Vocational qualifications question

[AjeMan]

Hi All,

Having spent many years wanting to move to Canada the wife and I have final decided to take the plunge. We are planning to apply in 2023 for a move in 2025, so plenty of time to get all my ducks in a row.

I have done a lot of reading up on vocational qualifications but nothing that directly relates to what I have, so I thought I would ask before sending everything off to WES.

I have completed an Advanced apprenticeship in Mechanical and manufacturing Engineering (BTEC Level 4) then undertook a HNC (Level 5) and a HND (Level 6) both in Mechanical Engineering

I have read that the HND is classed as a 3 year technical diploma, but does the BTEC Level 4 qual allow me to select the "Two or more Certs" box on the CRS?

It's important because if not I've got to get another Qual under my belt before I apply!

Any advice would be greatly received.

Many thanks,

AjeMan

 

[Wotsit]

Well done on deciding to take the plunge, definitely a good plan to aim for the future and get everything sorted.
WES states that they don't assess trades or vocational qualifications but I'm not sure how true this is...
My wife had a Btec level 2 assessed by WES as a 1 year qualification so your Btec level 4 should be higher.
As long as you have one qualification assessed as a 3 year and another at 1 year or higher you can select two or more certificates.

Take a look at the provincial nomination programs if you are short on points.

 

[AjeMan]

Well done on deciding to take the plunge, definitely a good plan to aim for the future and get everything sorted.
WES states that they don't assess trades or vocational qualifications but I'm not sure how true this is...
My wife had a Btec level 2 assessed by WES as a 1 year qualification so your Btec level 4 should be higher.
As long as you have one qualification assessed as a 3 year and another at 1 year or higher you can select two or more certificates.

Take a look at the provincial nomination programs if you are short on points.

Hi Wotsit,

Regarding PNP, I'm looking at Alberta and there program requires you to already be there to apply (or so I've understood it)
I look to have 414 CRS points which has been enough in the past but I will defiantly struggle with. Short of getting a job offer I'm not sure what else I can do to get this bumped up??

Regards,

AjeMan

 

[Wotsit]

If you work in a regulated trade you can get an extra 50 points for taking a certification exam. You would have to travel to Canada to take the exam.
That would put you near to the points mark you would need for express entry but the required points seems to be going up with every draw.
It seems to be with some pnps that you already need to be working there or have a job offer in order to apply. A bit of a vicious circle really as it's very hard to get a job offer without the right to work in Canada already.
Is Alberta the place you are set on moving to or are you open to other possibilities? The pnps of other provinces may be more suited.

 

[AjeMan]

Unfortunately getting a trade cert doesn't add any points. We have fallen in love with Alberta so don't really want to go anywhere else.

I'm not sure how I can add any more points on without a job offer or a PNP nomination.

 

[Wotsit]

That sounds about the way of things, pursuing a job would probably be the best way.
There's always the hope that the points needed will drop.
New immigration pilot programs seem have been launched lately it would be worth keeping an eye out for those.
Goodluck with it all