Rewiring his future: Ankar’s path from law to trades

Ankar’s journey from practising law in China to building a new life in Canada’s skilled trades sector reflects his adaptability and openness to new opportunities. After earning his law degree from a respected university and spending five years in the legal profession, Ankar chose to relocate to Canada to support his wife’s academic pursuits.

Arriving with hope and ambition, he soon discovered that continuing his legal career would require extensive requalification—a common hurdle for internationally trained professionals.

“It was definitely a challenging adjustment,” Ankar recalls. “After years of building a career, I suddenly found myself starting over in a completely new environment.”

Rather than seeing this as a setback, he pivoted to a new path—one rooted in opportunity and usefulness. He chose to become an electrician, drawn by the high demand for tradespeople, shorter training periods, and job stability.

“It was a practical choice,” Ankar explains. “I needed to support my family, and this path made sense.”

Starting from scratch was no easy feat. With no prior experience in the field, he began teaching himself electrical work through online video tutorials. While these resources helped him grasp the fundamentals, he soon realized the importance of hands-on experience.

“Watching videos is one thing; doing the work is another,” he shares. “I eventually enrolled in formal courses and pursued certifications to meet industry standards.”

His persistence paid off. Working alongside licensed electricians on real jobs, Ankar gained valuable experience and built connections within the field. His dedication and humility earned him a spot as a registered apprentice—a crucial milestone on his path to becoming a licensed electrician.

It was only through the Work-based Trades Practical Assessment Program that Ankar was able to work legally as an electrician and begin his apprenticeship.

“When I arrived, I felt lost,” he says. “ISANS provided guidance, resources, and the encouragement I needed to take this leap. Their support gave me the confidence to pursue a new future.”

The journey was not without challenges. His resolve was tested by language barriers, financial pressures, cultural differences, and balancing work with ongoing education.

“English is my third language,” Ankar explains. “I worked hard, watched English videos, took courses, and pushed myself to communicate more at work. Gradually, I improved.”

Now thriving in his apprenticeship, Ankar looks ahead with ambitious goals: becoming a licensed electrician specializing in renewable energy systems, eventually launching his own electrical contracting business and giving back to the community.

“I want to help other newcomers enter the skilled trades. If I can do it, they can too,” he says. “Stay open-minded, build on your strengths, and be willing to start at the bottom. It’s not easy, but every small step counts. Believe in your ability to adapt.”