ontario’s reported investments totalled $117 million in the manufacturing sector in three cities: Kitchener, Kingston and Mississauga. Since June 2024, British Columbia has announced over $200 million in investments in the sector creating hundreds of new jobs. To promote local manufacturing and hiring, Quebec has also allocated more than $500 million since June 2024.

Be aware of challenges

While there are multiple opportunities, newcomers often face challenges to have their qualifications recognized in Canada and getting new licenses in regulated professions, which forces them to work in roles not commensurate with their qualifications and experience.

The federal government’s evaluation of the Foreign Qualification Recognition Program, which assesses foreign qualifications for Canadian equivalency, found a need to improve program standardization across provinces and territories. It also noted barriers faced by newcomers, such as the lack of Canadian credentials; long, complex credential recognition processes; and employers not recognizing foreign qualifications, alongside additional barriers for newcomers from developing countries, as well as women and racialized groups.