Stories & Inspiration

Peter arrived in BC in June 2006 from Indonesia. He came with a strong background in the transportation sector with 16 years as a gas station manager and 10 years as a technician and professional driver. One year later, still without suitable employment, Peter was, fortunately referred by a friend to ASPECT’s IMMPowerBC program at the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society in Nanaimo.

The first things Peter and his IMMPowerBC employment consultant did were to make an inventory or assessment of his skills, experience and goals. This generated a detailed action plan. Peter wished to utilize his experience as a driver but was ineligible for employment in BC without successful completion of his Class 1 Driver’s License examination. With the financial assistance offered by the program, Peter completed Class 1 lessons with a Professional Driver Training program. He soon passed his licensing exam and road test with a very high score obtaining both Air Brakes and Dangerous Goods certification. Together, Peter and his employment counsellor also worked at the labour market training needed to get a job in Canada. Peter’s resume and cover letters were created and polished. Employment applications were analyzed and completed. Job opportunities were located. Various jobs, companies and locations were researched. Assisted by another IMMPowerBC service provider in Fort St. John, Peter even received on-the-ground research assistance about opportunities for drivers in northern BC and the special requirements for oil sands employment.

Peter applied to many jobs in Nanaimo and gained confidence in his ability to acquire employment locally. He contacted many employers and began to build his knowledge and connections. Peter trained with a local taxi company and worked to acquire Canadian experience but was not happy in the job. Peter politely but persistently inquired about opportunities as a bus driver with the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) which was his top preference. Eventually, he was called for an interview. Peter consulted regularly with his employment counselor to prepare, debrief and seek advice as he navigated the process to employment. He completed a panel interview, a 1.5 hr road test, a medical assessment and finally completed and passed the in-house training program. Peter gained employment with the Regional District of Nanaimo as a Handy-dart and city bus driver. Peter has expressed his sincere gratitude for the assistance that he received through the IMMPowerBC program and the support of his employment consultant.