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Aston University announced as an Official University for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will be held between 28 July and 8 August Aston University will provide ophthalmic expertise to the polyclinics The University is proud to support the mission of Birmingham 2022 to be the first Games to create a carbon neutral legacy Students have been set a challenge to develop ideas for creating a sustainable Games. Aston University has been unveiled as an Official University to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which will take place between 28 July and 8 August this year. The University’s School of Optometry will be loaning ophthalmic equipment and providing eye care expertise, supported by a network of qualified optometrist volunteers, for three polyclinics which will form the primary healthcare facilities for athletes and team officials requiring medical assessment and treatment throughout the Games period. Professor Leon Davies, professor of optometry and physiological optics at Aston University, said: “It is our aim to advance eye health in our region and society through innovative and clinically relevant education, research, and community engagement. I am looking forward to overseeing the Games’ eye care clinics throughout Birmingham 2022. “In addition to providing ophthalmic equipment during the Games, we have also brought together a cohort of volunteer optometrists, dispensing opticians and ophthalmologists from across the UK.” Dr Pam Venning, head of medical services at Birmingham 2022, said: “We are delighted to have Aston University on board as an Official University. Its School of Optometry is well-known for its innovation and world-leading education. “Birmingham 2022 wouldn’t be possible without teams of volunteers, and we are looking forward to working with the optometrists, opticians and ophthalmologists assembled by the University to support the athletes and officials attending the Games.” The University will also be supporting Birmingham 2022 in its aim to be the first Games to create a carbon neutral legacy by providing parking and hosting temporary electric vehicle charging facilities for its fleet, as well as other spaces on campus for its organising team. The director of Aston University’s Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute, Professor Patricia Thornley, said: “It is important that such a flagship event in Birmingham embodies the very best in sustainable practices, and we are working hard to support that.” Nicola Turner MBE, director of legacy and Jess Fidler, head of sustainability for Birmingham 2022 spoke to students in a special event in November setting out the work being done to create a legacy for the region, including the ambition to create a carbon neutral legacy. Birmingham 2022 has also provided this year’s business challenge for postgraduate business and management students at Aston Business School, who have been tasked with developing ideas for how the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games can create a lasting sustainability legacy for the city. The best ideas from the challenge will be reviewed by the Birmingham 2022 team and the West Midlands Combined Authority, who are taking the lead on a sustainability legacy. Saskia Loer Hansen, Interim Vice-Chancellor of Aston University, said: “At Aston University, we take an holistic approach that embeds sustainability through all our external activities at local, national and international level. “We are proud to support the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games in its aim to be the first Games to create a carbon neutral legacy.” Commonwealth Games Federation CEO, Katie Sadleir, said: “We are delighted to welcome Aston University as an Official University to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. “The University will provide vital ophthalmic expertise and equipment for athletes and team officials requiring ophthalmic assessment and treatment throughout the Games. “This is a critical service and with Aston University, we have a fantastic partner to deliver this.”
Aston University programme aimed at helping diverse businesses hailed a success
The Diverse Supply Chains ERDF programme assists diverse and minority-owned businesses to enter the supply chains of major organisations Diverse businesses are those owned and managed by women, people with limiting disabilities, people who are LGBT+, ethnic minorities and young entrepreneurs They have also had the opportunity to attend a workshop programme with access to funding. An Aston University programme aimed at helping diverse businesses has been hailed a success by the companies taking part. The Diverse Supply Chains programme supports local diverse1 businesses to enter the supply chains of major organisations through a specialised workshop programme and facilitates relationships between the businesses and large private and public sector corporate contractors. It also provides grants worth up to £2500 (match funding). The programme is being delivered in collaboration with Balfour Beatty Vinci, High Speed 2, Birmingham City Council, NatWest, The OM Group and Bournville Village Trust. To date, 98 businesses have been supported via two workshop programmes, out of which 19 have received grants of £2500. Furthermore, the programme has announced that three businesses have won a total of six bids since completing the programme. Professor Nick Theodorakopoulos, Programme Director, said: “I am delighted to see that the support we’ve been delivering to local diverse businesses has been really well received. Particularly the opportunity given to the SMEs to attend an innovative workshop programme with key industry partners; with participating businesses also having access to some funding in order to support their business tendering/supply chain activities.” Kavita Jeerh, ERDF Programme Manager at Aston Business School, said: “I am really pleased with how the programme has progressed so far. Considering we were due to launch the programme in April 2020, due to lockdown we were forced to re-assess the programme delivery and make key components of it accessible online. “This was challenging, but I am pleased to see that the two workshop programmes we have already delivered have met with remarkable success. “We are now half-way through delivering the final cohort.” Kamaljit Suman, co-founder of Art of the Heart CIC, commented: “If we hadn’t have done the Diverse Supply Chains course we would’ve gone down as a business - there’s not much doubt in my mind that that’s the case. “Since then, we have won our first contract with Birmingham City Council.”
