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Do you desire to move to Canada? Before you leave Nigeria, what skills do you have that will help you succeed in Canada? Many skills are useful worldwide, but there are some specific skills that can especially benefit Nigerian immigrants settling in Canada. In this article, we’ll explore four vital skills to learn before you japa from Nigeria to Canada.

Japaing to Canada: Why the Mass Exodus?

Over recent years, more Nigerians have moved to Canada seeking improved opportunities and a better quality of life. The surge of this movement is plaque by a plethora of reasons, such as unemployment, insecurity, inflation, etc.

Why Canada?

Canada is an English- speaking country, so, adapting to their culture wouldn’t be much a problem. Canada’s strong economy, robust healthcare and education systems, and reputation for diversity attract many Nigerians seeking a fresh start abroad.

Also, the Nigerian community in Canada is growing at a fast rate, giving newcomers a network of support. From Toronto to Vancouver, Nigerian restaurants, churches, and cultural events are all over the country, which makes the newcomers feel at home easily.

While the decision to leave one’s home country is always a difficult one, most Nigerians see Canada as a country of opportunities and prospects as they build a better future for themselves and their families.

The future will show if this fashion develops further, but right now, the Nigerians in Canada are welcoming their new home with open hands.

Vital Skills to Learn in Nigeria Before You Japa to Canada

1. Technical Skills
2. Entrepreneurial Skills
3. Truck Driving
4. Cooking Skills

1. Technical Skills

Going to Canada from Nigeria is a big decision you may be thinking about, so it’s important to understand that you need more than just skills for living in a new environment.

Among the greatest and most useful skill sets to learn before embarking on “Japa” to Canada are the technical skills. These skills are in demand in the Canadian labor market and can help you get a good job and build a successful career.

Level up your career in Canada by focusing on these technical skills:

1. Coding and programming: Having a sound understanding of Java, Python, or C++ programming languages can create opportunities in the information technology and software development sectors in Canada.

2. Data analysis: Being proficient in data analysis and interpretation remains a handy skill in a modern information-oriented environment. Master the art of data analysis with tools like Excel, SQL, and Tableau.

3. Mechanical skills: If you have an educational background in engineering or mechanics, upgrading and improving your abilities in welding, machining, or maintenance will be a critical factor in industries such as construction and manufacturing.

4. Electrical skills: Canada has a shortage of electricians, so having a good knowledge of electrical systems and wiring will boost the possibility of getting a good job.

5. Digital marketing skills: Furthermore, acquiring skills in digital marketing as well as social media management can give you chances in the Canadian job market.

Being able to build and lead effective digital marketing campaigns is a highly demanded and valuable skill in this digital era.

6: UI/UX Design: Familiarity with the UI/UX design principles and basics in design platforms like Adobe XD, Sketch, or Figma will serve you well for roles in UI/UX design as well as front-end development.

2. Entrepreneurial Skills

If you want to open up a business in Canada, the good news is that you will succeed in it over there. For ladies:

Hairstyling: The demand for skilled hairstylists is high. If you can braid different hair styles such as Ghana weaving, knotless braid, One-million braid, or make wigs, you will continually, smile to the bank.

In addition, being a fashion designer can be very lucrative in Canada as well. Learn how to sew before you japa.

Besides Nigerians, Canadians and people from around the globe are increasingly captivated by our indigenous fabrics

As for the men:

You cut hair in Nija abi? Currently, to have a decent hair cut in Nigeria ( Abuja Lagos, PH), you pay between 1000-2000 naira. Let me shock you…

The cost of barbing hair in Canada is as from 10 Canadian dollars for Child Haircut (12 & Under) While you pay up to $38.00 for adults. Source: truefittandhil barber-shop.

Therefore, it will be important you learn this skill, before you travel. With this skill, you don’t need to be searching for unskilled jobs or engage in some illegal stuffs, that will warrant you hiding from the cops.

3. Truck Driving

In Canada Truck driving is not for the agberos (touts). As a truck driver, you can earn a decent wage. Interestingly, Canadian truck drivers have multiple options to apply for permanent residency (PR). Some of the common options include:

• Express Entry System: People who are truck drivers and are eligible to apply for permanent residency using the Express Entry system, particularly if they meet the requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).

Applicants are ranked according to their age, education, working experience, language skills, and adaptability, and they are invited to apply for PR with those ranked highest.

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Many provinces and territories of Canada have designated immigration programs intending to attract direct workers, such as truck drivers.

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) select individuals with the expertise needed for the local economic development of the province.

As a Truck driver, you may be considered for nomination through PNPs like the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), or the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).

• The Temporary Foreign Worker Program: The Federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) of Canada enables employers to recruit foreign workers to resolve shortages in the local labor force.

This program helps employers get access to a skilled pool of workers and also gives temporary workers an option to apply for Canadian permanent residency.

Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) makes sure that foreign workers are hired in those places that have a true shortage of their skills.

Also, spouses of TFWP holders can apply for work permits, which helps families settle into a new life in Canada. In the end, the TFWP provides not only typical jobs for foreign workers but also an option to become a permanent Canadian resident.

4. Cooking Skills

It may appear as a very small skill, but you will earn lots of money if you know how to cook some Nigerian dishes.

Foods like Jollof rice, Egusi soup, Ofe Onugbu (Bitter leaf soup), Abacha (African salad), Ewedu soup, should be part of your must-know cuisines. Also, Pepper Soup, could be that “traditional food” Nigerians in Canada, seek in the winter.

What resources are available for acquiring these skills in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, there are different opportunities to get these skills that I mentioned earlier. Here are some examples:

1. Technical Skills in Information Technology (IT)

• Online Courses and Platforms: Sites such as Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning are full of IT courses that are taught by industry experts. Among the subjects are programming languages (such as Python or Java), web development, cybersecurity, and data science.

• Tech Hubs and Incubators: The tech hubs and incubators such as CcHUB, iDEA Hub, and Andela offer programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities for young Nigerians aspiring to become tech professionals.

• Open Source Communities: Contributing to open-source projects on sites like GitHub allows one to work with coders globally, participate in real projects, and advance their coding skills.

2. Project Management

• Project Management Institutes: Organizations like the Project Management Institute (PMI) Nigeria Chapter provide training plans, classes, and certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), for example.

• Online Project Management Courses: Websites like ProjectManagement.com and ProjectManager.com offer online courses and resources that are designed to teach project management methodologies, tools, and best practices.

• Local Workshops and Seminars: Search for these local workshops, seminars, and conferences that the professional project managers and industry associations in Nigeria organize.

3. Soft Skills:

• Soft Skills Training Institutes: Institutes such as the Centre for Management Development (CMD) in Nigeria provide soft skills training programs that mainly focus on communication, teamwork, management, and interpersonal skills.

Online Platforms: Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and TED Talks are just some of the learning platforms that provide courses, videos, and talks on various soft skills, which include emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and cultural competency.

Final Thoughts

Information is the key component of your Japa quest to Canada. Get everything ready! You are not supposed to learn all the skills on the list…

On the other hand, get the ones you are passionate about and the ones that are mostly searched for. Do not forget to share and add your comments in the comment section.