From Underemployment to A Sustainable Career
December 19, 2025
After arriving in Canada as a newcomer, Assad faced significant barriers to securing meaningful employment. Despite holding professional credentials as an Airline Technician from Pakistan, his qualifications were not recognized by Transport Canada. The cost and time required to return to his former occupation were prohibitive, leaving him unemployed, without income, and unfamiliar with the Canadian labour market. Following a layoff from a survival job, he became an Employment Insurance (EI) client and struggled to find a stable path forward.
Determined to support himself and his family, the client turned to self-employment, repairing household appliances. While this work demonstrated initiative and transferable technical skills, it provided little income, leaving him underemployed and unable to achieve financial self-sufficiency. With no Canadian work experience and limited knowledge of local employment pathways, he continued to face challenges accessing sustainable opportunities.
In July 2022, the client discovered WorkBC Langley online and reached out for support. Through WorkBC, he received job search assistance and labour market information, which helped him better understand in-demand occupations that aligned with his skills. With this support, he secured employment with a local automation company in August 2022. Unfortunately, this position ended in a layoff in January 2023, prompting the client to return to WorkBC Langley for additional guidance.
Recognizing his strong aptitude for technical and mechanical work, WorkBC Langley worked closely with the client to explore viable long-term career options. With continued encouragement, research support, and access to labour market insights, the client was supported in pursuing formal training in appliance repair. In March 2025, with WorkBC-funded training support, he enrolled in an Appliance Repair program, which he successfully completed in November 2025.
Throughout his training, the client excelled academically and professionally, earning the Dean’s Award for Attitude, Attendance, and Academics. WorkBC Langley continued to support his transition into employment by providing Job Start funding and tools, and by connecting him with relevant employment opportunities.
Following graduation, the client was quickly referred to and hired by Priority Appliance as a full-time Appliance Technician. He now earns a sustainable wage, has access to a company vehicle, and enjoys stable, full-time employment that allows him to support his family with confidence.
