Spotlight on Success
Each of our Jumpstart clients has a unique story — professionally and personally — involving trials and tribulations, celebrations, and successes.
Our Spotlight series shines a light on the ways that refugee talent has accessed our services, and how this has ultimately uplifted them in their career journey to benefit workplaces, communities, and homes around the country.
Vladyslav Kalinichenko, his wife, and their two dogs left their hometown of Kharkiv, Ukraine in mid-September 2022 to build a new life nearly 9,000 kilometers away.
When they first arrived with their host family, in a small community nestled in the southern part of Vancouver Island, they weren’t entirely sure what to expect. But Vlad didn’t waste any time looking for work. He is trained as an electrical engineer at the National Technical University Polytechnical Institute in Kharkiv. While he was lucky – he found work within a few months after arrival – he knew he needed his diploma evaluation as part of the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). This economic immigration program lets the Province select economic immigrants who will live in B.C. and help fill job vacancies or operate businesses. While Vlad had years of training and expertise, like many refugees, he was missing the credentials as proof.
“When we arrived here, I knew I had to start looking for a diploma evaluation,” says Vlad. “I had no idea how this was going to work, which is when I contacted Jumpstart.”
Through Jumpstart Refugee Talent’s partnership with World Education Services (WES), Vlad received his credential evaluation report within two months. Today Vlad works as a Business Quality Analyst, in British Columbia’s capital city, Victoria – a job he finds thoroughly satisfying.
“This is a meaningful job for me, as I’m working with a lot of diverse people with diverse backgrounds and needs,” says Vlad. “It allows me to use my technical skills alongside the communications skills I learned as a sales representative.”
As for Vlad and his wife’s future plans, they have fallen in love with the diversity and outdoors on offer in Victoria.
“People are kind and they’re smiling. It’s kind of a hippy feeling and it’s great to be a part of this place. When we walk our dogs at night, we see deer, rabbits, and even owls. I also never thought I’d live by the ocean, and I love how it feels here.”
*This article was originally published in the Immigrant Welcome Centre (Campbell River and Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, BC) blog and can be accessed here: https://immigrantwelcome.ca/2024-newcomers-resource-guides/.
Learn more about credential evaluation and recognition through our partnership with World Education Services (WES). Their Gateway Program is crucial to advancing your education and career goals in Canada.