When David landed in Canada in June 2005, he quickly learned that his past experience as an automobile engineer and director of a large design department did not mean much in this new environment.

However, obstacles and difficulties only fired him up. “Be always optimistic and active to all the challenges in job and in life,” he said when asked to give advice to other newcomers. “Set up the target for not only long term but for the near future, that is not too far (reach) for you to get... let the fruit make you happy.”

David came to the YMCA Newcomer Information Center where he attended a number of the in-house sessions and gathered information while he looked for work. He also spent time networking with fellow newcomers, volunteering and attending community events to learn more about his new home.

His enthusiasm soon began to pay off.  David found a job as a mechanic in an auto repair shop and now is an auto parts quality control inspector in a large manufacturing company. This was a great achievement for him, since he possessed only a level five English designation.

Later he shared how he did it. While working in the auto shop, he asked everyone he met for advice. Eventually he learned that there were plenty of jobs in automotive quality control field that required his experience.

Before he could enter the field he needed a license.  On average, less than 30% of people pass the license exam, but David saw this as a solid and achievable step to get back to his occupational field.

He began attending training 3 to 4 nights a week, collected quality control books in both Chinese and English and read textbooks on weekends. He would read the Chinese versions to understand the concepts, then he’d go back and read the English book to fully understand the terms in English as well.

In December 2006, David not only passed the exam, but he landed a job within a few weeks at level 2!

“Never forget to enjoy the present life with your family and friends, time flies” he explains. “Last but not least, go to the YMCA and connect (with) Helen Yang where you can gain whatever you need in your beginning of new life in Canada!”