Tony Cocker is senior independent director at SSE plc and chair of Infinis Energy Management He was CEO and chair of E.ON UK from 2011 to 2017, and was also chair and non-executive director at various organisations, including Affinity Water Ltd, EIC, and the Energy & Utilities Industrial Partnership Professor Cocker will work within Aston University’s College of Business and Social Sciences focussing on energy operations, innovations and sustainability. Independent Director at SSE and Infinis and former CEO of E.ON UK has joined Aston University as a Visiting Professor within the College of Business and Social Sciences. Tony Cocker will work closely with the director of the Centre for Circular Economy and Advanced Sustainability (CEAS), Dr Luciano Batista, and the director of the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI), Professor Patricia Thornley, to develop connections between Aston University and the energy industry over the next three years. In the next 12 months, Tony will engage with undergraduate and postgraduate students across Aston Business School and with researchers at CEAS and EBRI. He will support the development the CEAS Advisory Board, give programme specific and public talks, and participate in networking events that will appeal to a wide range of key stakeholders such as students, academics, industry, and government partners across Aston University. The potential to support Aston student placements opportunities and mentoring for students will also feature as part of Tony’s engagement. Professor Cocker will also work with colleagues at Aston Business School and EBRI to expand research connections in common areas of interest associated with energy innovations, business strategies and sustainability. Professor Cocker said: “I am excited and motivated to join Aston University as a visiting professor. I am looking forward to supporting the teaching and research agenda of the university, capitalising on the knowledge and industry connections I have built over the years in the energy sector and related industries.” Dr Luciano Batista, head of CEAS at Aston Business School, said: “I am looking forward to working with Tony. His professional experience and vast industrial connections will add considerable value to the teaching activities and research collaborations we develop across key programmes and research projects in the business school. It is a great privilege to have an experienced business leader in the faculty team at Aston Business School. This well-deserved appointment recognises the notable contribution Tony has made, and continues to make, to the industry over the years.” Professor Patricia Thornley, director of the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI), said: “Tony brings a wealth of knowledge and experience which will be really valuable to Aston University. We already have a long list of areas where we will be working together so that our students can benefit from his expertise and I look forward to working with him to expand the relevance of our research and engagement, particularly in energy”.
Troops are amassing along both sides of the border separating Russia and Ukraine. Diplomatic efforts from leaders from across Europe are in high gear as the concerns of an invasion and potentially all-out war between Russia and Ukraine could send the region into chaos. As the world watches and both sides gather allies for support, there are a lot of questions to ask, history to explore and explanations needed about what’s going on now and why. Dr. Craig Albert, associate professor of political science and director of the Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies at program at Augusta University, sat down with ABC News to answer some of those lingering questions. Q: What is the reason for Russia’s interest in Ukraine? "If NATO allows Ukraine to become a member of NATO, which is what Putin is fearing here, he might think that they might want to go to Belarus next. Where else are they going to go? Georgia, the Republic of Georgia? Putin does not want NATO literally bordering the Russian federation. He thinks that’s a threat and would allow NATO to put missiles and missile defense in those countries, which as you know, is much more of a direct threat to Russia." Q: Maybe it comes down to the possibility of military threats. Why does the US care what’s happening way over there? "So, when you have any type of European possible land mass war, conventional war, that’s going to be a cataclysmic problem for the world. I think of the untold numbers of dead that would happen in some type of land conventional war, kinetic operations on Europe. The last time we had something like that was the wars in the former Republic of Yugoslavia in the early ’90s. That resulted in up to 300,000 to 400,000 dead in two or three years. So, we live in a globalized world, so if you have Eastern or Central Europe that gets confronted with a massive conventional war, that’s going to effect the security and the economy of the entire world including us." Q: So, is it just the US being world police again? "Each side is viewing the other as acting aggressively and I think both sides are just trying to sure up their defenses, just trying to make sure that they can handle the current situation. The United States is entering in what’s called a status quo power cycle, where the United States just wants the power of the international arena to stay where it is.” With news reports of an invasion potentially happening soon, there will be an enormous amount of coverage on this topic – and that’s where the experts from Augusta can help with your stories. Dr. Craig Albert is director of the Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies at Augusta University. He is a leading expert on war, terrorism, and American politics. This is an important national and international issue. Albert is available to speak with media – simply click on his name to arrange an interview today.
Senior lecturer at Aston University appointed as a Champion of the Microbiology Society
Dr Jonathan Cox, a senior lecturer in microbiology at Aston University, has been made a Champion of the Microbiology Society for the Midlands area, U.K. Microbiology Society Champions are members who help to raise the Society’s profile in their local area by initiating activities and events of their own or participating in Society-led events. They are appointed because of their passion for their subject matter and an enthusiasm to communicate it widely. Jonathan’s research interests surround the discovery of new antibiotics. He leads the Mycobacterial Research Group at Aston University, a multidisciplinary team spanning microbiology, biochemistry, molecular genetics, structural biology and drug discovery. The team’s main focus is to study the physiology of various pathogenic mycobacteria and to discover new ways to treat infections. He also teaches at Aston University and currently leads the teaching for first year microbiology on courses in biomedical science, biology and biochemistry, Jonathan also regularly engages with the press to comment on news stories and issues related to microbiology, infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance. He has been a full member of the Microbiology Society for 10 years and has already contributed in many ways, including hosting the Microbiology Society Roadshow at Aston University in 2021. He has also been featured in Microbiology Today discussing his research. Speaking of his appointment, Jonathan said: “Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) accounts for around 700,000 deaths per annum globally and that number is predicted to rise to 10 million by 2050. The current economic burden of AMR is estimated to be at least €1.5 billion per year in the EU. New antibiotics and an improved understanding of how to use them will help to slow the progression of AMR, saving countless lives in the future. “I am delighted to have been appointed as a Microbiology Society Champion and to use this opportunity to raise the profile of the Society and, in particular, the importance of research into AMR.”
