Meet Shirley Alah, a former teacher in the Philippines who’s now working as welder in Canada
SHIRLEY ALAH – A former teacher is now working as a welder in a tank manufacturing company in British Columbia, Canada.
Shirley recalled that while she was in the Philippines, she had a throat problem that affected her teaching career.
She thought about how she can still teach without using her voice.
Then, she went to Australia for a vacation: “Nakita ko na may mga welders. Nakita ko na puwede nga pala akong magturo kahit hindi ko ginagamit yung salita ko, sa pamamagitan ng pagde-demo.”
Shirley studied welding and served as a welding instructor at TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) Women’s Center in Taguig City for three years.
In 2017, she had an opportunity to go to Canada. But she realized that it’s difficult to find a job there.
After a year working as a janitor at a hospital in Vancouver, she looked for a way so that her credentials could be recognized.
She’s persevered to enter the trade industry with her expertise as a welder.
She first asked for the help of the Industry Training Authority or ITA in Canada, which paved her way to becoming part of the British Columbia (BC) for Women in the Trades.
Eventually, she was given a certification by the UA Piping Industry College which served as her ticket to venture into the welding industry.
The certificate helped her be recognized by the companies despite the fact she doesn’t have a work experience in Canada as a welder.
Then, she was hired by her current company.
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