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- March 16, 2007
Diligence, networking keys to job for
émigré
Colombian was able to requalify here
as engineer, now helps others do same
by Nicholas Keung
Immigration/Diversity Reporter
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Juan
Orozco has always assumed his international experience as an
electrical engineer could take him anywhere on earth.
That's why the Colombian native was undeterred by the horror
stories he heard featuring highly educated immigrants stuck in
factory jobs in Canada.
"I was inspired by the spirit of Pierre Trudeau, his respect and
vision of a multicultural Canada," said Orozco, 44, who moved
here with his wife in September 2001, seeking a change of
scenery after the death of their first child, a newborn
daughter.
Though prompted by tragedy, he says the move has been a blessing
in that it presented new challenges and a chance to appreciate
the good things in life.
His first efforts to find a job here were futile, but after five
months Orozco began his quest to get an engineer's licence while
doing odd jobs to keep bread on the table. In 2002, he enrolled
in a four-month intensive training program.
While it was his perseverance that finally landed him an
engineering job in July of that year, Orozco credits the Skills
for Change program with upgrading his knowledge of Canadian
business practices and the labour market, as well as resumé,
interview and English skills.
"Networking is the key," said the Brampton resident, honoured
with the 2007 Skills for Change Graduate Award.
"I've been to many trade shows and job fairs. And I showed
(prospective employers) my resumé and told them how I could
improve their business."
His efforts paid off when he was hired in a skilled position by
a Hamilton company. That led to another job in Mississauga while
he continued to pursue professional status recognition as an
engineer. He received his certified energy manager and
Professional Engineers Ontario licence in 2005.
Now an engineer with RS&G Commissioning in Mississauga, Orozco
has been involved in various construction projects across
Ontario, including Credit Valley and Ottawa hospitals, Pearson
International Airport and Casino Windsor.
"You really have to believe in yourself," Orozco advised
immigrants struggling for a foothold. "I didn't have money. I
didn't have a car. I didn't have a job. But I did have 16 years
of engineering ...knowledge and training in Colombia and the
United States. ...Have a passion for what you do and you'll
succeed."
Orozco, who will be joined at the Skills for Change awards
dinner by his wife and their two young boys, launched a
mentoring program in 2003 for foreign-trained engineers. So far
he has taken 25 immigrants under his wing. Three have obtained
Ontario engineer licences; nine will take the exam this year;
and the rest plan to follow suit in 2008.