Aston University has teamed up with biotechnology company Biocleave Ltd in a new knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) to develop the company’s capacity to produce membrane-associated proteins on a competitive commercial scale. The partnership will see Aston University’s world-leading expertise provide next-level solutions to a complex problem and provide exciting breakthroughs from both commercial and scientific standpoints. A knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) is a three-way collaboration between a business, an academic partner and a highly qualified graduate, known as a KTP associate. The UK-wide programme helps businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. Aston University is the leading KTP provider within the Midlands. Biocleave Ltd produces ‘Research Use Only’ (RUO) proteins. These are used widely in industry and academia to study and develop diagnostics and disease treatments. The process of manufacturing these proteins is known as ‘expression’, requiring host cells to produce them. The company is the first to engineer the non-pathogenic microbe Clostridia as a recombinant protein expression host, enabling them to overcome the typical expression challenges of production host toxicity and costly development cycles. Initial trials have demonstrated advantages to making membrane-associated proteins in Clostridia compared with established production systems. However, these proteins are associated with the fatty membrane that surrounds a cell and are not soluble in water. While Biocleave has well-established proprietary technology for manipulating the microbes, they want to extend their expertise for purifying these challenging membrane proteins, essential to commercialising their production. The Aston University team will be led by Dr Alan Goddard, senior lecturer in biochemistry in the School of Biosciences and founding member of Aston Membrane Proteins and Lipids (AMPL). Dr Goddard’s research focuses on the application of membrane biology to industrially relevant problems. He has nearly 20 years' experience working with membranes and their integral proteins. Dr Goddard will be joined by Professor Roslyn Bill, associate dean (research) for the College of Health and Life Sciences and director of AMPL. Professor Bill’s research focuses on the purification and characterisation of membrane proteins and she has published extensively on yeast as a recombinant expression host. Commenting on the project, Dr Goddard said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to leverage the decades of research experience Professor Bill and I have with expressing and purifying membrane proteins. It will allow Biocleave to enter new markets, many of which are important for drug development and healthcare. Hopefully, the products we make will have positive benefits not only for Biocleave’s customers but also wider society.” Dr Liz Jenkinson, chief executive of Biocleave Ltd, said: “We’ve made great progress in establishing the technology to work with Clostridia, a promising host, and although we’re constantly learning, so much is still unknown about the clostridial membrane. Through this KTP partnership with Aston University, we’re excited to develop the skills of our staff and expand our commercial offering to extend our range of RUO protein targets.” Because the Clostridial membrane adds a new level of complexity, successfully developing the required tools internally to resolve these issues, without input from experts, would take considerable time.
Most in-demand jobs in British Columbia (B.C.) for newcomers
British Columbia is Canada’s third most populous province after Ontario and Quebec, with a large portion of its residents living in the Lower Mainland, which includes the coastal city of Vancouver and surrounding municipalities. The province attracts newcomers from all over the world with its cultural diversity, career opportunities, and enjoyable temperate climate. The government of British Columbia periodically invites newcomers with the skills and experience to meet the province’s growing labour requirements to work and settle in B.C. as Permanent Residents (PR) through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). This article provides information on British Columbia’s job market, including key industries and in-demand occupations for newcomers in B.C., along with NOC codes and median wage estimates, so you can arrive prepared to kick-start your career in Canada. What are the top industries in British Columbia? Services industry: The services sector is the largest contributor to the province’s GDP and the biggest employer in British Columbia. Some key service industries include real estate, construction, banking and financial services, health care, entertainment, retail, education, and professional, scientific, and technical services. Manufacturing industry: Top manufacturing industries include aerospace, clean technology, life sciences, information and communication technology, and paper. Mining and natural gas industry: B.C. has more than 700 mining and mineral companies, and employs over 25,000 people in mining and natural gas extraction and processing. The province is rich in precious metals and non-metallic minerals. Agriculture, aquaculture, and food processing industry: A wide range of agricultural and seafood products support a varied food processing industry in the province. Forestry: B.C. is one of the world’s largest exporters of wood products and the industry employs over 55,000 people. Which cities have the most job opportunities in BC? Lower Mainland, including Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, and Richmond: The most populous area in all of B.C., the Lower Mainland region offers ample job opportunities in services, trade, technology, film and television, tourism, natural resources, and construction. Victoria: The capital city of Victoria has large industries centred around advanced technology, tourism, education, health, retail, construction, and agriculture. Abbotsford: Abbotsford is known for its large agribusiness industry. It also offers employment opportunities in technology and aerospace industries. Kelowna: Kelowna has a diverse economy with opportunities in agriculture, health care, manufacturing, tourism, and service industries. What jobs are in demand in British Columbia? Construction and engineering jobs in B.C. Construction managers (NOC 0711): To get a job as a construction manager, you may require a management degree and can