Expat testimony: Abdellah, automation technician in Victoriaville, Quebec
We meet a new French expatriate who arrived in April 2022 in Victoriaville, Quebec. Find out why Abdellah decided to come and live in Canada, how Talentech supported him and his feedback on his immigration process.
🎙 Hi Abdellah, let's start with the traditional question, can you introduce yourself in a few words?
My name is Abdellah Tizaoui, I am 26 years old and I am originally from the Paris area in France. Today, I am an automatician in Victoriaville, Quebec in the company Kopers and I came here with a Work Holiday Permit.
🎙 Why did you choose to come and live in Canada and more specifically in Victoriaville?
Concerning the city, I didn't have any particular expectations, I was open to proposals. But I still wanted to stay in a human-sized city, and not living in a big metropolis like Montreal suits me very well. I liked not living in traffic jams, stress... But this is only my opinion 😉
As for the choice of Canada, during my graduate studies, my school had a partnership with a CEGEP in Quebec. With the different presentations and feedback, it is a country that quickly interested me. Canada seemed to offer great professional opportunities and a very pleasant quality of life... And I can only confirm it! There are many companies ready to welcome us with very interesting projects.
And, in France, I had in my circle of friends Quebecers, and I liked their mentality very much, so that made me even more convinced to come and live there.
🎙 You found your job through Talentech, how did it go?
Indeed, Talentech accompanied me throughout my job search and relocation process in Quebec. They first contacted me via LinkedIn and introduced me to their coaching services. At the time, I was thinking about changing companies, so the message from Talentech came at the right time. I was immediately excited by the idea, so I went for it!
One thing leading to another, we had several meetings to first understand their approach and then explain my motivations for this project. Then, I had interviews with Canadian companies... And the rest is history, I joined Kopers!
What I really appreciated was that Talentech followed me from the beginning of the process to the end. They helped me with the administrative part of the VISA, then with the organizational part for my arrival in Quebec and finally they made sure I was well integrated into my company.
🎙 Have you noticed any differences in your job between Canada and France?
Yes, of course, I have noticed some differences, but there are still a lot of the same things since I am still in the same line of work. Today, I work more on the development part, whereas in France, I was essentially troubleshooting in the factory where I was. Then, of course, there are differences in the business software, but in general the operation remains the same.
Here, I feel more fulfilled in my work and I can even say for the first time that I feel really happy in my job. Since I arrived, I have learned a lot, thanks to the diversity of the sectors I work in, and I am still learning.
🎙 What was your biggest challenge in 2022?
This will inevitably be related to my coming to Canada. In France, I had been working in a factory for a few years and so I was necessarily in my comfort zone. And to have wanted to radically change my life by leaving everything I knew for the unknown of a new country, that was my biggest challenge. I had to readjust to a new culture, new ways of working, a new team and recreate a social life. It's a challenge that makes you grow, it's really great!
🎙 How did your employer help you with your relocation and integration into the Victoriaville community?
They helped me enormously, so much so that I did not know that a company could provide such support to its employees. For example, when I arrived in Montreal, my manager came to pick me up at the airport (a 1.5 hour trip). The day after my arrival, the company HR gave me a tour of the city, gave me advice on everyday purchases and places to go out. She even accompanied me to do my first shopping, as I did not have a car.
Also, for example, when I found my place and had to go shopping for furniture, they lent me a pick-up truck to make it easier for me. My colleagues were also there to go out with me on weekends, to show me around and take me for walks.
I really thank them for their help in making my life easier!
🎙 Today, what makes you want to stay in Quebec?
The encounters I made, all the outings that were all more awesome than the others and all the unforgettable memories that I created.
🎙 What advice(s) would you give to someone who is still hesitant to come to Canada?
It's not very original, but don't hesitate! It's true that leaving everything behind is a bit scary, but it's really worth it. There are so many things to do here, and the professional opportunities are really interesting.
Are you interested in a Canadian adventure? Are you thinking of coming to discover Canada and more particularly Quebec? Go ahead and contact the Talenteam!
Looking for a job like Abdellah in programming, automation or industry, apply on our offers here. Talentech accompanies you in obtaining your job, your immigration process and your relocation to Quebec.
>> Discover also the experience of Corentin, automation technician in Montreal.