expect to earn a median income of $41 CAD per hour. Civil, electrical, electronic, and mechanical engineers (NOC 2131, 2133, 2132): These in-demand jobs in B.C. pay between $36 CAD and $43 CAD per hour. However, you’ll need an engineering degree and a provincial licence to work as an engineer. Technology jobs in B.C. Information systems analysts and consultants (NOC 2171): IT analysts and consultants earn a median income of $36 CAD per hour. Computer programmers and interactive media developers (NOC 2174): As a programmer or developer, you can expect to make around $43 CAD per hour. Computer network technicians (NOC 2281): Technicians make a median income of $28.85 CAD per hour in B.C. Software engineers and designers (NOC 2173): Software engineering jobs in B.C. are highly paid, with a median hourly pay of $52 CAD. You’ll need an engineering degree to qualify. Business and administration jobs in B.C. Administrative officers and assistants (NOC 1221 and 1241): These roles typically pay between $23 CAD and $26 CAD per hour. Financial auditors and accountants (NOC 1111): For finance and accounting roles, you’ll need a graduate degree or diploma in relevant courses. Auditors earn an average salary of $28 CAD per hour in B.C. Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (NOC 1311): Bookkeepers are paid a median hourly wage of $24 CAD. Health care jobs in B.C. Specialist physicians, general practitioners and family physicians (NOC 3111, 3112): Most of the in-demand occupations in health care require a provincial licence. To practise as a physician in B.C., newcomers also need to take a qualifying examination. Physicians, depending on their specialization, make a median annual income between $164,237 CAD and $256,202 CAD in British Columbia. Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses (NOC 3012): Registered nurses earn a median income of $41 CAD per hour and require a provincial nursing licence. Licensed practical nurses (NOC 3233): This in-demand occupation pays a median wage of $29 CAD per hour. Medical sonographers (NOC 3216): Sonographers make between $35 CAD and $39 CAD per hour in B.C. Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates (NOC 3413): Nurse aides and orderlies earn between $18 CAD and $25 CAD per hour, depending on their experience and seniority. Education and social services jobs in B.C. Social and community service workers (NOC 4212): These jobs pay around $21 CAD per hour in B.C. Educators for universities, colleges, vocational institutes, and early childhood education (NOC 4011, 4021, and 4214): University and college professors and lecturers require a provincial teaching credential to work in BC. The median hourly pay for these occupations is $43 CAD. Early childhood educators earn a median income of $19 CAD per hour. Sales and services jobs in B.C. Retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 0621): Managers in trade earn a median hourly wage of $30 CAD in BC. Restaurant and food service managers (NOC 0631): The median hourly wage for these positions is $26 CAD. Corporate sales managers (NOC 0601): Managerial jobs in sales make an average of $31.25 CAD per hour. What is the minimum wage in British Columbia? As of June 1, 2021, the minimum wage in British Columbia is $15.20 CAD per hour. What is the unemployment rate in B.C.? In November 2021, the unemployment rate in British Columbia was 5.4 per cent. How do I move to British Columbia? In addition to the federal Express Entry program, the province also invites skilled immigrants to come to B.C. as permanent residents through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). To work in B.C. temporarily, you’ll require a work permit. You’ll also have a better chance of finding a job if your skills match the province’s in-demand occupations. British Columbia is also home to some of the best universities in Canada, which welcome thousands of students each year. After graduating from your study program, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit and can gain valuable work experience that will make it easier for you to settle permanently in Canada. About Arrive Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all. Working with RBC, Arrive can help you get your financial life in Canada started – right now. * Based on market capitalization
Most in-demand jobs in Ontario for newcomers
Ontario is one of the most popular provinces among newcomers. Its cultural diversity, economic prosperity, and ever-growing job market are just some of the reasons newcomers from across the world choose to settle in Ontario. The government of Ontario periodically invites newcomers with the skills and experience to meet the province’s growing labour requirements to work and settle in Ontario as Permanent Residents (PR) through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. This article provides information on Ontario’s job market. This includes the top industries that contribute to its economy, the most in-demand occupations for newcomers in the region, NOC codes, and median wage estimates, so you can arrive prepared to kick-start your career in Canada. What are the top industries in Ontario? Services industry: The services sector is the largest contributor to the province’s economy and employs nearly 79 per cent of the people living in Ontario. Some of the key service industries include banking and financial services, professional, scientific and technical services, and arts and culture. Manufacturing industry: Ontario’s manufacturing industry is one of the biggest in North America. Some of the most prominent manufacturing industries are automotive, information and communication technologies, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Agriculture: Ontario’s farming sector contributes nearly 25 per cent of Canada’s farm revenue. Mining industry: In addition to being one of the world’s top 10 producers of nickel and platinum, Ontario is also rich in gold, silver, copper, zinc, cobalt, and non-metallic minerals. Southern Ontario also has a sizeable oil and gas industry. Forestry industry: The forestry industry in the province creates nearly 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. Which cities have the most job opportunities in Ontario? Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA): This is the most populous region in the province, and Toronto is the financial hub of Canada. Other large industries in Toronto and the GTA include technology, real estate, trade, and manufacturing. Ottawa: As the capital of Canada, Ottawa offers significant job opportunities in administration. It is also a major centre for the high technology and finance industries. Brantford: This city is a manufacturing hub and offers job opportunities in food and beverage manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, rubber and plastic production, and warehousing and distribution. In addition, Brantford also has a growing media and entertainment sector. Hamilton: Another manufacturing centre, Hamilton has a large job market in the food processing and agribusiness industry, as well as in advanced manufacturing. Waterloo: The Toronto-Waterloo region is often referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley of the North’ and presents significant opportunities in the technology sector. Which jobs are in demand in Ontario? Health care jobs in Ontario Managers in health care (NOC 0311): Managerial positions in health care typically require a degree in management and pay around $48.21 CAD per hour. • Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses (NOC 3012): You’ll need a nursing degree and a provincial nursing licence to qualify. The median hourly pay for registered nurses in Ontario is $36 CAD. • Medical laboratory technologists (NOC 3211): As a lab technologist in Ontario, you can earn a median income of $38 CAD per hour. • Opticians (NOC 3231): Opticians make between $27 CAD and $34 CAD in Ontario. • Licensed practical nurses (NOC 3233): Licensed nurses make a median hourly wage of $27 CAD. • Nurse aides, orderlies, home support workers, and patient service associates (NOC 3413, 4412): For these occupations, the hourly wage ranges between $17.50 CAD and $20 CAD. Service sector jobs in Ontario To qualify for service sector jobs, you’ll usually require at least an undergraduate or graduate degree from a university. Administrative services managers (NOC 0114): Managerial positions in administration typically pay a median salary of $41 CAD per hour. Banking, credit and other investment managers (NOC 0122): Managers in the finance sector earn a median income of $50 CAD per hour. You’ll usually need a degree in management or finance to qualify. Advertising, marketing, and public relations managers (NOC 0124): These roles require a degree in marketing or management and pay a median income of $40 CAD per hour. Business services managers (NOC 0125): These roles pay an average hourly salary of $43 CAD. Corporate sales managers (NOC 0601): Sales manager roles in Ontario can be fairly high paying, with a median hourly wage of $52 CAD per hour. Restaurant and food services managers (0631): Compared to other managerial positions, restaurant and food services managers have the lowest median wage at $19.23 CAD per hour. Construction managers and managers in transportation (NOC 0711, 0731): Employees in these roles earn a median hourly wage between $38 CAD and $40 CAD. Human resources professionals (NOC 1121): HR professionals make an average income of $35 CAD per hour. Professional occupations in business management consulting (NOC 1122): In Ontario, business consultants make a median hourly salary of $41 CAD. Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries (NOC 2161): As a mathematician, you can earn an average of $45 CAD per hour. However, you’ll need an advanced degree in mathematics, statistics, or a related subject. Technology sector jobs in Ontario To work as an engineer in Ontario, newcomers require a licence from the province in addition to an engineering degree. Engineering managers, computer and information systems managers (NOC 0211, 0213): Managerial level in-demand jobs in Ontario pay a median hourly wage between $52 CAD and $53 CAD. To qualify, you may require a degree in engineering, management, or both. Computer engineers (NOC 2147): As a computer engineer, you can earn a median income of $44 CAD per hour. Database analysts, software engineers and designers, computer programmers and interactive media developers (NOC 2172, 2173, 2174): These technology sector roles pay between $40 CAD and $46 CAD per hour in Ontario. While many such positions require an engineering degree, some roles may also be open to applicants with a degree in computer science. Web designers and developers (NOC 2175): Web designers in Ontario can earn a median hourly wage of $31 CAD. Manufacturing jobs in Ontario Manufacturing managers (NOC 0911): Managers in manufacturing make a median income of $43 CAD per hour in Ontario. Machine operators in the mining and processing, chemicals, plastics, woodworking, and food and beverage industries (NOC 9411, 9416, 9417, 9418, 9421, 9422, 9437, 9446, 9461): Machine operators and process control workers typically earn a median hourly wage between $15 CAD and $23 CAD, depending on the industry they are in. Assemblers, fabricators, inspectors, and testers in the electronics and mechanical industries (NOC 9523, 9526, 9536, 9537): The median hourly wage for these jobs is between $16 CAD and $22 CAD. Agriculture jobs in Ontario The median hourly wage for in-demand agriculture jobs is between $14.35 CAD and $20 CAD. General farm workers (NOC 8431) Nursery and greenhouse workers (NOC 8432) Harvesting labourers (NOC 8611) Industrial butchers, meat cutters, poultry workers (NOC 9462) What is the minimum wage in Ontario? The general minimum wage in Ontario as of October 1, 2021, is $14.35 CAD per hour. For student workers, the minimum wage is $13.50 per hour. What is the unemployment rate in Ontario? The unemployment rate in Ontario in September 2021 was 7.3 per cent. However, the province’s economy is still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and, with each quarter, the unemployment rate is inching back towards the pre-pandemic level of under six per cent. How can I move to Ontario? In addition to the federal Express Entry program, the province also invites permanent residents through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. If you’re planning to work in Ontario temporarily, you may be able to qualify for a work permit if your skills align with the province’s in-demand occupations. Ontario also boasts of some of the best universities in Canada and, each year, thousands of students come to Canada on study permits, with the aim of receiving a world-class education and settling permanently in Canada. Original article located here, published by Arrive. About Arrive Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all. Working with RBC, Arrive can help you get your financial life in Canada started – right now.
8 myths about Canadian credit scores newcomers need to know
Having a good credit history and credit score is fundamental for your long-term financial success in Canada. Your credit score is an indicator of your creditworthiness and you’ll need a good credit score to qualify for loans, mortgages, and even apartment rentals. As a newcomer in Canada, you might be unsure about how credit scores work or have some misconceptions about healthy credit practices. Here are eight myths about Canadian credit scores that newcomers need to safeguard themselves against in order to build a good credit score. Myth 1: Credit history from my home country counts in Canada Before arriving in Canada, you might already have a substantial credit history in your home country. Many newcomers believe that this credit history from their home country will transfer over to Canada, and that they will not need to start afresh. However, this is not true. Countries have different credit agencies and ways of calculating credit scores. As a result, your credit score and history from your home country are not transferable to Canada. Your Canadian credit history only starts after you arrive and get credit in the form of a credit card, loan, line of credit, or mortgage, from a Canadian financial institution. If you’re moving to Canada from the United States, the same credit agencies, Equifax and TransUnion, might be responsible for tracking your credit history in both countries. However, these agencies don’t share information across international borders, so you’ll need to start building your credit history from scratch in Canada. That being said, starting with no credit history is not the same as starting at the bottom of the credit scale. Once you start using and paying off your credit card bills, your credit score will likely start in the “fair” range. Myth 2: Money in my savings account counts towards my credit score As a newcomer, it is usually a good idea to set aside some money in a chequing or savings account for future expenses and emergencies. A high-interest s raavings account (HISA) can even help you grow your money. However, these funds have no impact on your credit score. Savings and chequing accounts are not listed on credit reports because no borrowing or debt is involved in these accounts. Since your credit score and history reflects your ability to repay debt, only financial products that involve credit, such as credit cards, loans, lines of credit, or mortgages, are included in your credit report. However, the money in your chequing and savings account can be used to pay off debt and maintain a regular payment schedule for your credit products, especially in times when your income isn’t enough to cover these payments. Ensuring you make regular debt payments will help improve your credit score. Myth 3: Credit scores don’t matter – I won’t take credit unless I need it Many newcomers come to Canada from countries that are credit-averse, where getting into any kind of debt is frowned upon. In such a case, you may either have limited experience with credit or your instinct may be to only take credit when you need it. In Canada, however, credit plays a crucial role in the economy and having a good credit history is essential for your financial success. A credit score is an assessment of your creditworthiness, or the likelihood that you’ll pay off your debt based on your past financial history. While you may not need credit today, building your credit history early will help you qualify for loans and lower int erest rates when you apply for a car loan, education loan or mortgage later. In fact, in some cases, you’ll also need a good credit score for your application to rent a home, obtain a cell phone plan, and even on an employment application. As a newcomer, getting and using a credit card is the easiest way to build your credit history. Start paying for routine purchases like groceries and household essentials with your credit card instead of cash to get comfortable with the concept of credit. Then pay off the balance of your credit card each month from your chequing or savings account. Myth 4: My credit score is based on my income Many newcomers think that you need to be rich to have a good credit score. In truth, however, your earnings are not directly factored into the calculation of your credit score and are not included in your credit history. Credit scores reflect your payment history, or how well you repay debt, rather than how much money you have available. A high income is no guarantee that you’ll use that money to pay off your bills. Regardless of your income, you should be careful about only taking credit that you can pay off in a regular, timely manner. Credit utilization ratio, or the percentage of your overall available credit that is currently being used, is another factor that impacts your credit score. RBC advisors typically recommend using up to 35 per cent of your credit limit, in order to build your credit score. Increasing your credit limit will increase the amount of credit you can use without having a negative impact on your credit score. Your earnings can have an indirect influence when you’re applying for new credit products or for an increase in your credit limit, as financial institutions will usually take both your income and credit history into account. Myth 5: Getting more credit cards is the best way to improve my credit score As a newcomer, it can be tempting to believe that getting multiple credit cards will help you build your credit score faster. However, that’s not necessarily true. Having multiple credit cards can either help or hurt your credit scores, depending on how you use them. While multiple credit cards will give you access to a larger total credit limit, your credit score will be determined by how you use that limit. If you’re using your credit cards wisely and paying off all the bills in full, on time, then having multiple credit cards can work to your advantage. Since your credit utilization ratio takes into account the limits of all your credit cards and other credit products, maintaining the same level of spending even after you get additional credit cards can lower your overall credit utilization and improve your credit score. However, having several credit cards can also create a situation where you end up spending more than you can easily repay. This can result in delayed payments, which in turn, lead to high interest and penalties. It can also negatively impact your credit score. You should speak with a financial advisor to better understand which credit card options may be right for your unique situation and whether you need multiple cards. Myth 6: Checking my own credit score will lower it When you’ve just started building your credit history, it’s important to keep track of your credit score to make sure it’s heading in the right direction. This can also help you identify and report errors or instances of identity fraud in a timely manner. However, many newcomers mistakenly believe that checking their credit score will negatively impact it. The fact is that when you check your own credit score or credit report, it counts as a “soft” inquiry and doesn’t hurt your score. However, a “hard” inquiry, such as by a financial institution or lender, can lower your score by a few points. Hard inquiries are usually initiated by banks, lenders, or mortgage providers to check your creditworthiness before they can issue a new loan, credit card, or other credit product to you. It’s important to note that when multiple inquiries for the same type of loan are made within a short period of time, such as when you’re shopping around for mortgage rates, they are typically counted as one inquiry. Some banks like RBC allow customers to check their credit score for free, at any time, using their online banking portal. You can also get copies of your detailed credit report through Equifax or TransUnion. Myth 7: I just need to pay the minimum balance on my credit card to keep my credit score up One common misconception that newcomers have is that carrying balance on a credit card improves your credit score. This is inaccurate and, if regularly practiced, can negatively impact your credit score. If you’re only paying off the minimum balance on your credit card for a particular month, it doesn’t count as a missed payment, so there may not be an immediate direct impact on your credit score. However, you’ll be charged interest for the remaining balance in the next payment cycle. Credit instruments like credit cards typically have very high rates of interest, and putting off paying balances in full can make it harder for you to pay off your debt later. In addition, most financial institutions and creditors look at how much you owe compared to how much credit you have available. Therefore, carrying a balance from one month to the next can increase your overall credit utilization ratio. This can adversely impact your credit score. That being said, if you’re in a situation where you’re struggling to cover expenses, prioritize debt payments based on the interest rates they carry. Wherever possible, make at least the minimum payment and pay off the remaining amount as soon as possible. Speak to a financial advisor to get advice that is specific to your financial situation. Myth 8: My credit score will be the same with every agency The two national credit reporting agencies, Equifax and TransUnion, have their own independent scoring criteria for calculation of credit scores. Although they take similar factors into account—your payment history, credit utilization ratio, duration of credit, etc., your score could vary slightly based on which agency’s report you’re looking at. When a financial institution or lender runs an inquiry on your credit score, they might look at reports from any credit reporting agency. It’s a good practice to keep a close eye on your credit reports with both major credit agencies to stay up-to-date on your financial position. A good credit score will be crucial as you navigate the financial system as a newcomer in Canada. The task of building a great credit score from scratch in a new country may seem daunting. But by knowing what can harm or improve your credit position and practicing healthy financial habits, you can uncover your path to financial success in Canada. Original article located here, published by Arrive. About Arrive Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all. Working with RBC, Arrive can help you get your financial life in Canada started – right now. Learn about your banking options in Canada and be prepared.
Questions to ask the interviewer in a job interview: Tips for newcomers
As a newcomer, landing your first job in Canada requires a lot of preparation and patience. Before you start applying to job openings, you’ll need to invest time in crafting a Canadian-style resume, perfecting your elevator pitch, and building your professional network. Even with all this work, it can sometimes take newcomers several months to get their first job interview in Canada. However, when that inevitable call does come, you want to be thoroughly prepared to ace your job interview. Typically, this means researching the company, practising your responses in advance, and having a ready list of questions to ask the interviewer to position yourself as a suitable candidate for the job. Why is it important to ask questions at the end of a job interview? At the end of job interviews in Canada, an interviewer usually asks if you have any questions for them. Many newcomers hesitate when it comes to asking the recruiter or hiring manager questions, or worry that it may make them seem unprepared or overenthusiastic. On the contrary, it’s completely acceptable—and even expected—that you’ll have questions for the recruiter. In Canada, interviewers will assess you not only based on how well you answer the interviewer's questions, but also on the questions you ask them. Having questions for the interviewer shows them you’re interested in the role. Well-researched, intelligent questions demonstrate that you’ve done your research about the organization and want to learn more about working there. A job interview isn’t meant to be one-sided. As a newcomer, asking questions is also an opportunity for you to gather information that’ll help you assess whether an organization, team, or the role are a good fit for you. Top questions to ask the interviewer in a job interview It’s always good to have a prepared list of questions to ask at the end of an interview. One rule of thumb to keep in mind while preparing for interviews is to steer clear of obvious questions that can easily be answered with a little bit of online research. In this section, we’ll share some indicative questions you can use or build upon, based on the role you’re applying for and your own interview discussions. Questions to ask about the job What will the person in this position be responsible for? This is a good question to ask if the job description doesn’t have a lot of information about the role and if the job responsibilities haven’t been discussed during the interview. Usually, you’ll have some information about what the job will entail to begin with, so phrase the question in a way that shows what you know. For instance, if you already know that the position is for a social media manager, you might want to ask what social media platforms you’ll be responsible for, or whether you’ll also be required to create video content. What are the qualities you’re looking for in a candidate? While a job description typically mentions some of the skills and qualities a role requires, this question allows you to assess how well your expertise and personality match what the hiring manager is looking for. It will also give you an idea of the qualities or soft skills valued by the organization, such as teamwork or being self-driven. This could be a good opportunity to showcase these same qualities through a well-chosen example. If you’re looking for your first job in Canada, this question can also give you insight into the qualities Canadian employers in a particular industry typically seek in applicants. What would my typical day in this role look like? This question serves a dual purpose. One, it subtly positions you as an insider and shows that you’re truly interested in the position and are already thinking about what working there will be like. Secondly, the response will give you additional information about the job, the stakeholders you’ll engage with, and the things you’ll be responsible for on a daily basis. What are the biggest challenges someone in this position will face? Questions like these are a great way to learn more about the role, potential roadblocks, or dealbreakers. Depending on the interviewer’s response, you may also get an opportunity to elaborate on ways in which you’ve dealt with that particular challenge in your prior roles, helping you to stand out as the ideal candidate. For instance, if managing tight timelines is a challenge you’ll be expected to deal with, sharing how you’ve used your organizational or delegation skills to deliver quality output ahead of time could give you an advantage. What will my immediate priorities or projects be in this role? In addition to giving you more insight into the work you’ll do, this question demonstrates your eagerness to get started. Even more, it allows the interviewer to imagine you in the role and think of you as part of the team. If, during your research, you uncover some exciting new projects the company is planning, such as a product launch, this can also be a good time to ask if you’ll be involved in those or express your interest in doing so. Questions to ask about the organization Can you tell me about the company’s growth plans over the next few years? Showing you’re interested in the organization’s future gives the interviewer confidence that you intend to stick around and aren’t looking at this job as a short-term arrangement. If you’ve read about an upcoming partnership the company is exploring or about the industry being impacted by economic changes, don’t forget to mention it. The recruiter’s response will also give you some idea about where the business is headed, possible team expansions, or new projects in the future. How does this team support the company’s overall objectives? If the job description doesn’t provide a lot of information, this question is a good way to learn both about the organization’s goals and your future team’s responsibilities. If the answer is obvious, like if you’re joining the accounting team, rephrase the question and ask about the team’s key performance indicators instead. This will also give you some insight on the metrics on which your individual performance will be evaluated in the role. How would you describe the company’s values? A company’s values are essentially the traits or beliefs that guide the organization and its people towards their ultimate goal. If you can relate to these values, you’ll be more likely to fit in and work well with others on your team. For instance, if humility is a core company value, it’ll be best not to boast about your achievements in front of your team. Refrain from asking this question if the company values are openly stated on the company website. What do you like the most about working with [company name]? Phrasing some of your questions in a way that asks for the interviewer’s opinion makes them feel that you value their personal insight. You’ll also be more likely to get more relatable answers that may not have been included in the job description. An alternative question along similar lines could be, “What do you find most challenging about working with [company name]?” What is the company culture like? OR How would you describe the company’s management/leadership style? When looking for your first job in Canada, it can be easy to focus on immediate priorities, such as salary, working hours, and travel time. However, it’s also important to keep in mind things that keep you motivated over the long run, such as a company’s culture and leadership style. Asking about these will give you a sense of your future work environment and help you adapt to the culture within your team. Questions to ask about growth and team What opportunities does the company offer for professional development? This question can help you assess if and how the company invests in the success of its people. As a newcomer, access to professional development resources, whether it’s a mentor, personalized training, or online courses, can help you bridge skill gaps, expand your areas of expertise, or prepare for the next step in your career path. Be careful how you phrase this question—it shouldn’t seem like you’re only interested in your own development and not in the position or company! What metrics, goals, or KPIs will be used to evaluate my performance? For most Canadian companies, success needs to be measurable and quantifiable. Asking how your success will be measured shows the interviewer that you’re serious and results-oriented. It also gives you insights about what your performance focus will be. For instance, if you’ll be assessed based on the number of new business prospects you bring in, you may have follow up questions about the average value per prospect. You may also be able to share some of your business development achievements from previous roles. What does the career path look like for someone in this position? When you interview with a company, you’ll likely do some research beforehand to get a glimpse into what your future in the company could be like. For instance, you may look up the interviewer or other team members on LinkedIn and track their career growth. In case this information is unclear or hard to find, it’s also perfectly acceptable to ask the interviewer about your potential career path in the organization. Try not to ask probing questions about lateral growth opportunities or the possibility of moving to another department, as it could lead them to question your interest in the role you’re actually interviewing for. Other questions for the interviewer during a job interview What are the next steps in the hiring process? The hiring process in Canada often involves multiple rounds of interviews to assess if you’re a technical and cultural fit. Once all your other questions are answered, ask what the next round will look like. If possible, get the names and designations of people you’ll meet next so you can research them in advance. If the next step is an assignment or test, ask about timelines so you can plan your week accordingly. When can I expect to hear from you on the next steps/decision? While asking whether you got the job is a big no-no, it’s perfectly okay to ask when you can expect to hear about the outcome of the interview. First, this will show the interviewer that you understand that the decision process takes time, but also that you’re excited to know if you’ve made it to the next step. Second, you may be able to get a subtle hint about how the interview went. If the interviewer seems eager to connect with you again, you likely have a good chance of being selected for the next round. However, these hints aren’t foolproof, so until you hear from the recruiter with a definite yes or no, don’t lose hope and keep up with your preparation. Do you have any concerns or final questions for me? Asking the interviewer if they have any concerns about your candidature gives you a final chance to address points that may negatively impact your chances. If the interviewer brings up a weak spot in your application, use this opportunity to give specific examples about your experience or transferable skills that’ll help you succeed in the role. Additional questions based on conversations during the interview While the list of questions we’ve shared is a good starting point, it’s also very important to listen to what the interviewer says during the interview and ask questions based on that. There’s nothing wrong with asking an occasional follow up question during the conversation to gather more information, as long as you’re not interrupting them or using up too much of the interview time. However, it’s usually best to save your questions for the end. It’s acceptable to take notes during an interview (although you’ll still want to prioritise making eye contact), and this can help you keep track of questions you may want to ask later on. Asking relevant questions based on your conversation is a great way to showcase that you’re an active listener, can think on your feet, and grasp key points on the fly. For instance, if the interviewer indicated that they’ve tried something in the past and it didn’t work, you may want to ask why they think it didn’t succeed or if they’re considering alternative approaches. These questions give you an opportunity to demonstrate what you already know about the company, the business environment, or the latest tools and technology. If you have experience with something similar, you may also want to talk about how you overcame challenges and solved the problem. A job interview isn’t just an opportunity for a potential employer to assess whether your skills are in line with what they are looking for. It’s also a chance for you to learn more about the company and decide whether it is the right fit for you. Towards the end of the interview, most hiring managers will ask if you have any questions for them. Going in prepared with intelligent questions is a great way to stand out as an ideal candidate and will help you land your first job in Canada. Original article located here, published by Arrive. About Arrive Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all. * Based on market capitalization